..well maybe elsewhere too..
Today sees the election in alabama to decide who will get the republican nomination...the actual election will be in november, but basically the guy who wins today will become governor, since the democrat nominee has less chance than Raoul Moat winning husband of the year.
In the blue corner we have Bradley Byrne who some consider the more moderate face of southern republicanism, although that is in itself questionable...
In the even bluer corner we have Robert Bentley. Qualified Doctor, with his own succesful dertmatological practice.
Some of the main mudslinging in this rather bitter election campaign has surrounded several aspects of education...
Firstly , Bentley has accused byrne of advocating the teaching of evolution in schools, as opposed to creationism. Yes folks, you read that right. In 21st century USA we still have states where they teach this kind of stuff. Byrne has retorted saying that he wants wants no such thing, and that Bentley wont support his policy of giving teachers the freedom to lead their class in prayer at anytime during the school day. You understand of course that this is only sanctioned Baptist Christian Prayer, and that anything else would be considered herecy.
I find it absolutely incredible (and I have been coming here for about 8 years) that this is still considered the norm. Bentley holds a phd is biology for gods sake - and. he still believes the world is only 6000 years old ?
absolutely bonkers. This website explains more for those interested. For the record, I am no athiest, but I find the stuff that these guys are spouting to be dangerous nonsense.
http://www.examiner.com/x-57388-Birmingham-Atheism-Examiner~y2010m7d7-Politics-Education--Evolution-in-Alabama