Defend Science

As I pointed out in today's issue of Black Agenda Report, Americans are getting dumber by the second. Even some scientists don't believe in science. Hard to believe isn't it?

The University of Rhode Island recently conferred a doctorate in geosciences to a creationist. Yes, Marcus Ross believes the earth is no more than 10,000 years old. Wimpy scientists at the university felt they would have engaged in religious discrimination if they had rejected him. Spare me please. It will be interesting to see their reaction when Ross says that dinosaurs rode on Noah's Ark and uses the good name of URI to defend himself. It will serve them right.

Fortunately there are a few brave souls who aren't afraid to speak up for science. The American Association for the Advancement of Science has taken up the challenge. Only 40% of Americans believe that evolution is a fact. That is why the AAAS has to give advice on running for school board elections. Yes, we need to know lobbying techniques to keep fundies from miseducating any more Americans than they have already.

A commitment to teach science should be a litmus test for anybody who is running for president. It will be interesting to see if Hillary and Obama, panderers in chief, will stand up for scientific inquiry. I wouldn't bet on it.