Daily Archives: July 8, 2006

Teaching life science, taking anti-evolution flak

July 8, 200612:05 a.m.

As Kansas State Board of Education members and science educators did battle last year over evolution, not much was said about what it all meant for the classroom. A New York Times story about one newly retired Georgia middle school teacher, Pat New, provided some insight into the stress of trying to teach science when you’re under assault from parents, students, administrators and other teachers hostile to evolution. The award-winning teacher, who views evolution as “a unifying concept in life science,” said that parents “badgered, got loud and sarcastic, and there was no support from administrators.” New’s principal even pressed her to say she believed everything in the Bible. “What saved me was I didn’t have to argue evolution with these people,” New said. “All I had to say was, ‘I’m following state standards.’ ”
Sadly, in Kansas, it’s the state science standards that are the problem, given that they now invite the teaching of supernatural explanations such as intelligent design.
Posted by Rhonda Holman

By Phillip Brownlee | Filed under Uncategorized | Comments (73)

Imagine Kansas as a border state

July 8, 200612:03 a.m.

What if the South really was a whole other country? If so, suggested New York Times columnist John Tierney, “Michael Moore would be an obscure foreign filmmaker” to Southern conservatives and Northern liberals wouldn’t have to find a candidate who “pretended to enjoy NASCAR races.” There is some sense to that scenario, given how divided the nation seems politically right now. “Politics in both countries might be less partisan, even civil,” he said.
Tierney’s imagined international border puts Kansas in the North, a la the Civil War. But Kansas would seem to fit more naturally in a new South.
Posted by Rhonda Holman

By Phillip Brownlee | Filed under Uncategorized | Comments (35)

Bush hits big 6-0

July 8, 200612:01 a.m.

A spoof birthday card to President Bush — signed by various members of his family and administration — was featured on Slate on Thursday. Here are some of the funnier birthday wishes that were on the card:
We’re vigorously investigating whoever leaked your birthday. — Dick
Have a great birthday. Hope to one day meet you in person. (LOL) — Jack Abramoff
It’s a slam dunk you’ll make it to 70. Call me sometime. — George Tenet
I don’t want to “torture” you about turning 60. America doesn’t do that. — Don Rumsfeld
Posted by Melissa Cooley

By Phillip Brownlee | Filed under Uncategorized | Comments (22)