Some people still believe that Science is not an important part of our lives, and many even think that spending money in research and science education is not a worthy idea. Now, if people like Joe the Plumber think like this is bad enough, but how about the potential President and Vice President of the United States of America, one of the (still) indisputable world leaders in science? Both McCain and Palin have recently shown that they are literally clueless on the importance of science and science education, so why would you expect they will do if they get to Office? McCain criticised Obama for supporting an appeal to upgrade a planetarium projector in Chicago and said: “And when you look at some of the planetariums and other foolishness that he asked for, he shouldn’t be saying anything about Governor Palin.†Yes, better not talk about Palin. The lipsticked hockey mom has heard for the first time in her life that fruit flies are subject of research. Not enough, she called that "pet research" and deemed it unworthy of wasting taxpayer's money. ("You’ve heard about some of these pet projects they really don’t make a whole lot of sense and sometimes these dollars go to projects that have little or nothing to do with the public good. Things like fruit fly research in Paris, France. I kid you not. " Palin dixit) Not saying that she should know a lot about genetics, but fruit flies are on of the most important models for genetic research for a hundred years, they have contributed to a big part of what it is known about genetics and molecular biology (including autism research, something Palin itself said should be promoted). Moreover, fruit flies are studied not only in Paris, France (sic) but all over the world, including the US, where billions have been spent in decoding the genome of the fruit fly and countless ongoing projects. It seems something that a vice president should not ignore, or at least be clever enough to ask an advisor before opening her mouth). Should they succeed tomorrow, forget about keeping up with a strong scientific leadership, I kid you not.
This is such a great point that is so often forgotten. Another great reason to support Barack Obama. This anti-intellectual thing the GOP has got going on will be the ruin of this society if we don't nip it in the bud. And I really think this election is the time to do it.
Has anyone asked Palin about Dinosaurs yet? She definitely seems like one of these people that thinks the "world" was created 6,000 years ago.
You are quoting Sam Harris, a well reknowned athiest who would clearly oppose any self-proclaiming christian in any office under the sun. I don't know why Palin's faith in God and her acceptance of the bible as a infallible authority would give her any fits as Vice President. We've had plenty of great Presidents that fit that cateogory. It scares me that that scares American citizens.
She is a Creationist, and believes it should be taught alongside evolution in science classes, so, yep, that's about right. I have a problem with that, as well as a problem with her views on God's imprimatur on her Office. The woman has literally said it was her Church's intervention with God that won her the Governorship because, well, she won the Governorship. Given her sophisticated foreign policy, and an itchy trigger finger, not quite cool with the notion that what the Gov./would-be VP/would be likely Prez does is God's will because - well, it happened. Edit: Just came to this. Sorry, PHP, but this is why it's a problem, a huge problem, and it hasn't been addressed by any Palin supporter, to my knowledge, on the forum, or in the world.
It scares me that the McCain and Palin's statements cited above don't scare American citizens at all, not even many apparently educated DP posters
I'm scared. If I honestly thought McCain/Palin had a chance I would be terrified. Does that make them terrorists?
NPT, unfortunately I am unable to access YouTube from this computer. While I will say that there is some odd things stated in that direct quote, some that I would even argue against from a theological perspective, I can't really offer much of an opinion without seeing or reading the full context that was stated in. I will just say that having a "self-proclaimed God fearing christian" in office doesn't bother in the least bit. Perhaps it is because I a christian myself.
What's scary to me is that people refuse to believe the power of God and the role he has played in getting Sarah Palin into the position of VP. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kj-on3kfWuE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8twqZpUT2NQ There's video proof there of her pastor(some refer to irreverently as the "witch doctor") praying over her for God to "make a way" and to protect her from witchcraft. She's obviously been very fortunate since 2005 when that happend, which was prior to her successful gubernatorial bid. Isn't the very fact that we're even talking about her a testament to the amazing glory and power of God almighty?
Well, I've said it before - many times, and in reference to this specific issue with Palin: my problem isn't with her faith, nor anyone's faith, so long as it doesn't affect the world of human beings, here and now. My problem is the literal belief that her faith is what gives the imprimatur to policy, and world outcomes - literally, the intercessionary prayer of her pastor and church, that yields outcomes she deems to have been God's will (like her getting elected). The "context" is that she was brought back to her Wasilla Church on winning the Governorship. The Church pastor asked for a round of applause, Palin came on, some introductory pleasantries, and then she was invited to mention Muthee, and her governorship. There really isn't much "context" that would mitigate what should be sheer lunacy. Here, just came to this. This is right, if you can't view the video, so this is the "context" you were seeking. What she said as a result is what I posted. Another: It's quite widely known - just never once raised by Palin supporters, and for good reason - because what it portends is literally lunacy. Human intercession with God, God grants the "wish," and because it happens in the world, there's your "proof." She has displayed an incredibly ill-informed understanding of foreign policy, and if anything, is more jingoistic than John McCain. Can you honestly say you're cool with the notion that, say, a war with Russia "must have been what God wanted, because we prayed about it, God answered, and that's what happened?"