TPP is proposing a new scientific term “Brounian movement”
– the directional movement of science from its current state of knowledge to
that of the dark ages. Now the fact
that Paul Broun thinks evolution is a “lie straight from the pit of hell”,
thereby making biologists such as myself demons spreading Satan’s message, is
no big deal because every culture has its atavistic knee-biters, but this
fellow is a Republican (no surprise here) congressman, running unopposed for re-election, and here
my fellow residents of the world it gets worse, and for this TPP feels the need
to apologize for our culture, not because of what it is, but for the undue
influence it has on other citizens of the world, because this guy and a bunch
of other Bible beaters are members of the House Committee on Science and
Technology. Yes, about 25% of this
committee are religious fundamentalists who deny science. Sorry, world.
People in the USA put foxes in charge of chickens. One of the problems with our culture is a deep seated
anti-intellectualism that thinks good-old-boy street smarts is just as valid as
science. So please, do not look to the
USA for much leadership, for much creativity, for much forward thinking,
because just as in other countries that we too often denigrate, way too many
of our citizens would sell democracy down the river for a theocracy, so long as it was their theology. What do you say to people who say evolution
is a lie straight from the pits of hell?
TPP can think of nothing that would make an impression on such a mind
set. Along with my colleagues we set
down the botanical perspective on evolution.
What part does Congressman Broun think is a lie?
Natural selection? That’s only
been demonstrated a few thousands of times.
Do they think descent with modification is a lie? Then why does every data set, all kinds of
fossil data, and all kinds of developmental studies seem to fit with descent
with modification? And as for the Earth
only being 6000 years old, well good luck with that one. Broun claims that as a scientist, something
he isn’t although he has science degrees, he has seen evidence of a young
Earth. Want to bet? The only geologists that might agree also
think the Earth is flat. In fact so much evidence exists it is perfectly reasonable to say that people like Broun are cranks, people who stubbornly refuse to acknowledge that science knows anything, until he needs an antibiotic. So sorry, my
fellow citizens of Earth. The USA may
well be letting you down in the area of science, not that there are many
shining examples of really scientifically literate countries elsewhere around
the world. Religion holds such a sway
upon minds that they are unable to appreciate or accept what is known. How depressing.
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