An Ohio Board of Education member predicted that his board’s decision Tuesday to remove language criticizing evolution from Ohio’s science standards would affect other state science standards. He doesn’t know the Kansas State Board of Education.
Our state board’s majority members have shown that they don’t really care what others think, or at least not the views of the overwhelming majority of the world’s scientists, national science organizations, a federal judge in Pennsylvania, or the Kansas Association of Teachers of Science — which complained this week that the state board is “promoting intelligent design tenets that purport supernatural explanations as valid scientific theories.” No, the only way to get our board to follow Ohio’s lead is to elect new board members this November.
Posted by Phillip Brownlee
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47 Comments
Just read an article on how a toad introduced into Australia is already showing signs of evolving. Or is creationism an ongoing method?
steve..
please link.what is it evolving into?
a conservative Christian with a funny accent.
Hey.. I LIKE Australian accents!
I predict the current board members will be retained by a wide margin.
I found it….———————————Toxic toads ‘threaten disaster’By Rebecca MorelleBBC News science reporter
The toxic cane toad in Australia is evolving into an “eco-nightmare” capable of covering huge distances, a study in the journal Nature reports.
Scientists say the species Bufo marinus is developing a leggier, faster-moving form that is now hopping out rapidly across the continent.——————————–Leggier toads?????I’m buying all the toad mini-skirt stock I can get my “paws” on…. :)
Kansassam-
Check out this scienceblog link:
http://scienceblogs.com/pharyngula/2006/02/welcome_toad_overlords.php
Short answer: As far as what this study is concerned with, it’s evolving into a toad with longer legs. Exactly *why* is open for dispute, as you’ll see from some of the comments below the post.
Also check out the comments section, where there’s some fascinating discussion of a snake species that might be evolving smaller heads, because the bigger-headed individuals tend to eat more mature, and therefore more toxic, toads.
Michael..Good stuff.. I enjoy people’s comments. No doubt that evolution occurs… but a toad is still a toad.
Hmm… yes, but a toad is not a toad is not a toad. :) There are thousands (millions? I dunno) of widely varying species of toad, each created through the gradual accumulation of just such changes as described in this study.
If the frogs on average are just bigger, or longer legs, or changing colors etc, instead of growing something new or changing into something other than a frog, it is meaningless. You can see that in dog breeding.
Back to the subject . . .The anti-evolution candidates up for re-election in 2006 are:
John W. Bacon – Dist 3 – OlatheConnie Morris – Dist 5 – St FrancisKenneth Willard – Dist 7 – HutchinsonIris Van Meter – Dist 9 – Thayer
I have not found any polling data about candidate preference, but the LJWorld did a state-wide survey and found that teaching ID has some pretty strong support in parts of the state (Especially Connie Morris’ district). See the Nov. 7, 2005 article by the link below.
http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2005/nov/07/intelligent_design_good_politics_some_board_educat/?evolution
According to the above article ID succeeded by framing the issue as if a “debate – questions” existed about the adequacy of evolution as a scientific theory. Given that people believed the former, they then thought why not teach both.
As it has been repeatedly shown, there is no debate about the threory of evolution among credible scientists. But, I defy anyone to get someone to believe a truth they DO NOT WANT to believe.
The next is a link to a PAC (Kansas Alliance for Education) that supports moderate KS BOE candidate:
http://www.ksalliance.org/
My predictions on the elections (in the absence of polling data):Willard and Bacon are vulnerable. Morris and Van Meter are not.
I disagree about Morris. People out here may not be bright enough to understand the evolution/id debate, but they dont like liars and thieves. Her falsified travel vouchers and numerous documented mistruths in her “book” might be enough to get her defeated. That is, if someone actually runs a campaign against her instead of just assuming the voters know.
The toad story puts me in mind of the t-rex discovery, where the giant t-rex evolved from a very small one. Do you think I.D. proponents would accept that a 100′ dino. evolved from one about 10′? (I don’t recall the actual measurements, they are ball park)
The basis for my thinking Willard and Bacon are vulnerable are:1) Initially, Willard was walking in lockstep with the conservative elements of the board. He was confronted by constituents and he moderated noticeably. This makes me think that he does not believe he can do whatever he wants. If politicians know anything at all, it is how people might vote.2) I think Bacon getting in was an anomoly – being that he is from a more liberal part of the state, I think he has to be vulnerable.
I think the republicans may be waking up to the fact that it is a small minority of their party which is defining their party. A Republican is not a Republican is not a Fundamentalist Republican. I HOpe.
KGF,I concede that you are closer to the ground out there than I am. However, I think her anti-hispanic message plays better out there than I would like to see. I also would be surprised to learn that the average western KS voter would know anything about her book.
Let me be clear, I desperately hope you are right and I am wrong. Feeling fear and loathing that I am correct, though.
KGF,I’ve heard recently that Morris does have a primary and democrat challenger already.
LMAO DD. I could be wrong too.
People do know about her book…but I agree about the anti-hispanic thing playing well out here. Just like the anti-gay, anti-woman, anti-black, anti-thinking person thing. The only people they really like out here are, well…like Hank! Hell, Ian could even win!!
Hey, KFG, I also live in Morris’ district, and plenty of folks out our way are ready to give her the boot. Evolution matters in Ellis County, but in other counties the hiring of Corkins, vouchers, charter schools, dumbing down teacher licensure requirements matter more.
Some of us do welcome other cultures into our communities. Not all of us are xenophobes.
And you’ve pegged one thing perfectly: her thievery has doomed her. Although some people in District 5 might stay at a luxury resort, they don’t do so on taxpayer money, or claim rental car AND taxi expenses. Especially when there were cheaper hotels close to the ‘conference’ on magnet schools she was ostensibly attending.
Oh, and Morris’ challengers are Sally Cauble (R) of Liberal, and Tim Cruz (D) of Garden City. More about Sally Cauble & her positions can be found at Red State Rabble, http://redstaterabble.blogspot.com/2006/02/western-kansas-sally-cauble-kicks-off.html
“Some of us do welcome other cultures into our communities. Not all of us are xenophobes.”
In ellis county? LMAO…ROFLMAO.
When you say other cultures, do you mean irish catholics or german lutherans? other cultures are only at the university. But I know, victoria, ellis, catherine, etc. other towns in the county are so known for their tolerance of other cultures.
Glad to see you toi. Another refugee from the gospel according to john montgomery or did glen staab send you here to keep an eye on me? :)
As a tall, blue eyed White, SSPX Catholic Cuban, I can say that I have been well accepted by all good, gun toting, God fearing Kansas rednecks. lol
Viva La Raza Blanco!!
Laughing Ian. You would fit right in with the ellis county crowd, but they are not sspx.
Thanks for the links toi.
I think it is great that Tim Cruz is running against her. He is the guy that Morris said was an illegal alien. You would think that that exercise of sticking her foot in it would have been enough to discredit her.
The thing that I think you guys are forgetting about Morris is that she has some serious cash behind her. She got some money, if I am recalling correctly, from a Nebraska group who favored her hispanic positions. I also believe that the ubber conservative groups like the Kansas Republican Assembly give her funds, too.
Another thing — are the positions we’re talking about here ones that do not receive pay? That is what I thought anyway. If that is true, you’d have to wonder about anybody who would want the job.
DD, she is from Nebraska, and you are correct about the cash. That is why sane people in districts with no race need to send money to Tim. I support him too.
On the subject of Ken Willard, this is too funny and too timely. I read it in one of today’s editorials in another paper.
“While Phill “Sex Cop” Kline was on the trail of copulating teens, state Rep. Ken Willard was questing for the stupidest thing said (so far) during the session. Now, this is quite a feat and he should be recognized.
Some of the legislators are trying to put together a bill that would require the Kansas Education commissioner to have an “education” background. Now, ain’t that just crazy talk? Next thing you know, we’ll be requiring our Kansas attorney general to have a law license.
Anyway, when Willard heard of the bill, he said, “You don’t have to be a race car driver to be secretary of Transportation.”
To which I say, “Huh?”
…and to which I say…only in kansas.
KFG,If you meant Connie, she is actually a hillbilly from Kentucky or some similar state. I got this from excerpts of her autobiography.
Good story on Willard. From what I have read/heard there are a good number of people in Hutchinson who are real unhappy with him.
DD, you may be correct. I was under the impression she was from Benkelman, but maybe she just lived in Nebraska for a time. Not sure. But what I am sure of is that Connie will draw big bucks from all over the Land of Wingnuttia.
The problem with anti-conservatives is they dont give enough to THEIR candidates. Liberal jerks are probably using the money for food, utilities, prescriptions, etc.
BTW dd, the good folks around Hutch may not be happy with ken, but dont bet on a defeat. They still send that damn dino jan pauls to topeka.
Tuesday, January 3, 2006
MICHAELA WILLARD IS HUTCH’S NEW YEAR’S BABY FOR 2006
Smiling Grandpa and the “abstinence only” baby.
From: (I blanked this out) April 29, 2005 12:41 PMTo: ken’s email, but I blanked it out too!Subject: Bd. of Ed
“Dear Mr. Willard,
“I live in Harper county, within District 7. What’s your position about abstinence-only sex education?
“Thanks much for your assistance. Frank Smith”
The following reply is from Ken Willard, member of the Kansas State Board of Education to Mr. Smith’s inquiry. Ellsworth is also in District 7 and Ken Williard is our representative on the KSBOE:
“5/15/05
“Dear Mr. Smith,
“I hope you can pardon me for being so slow in responding to your questions. I am happy to give you my thoughts, briefly.
“On the subject of abstinence-only sex education, I believe that is the only way to teach it. At the same time, since condom use is so commonly known, and so many young people are involved in pre-marital sex, students should be taught that condom use is not safe sex, rather, it is dangerously risky behavior. They must fully understand that the only sure protection against unwanted pregnancy and STDs is abstinence until marriage, and monogamous sex with one’s marriage partner. Any other alternative is risky and can be devastating or deadly.
“I hope these answers are helpful to you.
“Please feel free to contact me any time.
“Ken Willard District 7″
Now, here’s a news article that tells the end of the story! “Just start the year off with a bang,” said Ken Willard, Wayne’s father and State Board of Education member. The baby, who weighed in at 7 pounds, 8 ounces, is the first for the couple, who plan to marry but haven’t yet set a date.”
(I expect the “bang” was actually sometime back there around April Fool’s Day)
Willard’s district includes a lot more places than Hutch, too. I have lived in Ellis, Hays, Winfield, Wichita (hometown & home), and Hutchinson. Hutch had to be far and away my least favorite place to reside. I know a lot of nice people from there, but I never could take to it for some reason.
The moderate candidate PAC lists contributors and I was surprised to see there were a good number of out-of-state contributors for them.
Sorry, the post about Willard and abstinence only baby is from another blog on January 7.
http://kansasprairie.net/blog1/archives/archive-01012006-01072006.htm
KFG,Great stories on Willard!
I have been well accepted by all good, gun toting, God fearing Kansas rednecks
Yep, you sure have! Consequently that Willie Nelson song that was recently made the theme for Brokeback Mountain in which cowboys secretly have a sexual longing and affection for each other also applies to you and your buddies. :)
Ohmigosh, KFG, you’ve actually heard of Catherine, etc.? Where ‘marrying outside’ means hooking up with somebody from Schoenchen? ;)
Seriously . . . maybe I’m just blissfully ignorant, but I do think that Connie Morris can be beaten in August or November. I *know* the KRA & KRVF & FAIR are sending big $$$ her way, and that national wingnut groups plan to support her very comfortably.
But Morris’ opponents are getting support, too. Grassroots. Small donations, times lots of donors.
If you live in District 5, I really, really hope you are, or will be, working to help either Cauble or Cruz!
I will support Cruz, and I also think Connie can be beaten.
I was gonna put Schoenchen on the list but I couldnt remember how to spell it. Thanks for the tip. I have “tipped” a few beers in Catrinastadt.
Ellis county…the home of the saturday night mass and the sunday morning hangover.
“marring outside” hehe. There are a few gene pools out here that could use a little chlorine and some family trees that just dont fork!
“Ohmigosh, KFG, you’ve actually heard of Catherine, etc.? Where ‘marrying outside’ means hooking up with somebody from Schoenchen? ;)”
If I am remembering correctly, Schoenchen is pronounced “Shin-shin”. And going to the parlor meant that one was going to get your “hairs cut”, and if it was a Sunday in Hays, a Phannensteil was getting married somewhere.
Quite an interesting place to live. :-)
Inbreeding. I thought that was done only below the Mason-Dixon Line?
Dang, the kosherites here are really stepping up the censorship.I bet it’s Rhonda, she has that look of righteous inignation about her!
Viva La Kansas Blanco!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Well… Oktoberfest was much more fun than the Wichita River Fest.
and that’s “Pfannenstiel”….
lol, good one kansassam. Phonetics dont count in low german! In addition to getting hairs cut, my personal favorite is “this morning, we sat at the table and looked the window out.” Or from my dad, “watch out and dont step where the water is walking”.
Sigh. But I miss the good ol’ days. Ellis county twice defeated sunday alcohol sales this year. I fear hays has moved to the land of wingnuttia. Norb Dreiling must be spinning in his grave.
I wondered where everyone in western ks went. Now I know…they are here on the blog!!!
…of course, they dont need no stinkin’ liquor laws in ellis county. They have been flaunting the drinking laws since 1876! Another case of kansans voting dry as long as they can stagger to the polls.
and that’s “Pfannenstiel”….
You’re right, its been too long and I forgot.
DD, I actually got drunk in Schoenchen with a college buddy who was from there (Oktoberfest).Western Kansas isn’t the only part of the state where the gene pool is “tired”. Try northeastern Kansas. Ever heard of Hanover? The population is about 900, but there are only 3 surnames in the phone book. They’re just repeated over and over. It’s not a place where you want to be from out of town.
LMAO XXX. I know a little town in texas that they say if you have to go to the hospital emergency room, just remember that everyone in the waiting area will look alike! Talk about a shallow gene pool. Ian probably breeds better dogs.
kfg,I moved here from Texas as a kid. We lived in a small Kansas town where you weren’t accepted if you weren’t born there. In Hanover, you’re not accepted if your great great grandparents weren’t born there.
Laughing XXX
We have a joke here about a guy who moved to town when he was six, lived here all his life and died at ninety-six. His eulogy?
He was almost one of us…