My latest LTTE (on teaching creationism in schools)

[PghTiny]

After reading this tripe (http://www.fredericksburg.com/News/FLS/2004/112004/11192004/1572495) in my local Bushwhacking paper, I just had to respond. My letter is below. Thoughts?

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In response to H. Eugene Waldenmaier's letter (Back off, ACLU: Evolution is simply a hypothesis) published on the 19th, the ACLU is rightly concerned about the 'evolution is a theory, not a fact' labels being put in science textbooks. In addition to being misleading, such labels are inserted into textbooks in order to promote creationism, which is a religious dogma that has no place in a science classroom.

He then goes on to talk about how evolution is a hypothesis. It is instead a fact AND a theory. The facts are that evolution has happened. The emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in recent years is one example. However, the mechanism of evolution that has produced the changes has yet to be fully explained, hence that is why evolution is also called a theory.

Next, he goes on about how the eye’s complex structure must be proof of the presence of an ‘infinite designer.‘ The appearance of design is instead biological efficiency, enhanced by the process of natural selection. Again, refer to my previous example of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Besides the religious underpinnings of creationism, it offers none of the traits modern science must have in order to be accepted as such. It offers no verifiable claims, no predictions, it is not internally consistent, and it does not explain any phenomena that evolution already covers.

Given the considerable evidence to support the claims evolution makes versus the total lack of evidence for creationism, it is amazing that people today still believe in creationism.

[alarimer]

1. good letter

Unfortunately I don't think these people listen to reason. I think that the Origin of Species should be required reading for everyone.