And Science Weeps...

“Analyze, Evaluate And Critique” Becomes New “Strenghts & Weaknesses” For Science Educators In Texas (Copy pasted Title)

To start off, I have nothing against Creationists wishing for Their Children to learn what they think is right, just don't drag Us into it. I understand that you wish for me to see all sides of an issue (I think I do a better job of it than you may think) such as Evolution and Theistic Evolution Vs. Intelligent Design (Link) however, Religion and Science should not mix at the same time, that's a disaster waiting to happen. Teach Evolution, Global Warming, and Physics in the classroom, unfiltered and if you wish for your child to see the Religious side, send them to Sunday School or teach them your self. But wait a moment... Don McLeroy, State Board of Education Chair, doesn't like this kind of idea apparently (See the second link) and sees this as Evil or something. You just can't please everyone.

Edited in: (Gah... Why do I forget to talk about the article itself?) OK, I'll give Vince Leibowitz points for including documents for us to read and make opinions on ourselves. However, the majority of the post is simply these documents/statements, with some seething commentary (Like I'm one to talk) sandwiched between these. This is nice, but I want to know your opinion fully, not snipets derived from the documents/statements. Other than that, it's a good editorial, at least in my opinion.

And now my thoughts: This is going to have negative repercussions in the future (I mean, look at our current TAKS Science scores, they're terrible already or at least that's what I saw in High School, not mine though). Albeit, the wording has hardly changed how we treat Science, it has opened the floodgates for things that hold no ground in the field of Science. However, this may not be such a bad thing. Seeing as how everything seems to be pointing towards the ideas of Evolution and Global Warming as truth (Physics is true for the most part, as is Mathematics, which is true, Period) so seeing the opposite side may trigger a "Hey this side keeps saying the same thing, but this side makes a reasonable argument so let's listen to them." This however holds true for the opposite side, so it's a matter of perspective.

Why can't we just learn Science in class and then outside of it decide if it conflicts with our beliefs, not force everyone to adhere to someone else's beliefs?

It's that thing we talked about in class that one day...

You know... That thing...

Let me start out by saying, I do not particularly like abortions, however I have nothing against them and see that they're necessary at times. To sum it up, I'm a man for one, and two even if I was a woman, IT'S NOT MY BODY.

I really don't see why this is an issue that needs to be brought up, other than debating it on an individual level (Meaning: Argue with friends). Of course this is America (Texas included) and we obviously care about educating people on safer sex practices. "/sarcasm" This idea would be plausible, note that it would be far from the best, if people ACTUALLY ADOPT CHILDREN OF PARENTS WHO ARE NOT ABLE TO CARE FOR THEM ADEQUATELY. Clearly this is a good idea and should pass. "/rant"

Scare tactics, really? It's such an underhanded move that is only supposed to be used as a last resort. If Perry and the other Hyper "Family Values" people feel so strongly about this, then develop a method to transfer the fetuses to their own bodies. The ethical shortcomings of this idea should counteract the ones from their idea.

Hrmm... If I keep at this I'm going to end up going to bed with this rant in my head. Kelso, I agree with you, they should acquire medical degrees and join their respective, if applies, priesthood.

To note, I spared you, the reader, the full of what I wanted to say. I don't think dropping F-bombs that often would be kind to your eyes.

EDIT: Now a day later, I've calmed down a bit. There's not much I could add that Kelso has not already said. The only thing I could really comment on is the use of ultrasound and listening to the heartbeat. While the ultrasound has been around for awhile, listening to the fetus' heartbeat could have a drastic effect on the mother if, at that point or later, she has to abort it due to health reasons. Psychological damage is difficult to recover from, and if the mother does experience it, which she most likely will given what this tactic is being used for, it will scar her from ever wanting to have a child again. Provided what I said is a tad extreme, it could happen. All I can say about the ultrasound is do away with it, unless the mother wants it. It seems like a waste of money to me. Same with the heartbeat thing.