Kentucky's new science standards draw heated debate

[mota bhai 2,675]

FRANKFORT, KY. — Supporters of Kentucky's new science education standards said the changes are needed to keep pace with other states and prepare students for college and careers. Opponents countered that the standards are "fascist" and "atheistic."

The Courier-Journal reports that the majority of comments during a Tuesday hearing on the new standards came from critics who questioned the validity of evolution and climate change. They railed against the standards as a threat to religious liberty, at times drawing comparisons to Soviet-style communism.

...

"Students in the commonwealth both need and deserve 21st-century science education grounded in inquiry, rich in content and internationally benchmarked," said Blaine Ferrell, a representative from the Kentucky Academy of Sciences, a science advocacy group that endorses the standards.

Dave Robinson, a biology professor at Bellarmine University, said neighboring states have been more successful in recruiting biotechnology companies. He said Kentucky could get left behind in industrial development if students fail to learn the latest scientific concepts.

The critics included parent Valerie O'Rear, who said the standards promote an "atheistic world view" and a political agenda that pushes government control.

Matt Singleton, a Baptist minister in Louisville, called teachings on evolution a lie that has led to drug abuse, suicide and other social afflictions.

"Outsiders are telling public school families that we must follow the rich man's elitist religion of evolution, that we no longer have what the Kentucky Constitution says is the right to worship almighty God," Singleton said. "Instead, this fascist method teaches that our children are the property of the state."

http://www.thespectrum.com/viewart/20130726/FAITH/307260010/Kentucky-s-new-science-standards-draw-heated-debate

[mota bhai 2,675]

Whoever the ahole mod is who fixed my title, can you at least remove the poll? D*******.

[Teddy B 17,252]

Whoever the ahole mod is who fixed my title, can you at least remove the poll? D*******.

WTH?? How did that poll get in there?

[Penny Lane 8,159]

The original title was much better.

[JohnR! 5,495]

Matt Singleton, a Baptist minister in Louisville, called teachings on evolution a lie that has led to drug abuse, suicide and other social afflictions.

This is priceless!!!

[Jacque67 7,328]

I love class wars.

The original title was much better.

What was it?

[Penny Lane 8,159]

Something about ignorant hillbillies.

[Jacque67 7,328]

Something about ignorant hillbillies.

Sounds racist to me.

[decocker 7,198]

if a parent wants their child to be taught creationism, send them to religious private school.

otherwise..stfu.

[JohnR! 5,495]

if a parent wants their child to be taught creationism, send them to religious private school.

otherwise..stfu.

Therein lies the rub. There is no evidence, nor anything remotely tangible, that might confer creationism a semblance of legitimacy for it to be on the same level as any of the sciences taught in school. Therefore if we were to teach creationism we might as well include unicorns and the easter bunny in biology, and elves and hobbits, in anthropology.

Creationism does not rely on evidence or scientific rationale to exist. As a subject it is self-fulfilling, as are all things dogma. It relies on the same logic that supports the existence of a guinea pig living inside small cage located on the dark side of the Moon.

Edited July 31, 2013 by Gegel

[decocker 7,198]

"Outsiders are telling public school families that we must follow the rich man's elitist religion of evolution, that we no longer have what the Kentucky Constitution says is the right to worship almighty God," Singleton said. "Instead, this fascist method teaches that our children are the property of the state."

so much for having faith that god protects his own from facists..

since when is evolution a religion?

[Penny Lane 8,159]

This man is obviously balls deep in crazy.

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

Thanks for your report.

[Teddy B 17,252]

This man is obviously balls deep in crazy.

Does that depth vary with age?

[Darnell 8,479]

This man is obviously balls deep in crazy.

ahem. 'Pics, or it didn't happen'

Whoever the ahole mod is who fixed my title, can you at least remove the poll? D*******.

I like your poll ! It's nice, and stuff. Even has two questions to ponder !