Update (March 9): The Argus Leader editorial board chimes in about this nonsense.
In a move akin to creationists calling the theory of evolution into question, the resolution's authors and supporters -- even in HCR 1009's amended form - are using ideology-based distrust of the environmental movement to spread dangerous myths about the threat we face.
(The links are mine, of course -- apparently the Governor's Office hasn't learned how to save paper and trees by using the inter-tubes yet.)STATE OF SOUTH DAKOTA
M. MICHAEL ROUNDS, GOVERNOR
March 2, 2010
Curtis Price
108 East Centennial Street
Rapid City, SO 57701
Dear Curtis,
Thank you very much for contacting me about House Concurrent Resolution 1009- calling for balanced teaching of global warming in the public schools of South Dakota.
As governor, I do not vote on concurrent resolutions, because they are expressions of legislative opinion and not proposed laws or constitutional amendments.
However, I agree with "balanced" teaching on subjects where the available information is conflicting and confusing. Global warming is one of those subjects.
Facts are facts, and should be taught as facts. But, when scientists and experts disagree on data collection processes and on theories, I believe a "balanced" presentation of different theories and different supporting information gives teachers a great opportunity to teach students research skills and critical thinking skills.
This can be done with many current event topics, and global warming is certainly one of those topics. Thanks again for writing.
Sincerely,
M. Michael Rounds
MMR:ls
STATE CAPITOL • 500 EAST CAPITOL • PIERRE, SOUTH DAKOTA 57501-5070 • 605.773.3212
Posts
Leslie Kaufman of The New York Times nailed what's really going on here on Thursday -- an unrelenting attack on the credibility of science:
ReplyDeleteThe linkage of evolution and global warming is partly a legal strategy: courts have found that singling out evolution for criticism in public schools is a violation of the separation of church and state. By insisting that global warming also be debated, deniers of evolution can argue that they are simply championing academic freedom in general.
shocking.
ReplyDeleteDisappointing, but I guess I should not be surprised.
ReplyDeleteAt your prompting in another post, I, too wrote to the governor and received the exact same letter in response. I am embarrassed and appalled about the whole situation.
ReplyDeleteThe Republicans know that if we take the science at its word, they simply cannot justify their policies. They thus resort to denying science, because winning the ideological debate is more important than facing reality. Woe unto us!
ReplyDeleteI'd accept this "balanced" baloney if they also pass a resolution to teach a balanced view of sexuality in sex education ... like birth control and the reality of sexual orientation.
ReplyDelete