APOCALYPSE OR INTELLIGENT DESIGN?
Prominent in the news this week have been articles about the devastating earthquake in Pakistan and the court proceedings in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania contesting the teaching of intelligent design in science classes in Dover, PA.
Beliefs are just fine but comparing intelligent design to real science is like teaching astrology in an astronomy class. Putting intelligent design in a science course rather than a religion course is offensive and probably an educational set back for some students. However, the injury is small when compared to the suffering inflicted by natural disasters such as volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and hurricanes.
In the New York Times last Sunday, an article by Michael Luo noted that these calamities have given rise to apocalyptic speculation that doomsday is upon us. End of history; Jesus is coming. But the world soldiers on, whether or not by intelligent design.
The human tragedy caused by natural disasters, wars, and terrorism is eclipsed by the unspectacular actions or inactions by our own government. Along with other countries, we have failed to respond effectively to situations such as rape and pillage in Darfour and famine in Niger. The U.S. negligence is worse because of our position in the world and because of actions limiting our aid such as requiring food to be purchased here and shipped in American ships.
Other policies of the Bush administration policies have exacted an additional toll. Women's groups have pointed out the enormous incidence of death and suffering resulting from withdrawal of U.S. support of family planning and reproductive rights around the globe. All because there may be abortions somewhere. The financial support needed internationally to educate sex workers about AIDS and condoms and other safe practices has been denied or diverted to faith-based organizations who adhere to the Bush agenda. All because of the Bush opposition to abortion rights.
What is the cost of Bush policies preventing sex education that includes awareness of the value of condoms for safe sex? Or the policies that prohibit the distribution of disposable needles for drug addicts? More AIDs, more pain and suffering and death.
And how much damage in human life, environmental health, crop failures and famine, and human habitat has been and will be caused by Mr. Bush's refusal to acknowledge or act upon the threat of global warming? That is immeasurable.
Does all this add up to pro-life or compassionate conservatism?
Prominent in the news this week have been articles about the devastating earthquake in Pakistan and the court proceedings in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania contesting the teaching of intelligent design in science classes in Dover, PA.
Beliefs are just fine but comparing intelligent design to real science is like teaching astrology in an astronomy class. Putting intelligent design in a science course rather than a religion course is offensive and probably an educational set back for some students. However, the injury is small when compared to the suffering inflicted by natural disasters such as volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and hurricanes.
In the New York Times last Sunday, an article by Michael Luo noted that these calamities have given rise to apocalyptic speculation that doomsday is upon us. End of history; Jesus is coming. But the world soldiers on, whether or not by intelligent design.
The human tragedy caused by natural disasters, wars, and terrorism is eclipsed by the unspectacular actions or inactions by our own government. Along with other countries, we have failed to respond effectively to situations such as rape and pillage in Darfour and famine in Niger. The U.S. negligence is worse because of our position in the world and because of actions limiting our aid such as requiring food to be purchased here and shipped in American ships.
Other policies of the Bush administration policies have exacted an additional toll. Women's groups have pointed out the enormous incidence of death and suffering resulting from withdrawal of U.S. support of family planning and reproductive rights around the globe. All because there may be abortions somewhere. The financial support needed internationally to educate sex workers about AIDS and condoms and other safe practices has been denied or diverted to faith-based organizations who adhere to the Bush agenda. All because of the Bush opposition to abortion rights.
What is the cost of Bush policies preventing sex education that includes awareness of the value of condoms for safe sex? Or the policies that prohibit the distribution of disposable needles for drug addicts? More AIDs, more pain and suffering and death.
And how much damage in human life, environmental health, crop failures and famine, and human habitat has been and will be caused by Mr. Bush's refusal to acknowledge or act upon the threat of global warming? That is immeasurable.
Does all this add up to pro-life or compassionate conservatism?
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