only in alabama ?

[lazaroonie]

..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

[Bongo]

But do they give a lick about Alabama?

[sovietsong]

But do they give a lick about Alabama?

i like his gun...

[kinboshi]

Click to see full-size image.

(source: http://www.religioustolerance.org/ev_publi.htm)

[lazaroonie]

Click to see full-size image.

(source: http://www.religioustolerance.org/ev_publi.htm)

that website has some pretty interesting stuff

[neeko]

Loved this bit

"During 1999-AUG-25 & 26, Fox News asked what is the more likely explanation for the origin of human life: the theory of evolution as outlined by Darwin and other scientists, or the biblical account of creation. Results were:

- Evolution: 15%
- Biblical creation: 50%
- Both: 26%

The two belief systems are mutually exclusive and cannot be harmonized"

truly truly scary.

[TightPaulFolds]

Loved this bit

"During 1999-AUG-25 & 26, Fox News asked what is the more likely explanation for the origin of human life: the theory of evolution as outlined by Darwin and other scientists, or the biblical account of creation. Results were:

- Evolution: 15%
- Biblical creation: 50%
- Both: 26%

The two belief systems are mutually exclusive and cannot be harmonized"

truly truly scary.

Most christians I have spoken about this with do not know why the Theory of 'darwinian' evolution and Christianity cannot be harmonised.
A close friend is a professional biologist but does not accept, quote 'Evolution with a capital E'. Do you know how hard it is to study modern biology and fit it around a rejection of evolution?
Tis very very strong, the force of religion in the mind.

[boldie]

massive sigh.

[redarmi]

I am spending a bit of time in the States at the moment with a possibility I may move here permanently later in the year and I am finding some of this stuff quite hard to deal with along with the pervading superiority complex that comes with all of the "land of the free" BS.  In the cash games I play here at least once a day when an argument breaks out where someone says "this is America, I can say what I want" I mentioned Joseph McCarthy the other day in response to one of these tirades but was met with a table of blank stares.