Wednesday, June 18, 2008 | Reason : Education | print version

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We Urgently Need Your Help Now!!

by Barbara Forrest and Louisiana Coalition for Science

Please help stop the Discovery Institute from boldly introducing religion into public education.

SB 733, the LA Science Education Act, has passed both houses of the legislature, and the governor has indicated that he intends to sign it. But we don't have to be quiet about this. There is something that you and everyone else you know who wants to help can do:

The LA Coalition for Science has posted a press release and an open letter to Jindal asking him to veto the bill. http://lasciencecoalition.org. The contact information is at the LCFS website.

We want people all over the country to do this, as many as possible, since Louisiana will be only the beginning. YOUR State could be next. Here are the talking points:

Point 1: The Louisiana law, SB 733, the LA Science Education Act, has national implications. So far, this legislation has failed in every other state where it was proposed, except in Michigan, where it remains in committee. By passing SB 733, Louisiana has set a dangerous precedent that will benefit the Discovery Institute by helping them to advance their strategy to get intelligent design creationism into public schools. Louisiana is only the beginning. Other states will now be encouraged to pass such legislation, and the Discovery Institute has already said that they will continue their push to get such legislation passed.

Point 2: Since Gov. Jindal's support for teaching ID clearly helped to get this bill passed in the first place, his decision to veto it will stick if he lets the legislature know that he wants it to stick.

Point 3: Simply allowing the bill to become law without his signature, which is one of the governor's options, does not absolve him of the responsibility for protecting the public school science classes of Louisiana. He must veto the bill to show that he is serious about improving Louisiana by improving education. Anything less than a veto means that the governor is giving a green light to creationists to undermine the education of Louisiana children.

You can pull additional talking points from the LCFS press release and our online letter if you want them.

Now we have to get the message out to people. People can contact the governor and and also contact their friends, asking them to do the same. We need to create a huge network of e-mails asking people to do this. Where they live does not matter at this point. What is happening in Louisiana has implications for everyone in the nation. The Discovery Institute does not intend to stop with the Pelican State.

Thank you,

Barbara

Posted: Wednesday, June 18, 2008 | Permalink

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1. Comment #195528 by Sh!fty on June 18, 2008 at 12:10 pm

That would be truly sad. They are right, once a state is "converted", other will sure follow. Then, what will stop other countries like Mexico (where I live) to start doing the same thing followig the US example.

Keep in mind that in Mexico over 90% of its population is catholic.

Other Comments by Sh!fty

2. Comment #195529 by eclampusvitus on June 18, 2008 at 12:11 pm

I'll write, for what it's worth. Out of state opinions often give rise to Southern stubbornness.

ECV

Other Comments by eclampusvitus

3. Comment #195530 by Diocletian on June 18, 2008 at 12:12 pm

I can't think of any reason why those of us from outside the US cannot write the Governor as well. Letting the Governor know that Louisiana will become the source of jokes around the world might do some good. The whole world is watching and laughing.

Other Comments by Diocletian

4. Comment #195532 by jonnymac27 on June 18, 2008 at 12:16 pm

at this point, let them be stupid

Other Comments by jonnymac27

5. Comment #195533 by ShavenYak on June 18, 2008 at 12:19 pm

Seems about as useful as writing letters to Bush urging him to stop the war.

Other Comments by ShavenYak

6. Comment #195534 by bosshlk on June 18, 2008 at 12:26 pm

Even though I realize my chances of winning the lottery are better than changing Jindal's mind, I still wrote him this:

"Dear Governor Jindal,

Please veto SB 733!

It is so sad that I even need to write this email. In a country so developed, I am ashamed that such trash (i.e. this bill) is even brought up, let alone passed by both houses of legislature.

This is not a political position, but an educated one. This bill is disguised to help public schools, yet ALL of academe denounces it. So which side should you take: the one claiming to help our youth (SB 733), or those who actually are helping our youth (Academia)?

Again, please make the right decision and veto this horrible bill."

This is just pathetic that in this day and age we have to put up with this! But we do have to continue the fight against these IDiots b/c reason and rationality are by no means inevitable.

Other Comments by bosshlk

7. Comment #195535 by jdb on June 18, 2008 at 12:27 pm

He has a biology degree from Brown?! They should revoke it if he fails to veto this bill.

Other Comments by jdb

8. Comment #195537 by Diocletian on June 18, 2008 at 12:28 pm

Apathy is always such a good response to government - it really hits them hard. Not to mention how encouraging it must be for those people actually trying to STOP the Discovery Institute from destroying education. But then, it is so much easier to criticise those people who are willing to work toward doing some good. If you don't want to help then don't, but at least have the decency not to discourage those people who are doing something positive.

Other Comments by Diocletian

9. Comment #195539 by 82abhilash on June 18, 2008 at 12:32 pm

4. Comment #195532 by jonnymac27 on June 18, 2008 at 12:16 pm

at this point, let them be stupid

Agreed. This issue is far from over. In fact, it is just the beginning. No government in this universe can turn its back on reality and hope to last. Nature cannot be fooled.

Other Comments by 82abhilash

10. Comment #195542 by Mango on June 18, 2008 at 12:49 pm

I emailed Jindal, and as a Looziana resident maybe it will even be read and responded to by one of his aides.

Other Comments by Mango

11. Comment #195544 by Greybishop on June 18, 2008 at 12:50 pm

Done, although how much weight my opionion carries as a Canadian is debatable.

Still, this is an issue on which I cannot stay silent.

Other Comments by Greybishop

12. Comment #195548 by mordacious1 on June 18, 2008 at 12:55 pm

Well, I hope he vetoes the bill, but I think this is going to end up in Federal Court again ....and again and again and again.

Other Comments by mordacious1

13. Comment #195549 by TeraBrat on June 18, 2008 at 12:56 pm

I wonder if they realize that inteligent design includes the theory that we were created by aliens. Anyone ever read the book Intelligent Design?

You can find it at:

www.rael.org

It's hysterically funny and somewhat alarming at the same time. The fact that people believe in this proves that some people will believe anything with no proof.

Other Comments by TeraBrat

14. Comment #195551 by cerad on June 18, 2008 at 12:59 pm

Them folks are just begging to be hit by another hurricane.

Other Comments by cerad

15. Comment #195555 by jmrunning3 on June 18, 2008 at 1:06 pm

My two-cents to the Governor:

Governor Jindal,

I have read with alarm that you appear ready to sign SB 733 into law. Sir, you must realize that by signing this legislation you are not only undermining education in your state, but setting a very bad precedent for the nation.

Intelligent Design is not science, no matter how broad the definition, and cannot be considered an 'alterntive' to evolution. Regardless of your beliefs, this blatantly and exclusively Christian version of life has no place in the public school curriculum, and is most likely illegal.

Please see http://lasciencecoalition.org/ for more information.

I seriously urge to reconsider your position and do what is right for your state and our nation.

Other Comments by jmrunning3

16. Comment #195558 by Edouard Pernod on June 18, 2008 at 1:11 pm

I say let it pass. Then we'll see you in court Mr. Jindal! No LA court would overturn the precedent set by Dover, and if they did it would be undone on appeal.

I say let's give the IDiots another high profile loss.

Other Comments by Edouard Pernod

17. Comment #195559 by wengerj on June 18, 2008 at 1:13 pm

Done! By the way, this is my first post ever. I figured I'd start small. I don't know how much good my letter will do, but sitting in silence while creationists cram their agendas down the throats of impressionable children (while I do nothing) is more than my concsience can bear. I look forward to many future discussions on this board. Peace!

Other Comments by wengerj

18. Comment #195562 by al-rawandi on June 18, 2008 at 1:16 pm

cerad,

Hurricane Darwin is bearing down on LA

Other Comments by al-rawandi

19. Comment #195564 by catskill on June 18, 2008 at 1:20 pm

Email the Governor here:

http://www.gov.la.gov/index.cfm?md=form&tmp=email_governor

Other Comments by catskill

20. Comment #195566 by RonnieG on June 18, 2008 at 1:31 pm

Everybody, don't hold your breath for the governor of Louisiana to veto. I don't see any chance of that happening. Take a look at what he said on Louisiana Public Broadcasting in September of 2007:

[L]et's talk about intelligent design. I'm a biology major. That's my degree. The reality is there are a lot of things that we don't understand. There's no theory in science that could explain how, contrary to the laws of entropy, you could create order out of chaos. There's no scientific theory that explains how you can create organic life out of inorganic matter. I think we owe it to our children to teach them the best possible modern scientific facts and theories. Teach them what different theories are out there for the things that aren't answerable by science, that aren't answered by science. Let them decide for themselves. I don't think we should be scared to do that. Personally, it certainly makes sense to me that when you look at creation, you would believe in a creator. Let's not be afraid to teach our kids the very best science.

And this man is a Rhodes scholar! What a f***ing joke.

Other Comments by RonnieG

21. Comment #195573 by DalaiDrivel on June 18, 2008 at 1:59 pm

It's obvious to IDiots, I should think, and everyone else, that the legal scheming they've resorted to is inevitable since appealing to substance is outside the scope of Intelligent Design.

Referring to the quote provided by RonnieG,

Indeed. Teach the controversy, but do not fail to remind these open-minded children on Sundays (in Schools too?) that if they choose to remain open-minded on the subject of a scientific origin to evolution, or even, according to some, dare to choose to embrace evolution itself, they will suffer the eternal persecution of a loving God.

This will, of course, introduce the possibility of bias to their eventual conclusion.

Blackmail... A fucking joke indeed.

Other Comments by DalaiDrivel

22. Comment #195575 by TeraBrat on June 18, 2008 at 2:09 pm

I guess he never heard of information theory.

Other Comments by TeraBrat

23. Comment #195576 by v4ri4bl3 on June 18, 2008 at 2:10 pm

Dear Sir,

It has recently come to my attention that a bill, proposed in your great state of Louisiana, entitled "LA Science Education Act" has passed both houses of the legislature. By signing this bill, you would willingly deprive the children of your electorate the science education they so greatly need and deserve. Ask yourself for a moment why we are consulting religious propagandists for authoritative answers regarding Biology, when we should be relying on the sentiments of the experts in the field.

Modern biologists do not operate under the assumption that life forms on this planet may or may not have evolved over time. They operate under the empirically based assumption that life forms have evolved. The evidence in support of this well established scientific theory (keep in mind Gravity falls into this category) is so substantial that it is not expected to change much at all. The only expected developments include a better understanding of HOW life forms evolved. There is no question that they have done so.

It is unfortunate that this is even an issue. When your car is broken, you don't take it to a priest. You take it to an auto shop. When your computer has a virus, you don't consult your local imam. You take it to Best Buy.

If you want to make an informed decision on this issue, you would best rely on the experts. The National Academy of Sciences has an abundance of material that targets the "political controversy" over Evolution. Note that even the experts state outright that there is not an academic controversy.

• http://www.nationalacademies.org/evolution/

Do yourself, and the children of your electorate, a favor and stand up for science. If we are to compete as a nation against global threats, we must insist on a rigorous curriculum that is not constrained by religious opinions. The choice is yours.

- Infinitely Concerned,

James McDonald

Other Comments by v4ri4bl3

24. Comment #195577 by eh-theist on June 18, 2008 at 2:19 pm

What are we to expect from a State that allows and encourages a city (that has seen a number of hurricanes) to be built (and rebuilt) many feet below sea level?

Having said that, I think we ALL need to let the governor know that the world sees their foolish acts.

I've sent my thoughts (although they don't number in more than single digits).

Other Comments by eh-theist

25. Comment #195579 by Szkeptik on June 18, 2008 at 2:28 pm

I wrote this message. I'm Hungarian so I don't know if my opinion would count to s*it, but it's worth a try.

"Dear Governor Jindal,

Please veto SB 733.

I write to you as a student from the other side of the world with no legal or political ties to the United States. I know my stance doesn't count, but I feel that as a human being it is my duty to ask you to veto SB 733. This bill is an attack on the children of Louisiana. It is a covert attempt to deprive them of their right for quality science education. Your country has been the leading force in scientific advancement in recent history. Please don't become the person who starts its downfall. If you sign this bill it will set a horrible precedent for other states. Don't be the one to start this. Please veto SB 733."

Other Comments by Szkeptik

26. Comment #195587 by Quine on June 18, 2008 at 2:50 pm

I'm in.

Other Comments by Quine

27. Comment #195591 by Diocletian on June 18, 2008 at 3:00 pm

If the Governor does not veto the bill, then perhaps Keith Olbermann will name him the 'Worst Person", which would succeed in highlighting this great injustice.

Other Comments by Diocletian

28. Comment #195595 by burn0gas on June 18, 2008 at 3:22 pm

Where is the National Academy of Sciences? Where is every head of every reputable university and college biology deptartment? Why isn't there a larger unified voice of proper scientists who have a massive influence in the US who can stand up and publicly voice against situations like this? Even Francis Collins, with his religious beliefs, should be standing loud and publicly to voice against this. They should all be standing up and publicly voicing against this.

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29. Comment #195605 by DalaiDrivel on June 18, 2008 at 3:40 pm

burn0gas,

Indeed, christian evolutionists should be up in arms over this bill.

Is this an example of the terrible extent to which religion is accorded immunity in the public domain, from without, AND, more terrifyingly, from within?

Or is this the moderates' policy of tolerance in action here- do not offend fundamentalists, even in the face of destructive dogmatism and
ignorance?

If Christians are awaiting the apocalypse, it's right here.

Other Comments by DalaiDrivel

30. Comment #195606 by mrskeptic on June 18, 2008 at 3:43 pm

Here are the heads of the Science depts at some select Louisiana colleges.

Grambling State University
- Dr. Felix I. Ifeanyi Head of the Biology Department
ifeanyif@gram.edu

University of Louisiana at Lafayette
- Bradd Clark, Ph.D., Dean and Professor, College of Sciences
deanclark@louisiana.edu

University of Louisiana at Monroe
- Dr. Ann Findley, Professor of Physiology, cell and molecular biology
afindley@ulm.edu

Louisiana State University
(has a picture of Darwin displayed on their website !)
- Kevin R. Carman Dean of Life Sciences
zocarm@lsu.edu

Louisiana Tech University
- James D. Liberatos, Ph.D. Dean - College of Applied & Natural Sciences
JamesL@LaTech.edu

McNeese State University
- George F. Mead, Jr., Dean, College of Science
mead@mcneese.edu

University of New Orleans
- Steven G. Johnson Associate Professor & Chair
sgjohnso@uno.edu
and
- Prof Philip J. Devries Ph.D. in Zoology
pdevries@uno.edu

Southern University, Baton Rouge
Robert H. Miller, Jr. Dean of Sciences
rhmillerjr@aol.com

Tulane University
- Nicholas J. Altiero, PhD Dean, College of Science and Engineering
altiero@tulane.edu
and
- Carol A. Burdsal, Ph.D., Associate Dean, Prof of Cell and Molecular Biology
cburdsal@tulane.edu

Other Comments by mrskeptic

31. Comment #195609 by MelM on June 18, 2008 at 3:47 pm

I've sent my e-mail to the governor. I noted that ID is theology and not science.

Thanks to Barbara for the tip and all her other efforts

Other Comments by MelM

32. Comment #195616 by Mister Griswold on June 18, 2008 at 3:54 pm

For what it's worth:

Dear Governor Jindal,
As a senior research scientist at a major multinational in Research Triangle Park NC, I strongly advise you to veto the LA Science Education Act SB733. For the United States to maintain its status as a leader in scientific advancement it is imperative that our students understand what constitutes science, and that the distinction between hard-won scientific theories and unsupported speculation remains clear. Please do not compromise the integrity of science education in this country by creating an opening for those with a religious agenda to insinuate their non-scientific viewpoints into the science classroom.
Name and contact information
Cary, NC

Other Comments by Mister Griswold

33. Comment #195618 by RamziD on June 18, 2008 at 3:56 pm

Done.

Hope there is enough objection to get him to reverse this legislation. I'm not holding my breath.

Other Comments by RamziD

34. Comment #195622 by MelM on June 18, 2008 at 4:05 pm

From "Americans United" (Link: Louisiana Will Face Lawsuit...)

If this new law is used to promote religion in Louisiana public schools, I can guarantee there will be legal action," Lynn said. "Louisiana students deserve better, and Louisiana taxpayers should not have their money squandered on this losing effort."

I see that the call to contact the governor is also on "Panda's Thumb", "Pharyngula", and "Florida Citizens for Science". People from other countries are sending e-mails also--great!

Other Comments by MelM

35. Comment #195653 by Librarian on June 18, 2008 at 4:33 pm

This is what I wrote:
Dear Governor Jindal,
Before you sign SB 733 please consider reading "Only a Theory: Evolution and the Battle for America's Soul" by Kenneth Miller. If this bill passes you should consider another one: requiring an atheist to teach their views at every Sunday School. The argument for Intelligent Design is to look at evolution in a critical manner. The same should be done in churches of all kinds. I urge you to please veto SB 733. I would love to believe in Louisiana. I don't want to see it take a step backward in to the dark ages.
Sincerely,
Rebecca Large-Swope
Teacher Librarian

Other Comments by Librarian

36. Comment #195661 by bachfiend on June 18, 2008 at 4:42 pm

I didn't believe that Governor Jindal says that Intelligent Design is the very best science, so I watched the debate; http://www.lpb.org/podcast/video/forum20070927.mp4
The quote occurs about 3 quarters of the way through the debate, and Bobby Jindal appeared to be trying to duck the question concentrating on abortion and public prayers. I find it ironic that in his preliminary remarks, he said that he regarded one of his main concerns was providing high quality education to Louisiana.

Other Comments by bachfiend

37. Comment #195675 by Enlightenme.. on June 18, 2008 at 4:57 pm

Szkeptik:
"I wrote this message. I'm Hungarian so I don't know if my opinion would count to s*it, but it's worth a try."

Hungarians opinions jolly well should count to any American.
@ Los Alamos there were;
Leo Szilard, Eugene Wigner, Edward Teller, Theodore von Karman and John von Neumann, all born in Budapest.

Other Comments by Enlightenme..

38. Comment #195683 by soul_biscuit on June 18, 2008 at 5:03 pm

This is terrifying. I wrote my letter, but who knows if it will have any effect. It looks like he's pretty well decided.

A biology graduate from Brown, with his weight behind a laughably unscientific bill. I weep for my country today.

Other Comments by soul_biscuit

39. Comment #195685 by DoctorE on June 18, 2008 at 5:06 pm

I give you the future "scientists" of USA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBaPI2AKu2g

Other Comments by DoctorE

40. Comment #195695 by mordacious1 on June 18, 2008 at 5:19 pm

OK, I sent him an email. I tried to keep it very civil. If he signs the bill, I'll send him one with irate's word or something similar.

Other Comments by mordacious1

41. Comment #195714 by AoClay on June 18, 2008 at 5:43 pm

I made the same agreement with myself. If he signs the bill, I'm signing him up for the NAMBLA newsletter.

Other Comments by AoClay

42. Comment #195721 by HappyPrimate on June 18, 2008 at 5:52 pm

As a Louisiana life long resident, I want to thank each of you who have voiced disapproval of this bill to Gov. Jindal. It is an admirable effort but I fear that it will not alter his decision as he is a real right wing nut case.

If I am wrong, I will celebrate with a nice bottle of wine and smile for a year.

Other Comments by HappyPrimate

43. Comment #195722 by appaZ on June 18, 2008 at 5:54 pm

I am an Australian, not much of a flag waver, but an Australian none the less, and I sincerely hope never to have to seriously deal with an issue such as this in this country. The idea of giving some kind of mandate to seudo educators to enable them to spread their incredibly stupid ideas onto the fertile minds of America's youth is just mind boggling.

Other Comments by appaZ

44. Comment #195731 by Raiv on June 18, 2008 at 6:05 pm

On his website, I couldn't post a letter to the Gov. until I listed what parish I attend... doesn't boost my confidence much.

Other Comments by Raiv

45. Comment #195747 by TIKI AL on June 18, 2008 at 6:27 pm

I wonder if governor Bobby agrees with the Chuck Norris quote, "If I were president I would tatoo an American flag with "In God We Trust" on the forehead of every atheist."

Between Bush, Cheney, Jindal, and Norris, I feel like the US is turning into monkey island.

And then there was all of the "Tim Russert is in heaven" mumbo jumbo I had to listen to watching his wake today.

Other Comments by TIKI AL

46. Comment #195752 by HappyPrimate on June 18, 2008 at 6:41 pm

To Raiv
Louisiana does not have counties as the other 49 states have, we have parishes. It is really the same as a county. We are also the only state with its laws based on the Napoleonic Code and are therefore unique among the other states. Louisiana is a beautiful area but has a majority of neo conish citizens. There are some of us who have rational minds so don't give up on us down here. I've seen a number of Darwin legged fish on the back of vehicles around town. Our numbers are growing.

Other Comments by HappyPrimate

47. Comment #195774 by Kelly on June 18, 2008 at 7:17 pm

To Raiv,
The last on that list of parrishes was "out of state".
I, too, sent an email and will try to get everyone I know to send one.
I'm truly sad to live in this country sometimes.

Other Comments by Kelly

48. Comment #195779 by HappyPrimate on June 18, 2008 at 7:23 pm

Here is what I emailed to the Gov.
Dear Gov. Jindal,
This is a plea for the veto of SB 733. As a life long citizen of this beautiful state with forebearers as far back as 1810 in Baton Rouge, I am truly horrified by my state legislature's actions to impede the science education of the students in this state. I ask you to put aside any personal feelings you may have on this matter and act on behalf of the future of these students in the global community. Do you really want them to continue to lag behind the rest of the world due to an inadequate and utterly disgraceful education in the sciences? Do you wish to bring Louisiana up in the esteem of the world at large or continue down the sad path we've been on with education in this state? It is your choice alone now. Forward or backward? This is an extremely important decision. I hope you are up to the leadership role that Louisiana needs now. I and many others will be watching and listening with great interest.

Other Comments by HappyPrimate

49. Comment #195785 by Long_Island_Atheist on June 18, 2008 at 7:40 pm

Greetings from Long Island, fellow RDNetters. I just joined the forum, although I have been reading posts here with much interest over the last few months.

I did my bit for rationality today by sending the following letter to the Governor of Louisiana. I doubt it will do much good, however.

Dear Governor Jindal,

As a fellow Indian American, I have followed your career and accomplishments with great interest. Everything I have read about you suggests that you are brilliant and sincere. Your belief in public service (in the truest sense of the phrase), and your deeply felt desire to do right by the people of Louisiana, helps you rise above partisan politics.

When it comes to education, there is no doubt that you want all children in Louisiana to have the best possible education, so that they grow to their fullest potential, become responsible citizens, and help improve Louisiana's and America's competitiveness.

I am dismayed that SB 733, a bill that politicizes and corrupts science education, has passed both houses. Only your veto stands in the way of it becoming law. The bill raises deeply troubling questions, which I hope you will consider as you weigh your decision.

Should lawmakers and politicians be in the business of dictating educational curriculum? Are they qualified to do this? Is this consistent with your conservative views on the role of government? If it becomes acceptable for academic content to be subjected to political influence, where does one draw the line? For instance there are many people in this world who, even in the 21st century, believe that the earth is the center of the universe. Should they prevail in changing the physics curriculum to reflect their beliefs?

The sad reality today is that many children in Louisiana begin with an educational handicap when compared to most other states. This must change for the better. SB 733 would be exactly the wrong kind of change. Please put a stop to it, and show the people of Louisiana and the rest of the country the kind of non-partisan leadership that they know is in you.

Best wishes

Other Comments by Long_Island_Atheist

50. Comment #195787 by InfuriatedSciTeacher on June 18, 2008 at 7:41 pm

I find myself wishing I had copied my letter to post here as well, but for what it's worth I emailed the man as well. As my handle might hint, I'm a high school science teacher (in a Bible Belt state), so this proposition is a tad scary for me.
Mister Griswold>> I'm a relatively new transplant to the Raleigh area, and it's nice to see that it contains other individuals who think rationally and aren't afraid to share those thoughts.

Other Comments by InfuriatedSciTeacher

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