If the US is number one in science and technology, what place does the GOP have?

[Political Junky]

It would help if public high schools taught real science. Creationism won't help our students advance in the world of science.

Neither will telling them that it's okay to get test answers wrong -- what's important is their feelings, or that there are no losers and everyone gets a medal for participating, even if they don't do anything.

Meanwhile, creationism isn't being taught. The current sad state of education can be laid squarely at the feet the the left.

You got lots of participation medals, didn't you?

Law allows creationism to be taught in Tenn. public schools - The Washington Post

By Elizabeth Flock, Published: April 11

A bill that allows Tennessee public school teachers to teach alternatives to mainstream scientific theories such as evolution will become law this month after the governor refused to sign or veto the measure, The Washington Post’s Valerie Strauss reports.

Supporters of the law say its goal is to encourage healthy skepticism among students. “Critical thinking, analysis fosters good science,” Robin Zimmer, a biotechnology consultant and affiliate of a creationist organization, wrote in the Nashville Tennessean in March.

But critics say the true goal of what they call “the monkey bill” is made clear by the list of subjects that could be challenged by teachers during class, including global warming and evolution. The bill is a “permission slip” for schools “to bring creationism, climate-change denial and other non-science into science classrooms,” Eugenie Scott, director of the National Center for Science Education, told Nature magazine.

The American Association for the Advancement of Science and the National Association of Biology Teachers has also condemned the bill, along with more than 4,000 Tennessee residents who submitted a petition to ask the Republican governor, William Haslam, to veto the bill.
<more>

 

[daveman]

It would help if public high schools taught real science. Creationism won't help our students advance in the world of science.

Neither will telling them that it's okay to get test answers wrong -- what's important is their feelings, or that there are no losers and everyone gets a medal for participating, even if they don't do anything.

Meanwhile, creationism isn't being taught. The current sad state of education can be laid squarely at the feet the the left.

You got lots of participation medals, didn't you?

You can bet that parents that want this part of the school curriculum are indoctrinating their children at home.

I expect you'd like to make that illegal, wouldn't you?

The government, after all, is more qualified to raise children than their parents.

Right?

 

[daveman]

It would help if public high schools taught real science. Creationism won't help our students advance in the world of science.

Neither will telling them that it's okay to get test answers wrong -- what's important is their feelings, or that there are no losers and everyone gets a medal for participating, even if they don't do anything.

Meanwhile, creationism isn't being taught. The current sad state of education can be laid squarely at the feet the the left.

You got lots of participation medals, didn't you?

Law allows creationism to be taught in Tenn. public schools - The Washington Post

By Elizabeth Flock, Published: April 11

A bill that allows Tennessee public school teachers to teach alternatives to mainstream scientific theories such as evolution will become law this month after the governor refused to sign or veto the measure, The Washington Post’s Valerie Strauss reports.

Supporters of the law say its goal is to encourage healthy skepticism among students. “Critical thinking, analysis fosters good science,” Robin Zimmer, a biotechnology consultant and affiliate of a creationist organization, wrote in the Nashville Tennessean in March.

But critics say the true goal of what they call “the monkey bill” is made clear by the list of subjects that could be challenged by teachers during class, including global warming and evolution. The bill is a “permission slip” for schools “to bring creationism, climate-change denial and other non-science into science classrooms,” Eugenie Scott, director of the National Center for Science Education, told Nature magazine.

The American Association for the Advancement of Science and the National Association of Biology Teachers has also condemned the bill, along with more than 4,000 Tennessee residents who submitted a petition to ask the Republican governor, William Haslam, to veto the bill.
<more>

That was three days ago.

Like I said: Creationism isn't being taught.

The current sad state of education is the fault of the left.

 

[Political Junky]

Neither will telling them that it's okay to get test answers wrong -- what's important is their feelings, or that there are no losers and everyone gets a medal for participating, even if they don't do anything.

Meanwhile, creationism isn't being taught. The current sad state of education can be laid squarely at the feet the the left.

You got lots of participation medals, didn't you?

Law allows creationism to be taught in Tenn. public schools - The Washington Post

By Elizabeth Flock, Published: April 11

A bill that allows Tennessee public school teachers to teach alternatives to mainstream scientific theories such as evolution will become law this month after the governor refused to sign or veto the measure, The Washington Post’s Valerie Strauss reports.

Supporters of the law say its goal is to encourage healthy skepticism among students. “Critical thinking, analysis fosters good science,” Robin Zimmer, a biotechnology consultant and affiliate of a creationist organization, wrote in the Nashville Tennessean in March.

But critics say the true goal of what they call “the monkey bill” is made clear by the list of subjects that could be challenged by teachers during class, including global warming and evolution. The bill is a “permission slip” for schools “to bring creationism, climate-change denial and other non-science into science classrooms,” Eugenie Scott, director of the National Center for Science Education, told Nature magazine.

The American Association for the Advancement of Science and the National Association of Biology Teachers has also condemned the bill, along with more than 4,000 Tennessee residents who submitted a petition to ask the Republican governor, William Haslam, to veto the bill.
<more>

That was three days ago.

Like I said: Creationism isn't being taught.

The current sad state of education is the fault of the left.

Why is creationism still being taught in public high schools? - The Week

 

[Quantum Windbag]

We aren't developing a work force necessary to keep us at #1 in science and technology. We've lost a lot of ground already.

Democrats have already said that the US will not be Number one, so it's not what place the GOP has, but the place the democrats INTEND.

Crisis for US science is looming, physicists warn | Fox News

White House Science

The Obama administration’s top science and technology official, who has argued for the economic de-development of America, warned science students last Friday that the United States cannot expect to be “number one” forever.

The place the GOP has, is to continue to fight the democrats to maintain scientific and technological leadership while the democrats pursue de-development.

Did you bother to read the articles you linked to?

Wilczek said that both America's immigration laws and its cultural attitudes toward foreigners could be more welcoming.
And the physicists acknowledged that scientists will have to confront a hard reality: There is simply less money for research in the current economy.

(How long have I been saying Republicans hatred of immigrants will hurt science here since Republicans feel education is for snobs?)

I especially liked this part:

The former Harvard professor was at the AAAS to speak to students about the Obama administration’s priority of advancing science and technology issues; its goal to increase spending in the area to 3 percent of the gross domestic product; and Obama’s great personal interest in the fields.

Now this is especially hilarious. The AAAS is the organization PEW research used to gather data that led to the conclusion that only a measly 6% of scientists are Republican. Remember all the TERRIBLE things right wingers said about that organization????

And what political party is slashing education nationwide? Remember, it's one thing to cut education to keep the state from going under, another to cut it to give tax breaks to millionaires.

This is hilarious.

Excuse me? Where did Pew reach that conclusion? The AAAS has around 200,000 members, mist of who are not scientists. Pew conducted an online survey of the organization, got just over 1000 responses, and only 6% of those respondents said they were Republicans. You cannot use less than 1% of a group a representative sample in a self selected poll. This is something that anyone who got beyond 5th grade in math understands without explanation. The fact that you continue to say the same stupid thing after the facts have been pointed out to you repeatedly says more about you than you could possibly understand.

 

[Quantum Windbag]

It would help if public high schools taught real science. Creationism won't help our students advance in the world of science.

Neither will telling them that it's okay to get test answers wrong -- what's important is their feelings, or that there are no losers and everyone gets a medal for participating, even if they don't do anything.

Meanwhile, creationism isn't being taught. The current sad state of education can be laid squarely at the feet the the left.

You got lots of participation medals, didn't you?

Law allows creationism to be taught in Tenn. public schools - The Washington Post

By Elizabeth Flock, Published: April 11

A bill that allows Tennessee public school teachers to teach alternatives to mainstream scientific theories such as evolution will become law this month after the governor refused to sign or veto the measure, The Washington Post’s Valerie Strauss reports.

Supporters of the law say its goal is to encourage healthy skepticism among students. “Critical thinking, analysis fosters good science,” Robin Zimmer, a biotechnology consultant and affiliate of a creationist organization, wrote in the Nashville Tennessean in March.

But critics say the true goal of what they call “the monkey bill” is made clear by the list of subjects that could be challenged by teachers during class, including global warming and evolution. The bill is a “permission slip” for schools “to bring creationism, climate-change denial and other non-science into science classrooms,” Eugenie Scott, director of the National Center for Science Education, told Nature magazine.

The American Association for the Advancement of Science and the National Association of Biology Teachers has also condemned the bill, along with more than 4,000 Tennessee residents who submitted a petition to ask the Republican governor, William Haslam, to veto the bill.
<more>

Funny how people who disagree with that law are willing to believe the stories just as quick as those who agree with it are. thing is, if you actually read the law, you will see that it really doesn't do half of what either side claims, and that most teachers will simply ignore it.

One would think that all the unions would love this law since it makes it harder to fire stupid teachers.

 

[Quantum Windbag]

Law allows creationism to be taught in Tenn. public schools - The Washington Post

By Elizabeth Flock, Published: April 11

A bill that allows Tennessee public school teachers to teach alternatives to mainstream scientific theories such as evolution will become law this month after the governor refused to sign or veto the measure, The Washington Post&#8217;s Valerie Strauss reports.

Supporters of the law say its goal is to encourage healthy skepticism among students. &#8220;Critical thinking, analysis fosters good science,&#8221; Robin Zimmer, a biotechnology consultant and affiliate of a creationist organization, wrote in the Nashville Tennessean in March.

But critics say the true goal of what they call &#8220;the monkey bill&#8221; is made clear by the list of subjects that could be challenged by teachers during class, including global warming and evolution. The bill is a &#8220;permission slip&#8221; for schools &#8220;to bring creationism, climate-change denial and other non-science into science classrooms,&#8221; Eugenie Scott, director of the National Center for Science Education, told Nature magazine.

The American Association for the Advancement of Science and the National Association of Biology Teachers has also condemned the bill, along with more than 4,000 Tennessee residents who submitted a petition to ask the Republican governor, William Haslam, to veto the bill.
<more>

That was three days ago.

Like I said: Creationism isn't being taught.

The current sad state of education is the fault of the left.

Why is creationism still being taught in public high schools? - The Week

Let me get this straight.

You went to a school that, according to your article, more than likely taught evolution as, at best, a weak argument against creation. Yet, somehow, despite that, you believe in it, despite not having a factual basis for that believe that you can argue cogently.

Yet you scoff at those who, like me, believe in God and can actually argue for evolution coherently, understand the actual scientific concepts, know their strengths, and weaknesses, can cite and actual research to back themselves up.

And you think the right wing is anti science on top of all that.

Does that sum it up?

 

[Katzndogz]

Creation isn't taught in schools. Yet, libs expect that it will be believed that it isn't that sex ed has replaced the study of science, it's that some people want creation to be a subject even though it isn't. It isn't that diversity history class time has replaced math, it's that some people want creation to be a subject even though it isn't. Student can't write their own names, because some people want creation to be a subject even though it isn't.

Our schools are failing because they are not only teaching to the bottom of the curve, they are making a new bottom.

 

[Navy1960]

And yet Nixon was the one that got the Shuttle going. Obama ended it.

The Space Shuttle Program lasted from 1981 till 2011 and in that time both (GOP) and (DEM) Administrations allowed NASA to fly the Space Shuttle with no follow plans for a replacement. In fact over the years from Shuttle C to the Orion program NASA has allowed itself while flying the Shuttle to come to point where the Oribiter had become so old and had no follow manned vehicle to replace it. In order to do so, it required both a commitment from NASA, the Adminstrations from Nixon through Obama, Congress both (Dem) and ( GOP) and the American people. The sad fact is over those years it was a commitment that we as Americans were NOT willing to make, and add to that a clear lack of vision on the part of NASA and an over commitment to the Space Shuttle and you have us where we are today. Your not advocating flying the shuttle for more years are you at the risk of another Shuttle breaking apart due to its age. So you know these Orbiters were not designed to fly forever and 20 plus years is a good long life span for such a device. So now we find ourselves having to rent rides from Russia while we wait for the likes of Space X and others to renew our manned space program. Space X btw will launch its first flight to the ISS ( International Space Station) in the coming weeks. So in the end perhaps laying the blame at Obama's feet might be a little bit much when you consider that the demise of the Manned Space program was a long time coming and was the result of poor NASA Adminstration and both (GOP) and (DEM) neglect. In the end while Americans were responsbile for going to the moon they are also responsible for grounding the rockets that will fly to space.

The end of the Manned Space program was based on the fact that there is no purpose for men in space, and it is very expensive.

Simple.

What is astonishing is that more worthless and expensive government programs cannot follow the example.

Well the American Manned Space Program is not at an End it is actually in the process of changing to a model where private companies will take the lead in developing the systems and launch systems needed to put Americans into space. In fact this has led to somewhat of a boom in the private space industry, look at companies like, Space X, Blue Origin, ULA, Virgin Galactic, and many others. As I mentioned in my first posting Space X is set to launch the first American built system to the International Space station called Dragon, which will eventually lead to a manned system around 2014 that is much cheaper to operate and much more flexible than the Shuttle in terms of Missions. We can debate the benefits of a Manned Space program here but the fact remains there are very few Govt. programs that actually have a positive benefit for the cost and the only one that has by far is the US Manned Space Program.

Let me give you an example, the knowledge learned from the Hubble Space Telescope alone has been priceless and it took a Manned Space program to make that happen as well as the countless number of benefits the private sector has gotten from the space program. All of this for less than this nation spends on tobacco every year and beer, in fact NASA's budget is less than 1% of the entire Federal Budget and if the goal here is to cut spending one would think starting with a program that actually benefits your nation and is the least costly would not be a very good place to start.

I will say this however, if this nation intends to stay among the elite nations of the world in the 21st Century then we cannot shy away from space exploration or abandon it. If we do so we will soon find ourselves in the same position we find ourselves now with other industries and thats begging China, Russia, the EU to put our communications systems in orbit. weather systems in orbit, etc.

 

[rdean]

That was three days ago.

Like I said: Creationism isn't being taught.

The current sad state of education is the fault of the left.

Why is creationism still being taught in public high schools? - The Week

Let me get this straight.

You went to a school that, according to your article, more than likely taught evolution as, at best, a weak argument against creation. Yet, somehow, despite that, you believe in it, despite not having a factual basis for that believe that you can argue cogently.

Yet you scoff at those who, like me, believe in god and can actually argue for evolution coherently, understand the actual scientific concepts, now their strengths, and weaknesses, can cite and actual research to back themselves up.

And you think the right wing is anti science on top of all that.

Does that sum it up?

You can't argue against evolution and pro magical creation "coherently". That's part of your delusion. In your mind, it seems "coherent", but believe me, those in the science community see you as a crackpot as best and a member of the "Teanut Gallery" at worst.

 

[daveman]

Law allows creationism to be taught in Tenn. public schools - The Washington Post

By Elizabeth Flock, Published: April 11

A bill that allows Tennessee public school teachers to teach alternatives to mainstream scientific theories such as evolution will become law this month after the governor refused to sign or veto the measure, The Washington Post’s Valerie Strauss reports.

Supporters of the law say its goal is to encourage healthy skepticism among students. “Critical thinking, analysis fosters good science,” Robin Zimmer, a biotechnology consultant and affiliate of a creationist organization, wrote in the Nashville Tennessean in March.

But critics say the true goal of what they call “the monkey bill” is made clear by the list of subjects that could be challenged by teachers during class, including global warming and evolution. The bill is a “permission slip” for schools “to bring creationism, climate-change denial and other non-science into science classrooms,” Eugenie Scott, director of the National Center for Science Education, told Nature magazine.

The American Association for the Advancement of Science and the National Association of Biology Teachers has also condemned the bill, along with more than 4,000 Tennessee residents who submitted a petition to ask the Republican governor, William Haslam, to veto the bill.
<more>

That was three days ago.

Like I said: Creationism isn't being taught.

The current sad state of education is the fault of the left.

Why is creationism still being taught in public high schools? - The Week

If you'd read the article instead of just the headline, you'd have found this:

So how does the "cautious" majority of teachers treat the subject?
For the most part, educators walk on eggshells when it comes to evolution, avoiding a decisive viewpoint. The study identified three major ways biology teachers accomplish this, says Lisa Grossman at Wired. Some teachers "focus on evolution at the molecular level," thus "ignoring the idea that whole species of animals can evolve." Other teachers "hide behind rigid state science tests," teaching the theory but not actually advocating for it. A third group presents arguments for evolution and creationism, leaving students to decide which is the better approach. "This strategy," says Grossman, "respects high schoolers’ critical reasoning skills, but undervalues the scientific method."​

No one is teaching creationism without also teaching evolution.

Gaea knows we shouldn't respect high schoolers' critical reasoning skills. They might learn to think for themselves!

 

[daveman]

Why is creationism still being taught in public high schools? - The Week

Let me get this straight.

You went to a school that, according to your article, more than likely taught evolution as, at best, a weak argument against creation. Yet, somehow, despite that, you believe in it, despite not having a factual basis for that believe that you can argue cogently.

Yet you scoff at those who, like me, believe in god and can actually argue for evolution coherently, understand the actual scientific concepts, now their strengths, and weaknesses, can cite and actual research to back themselves up.

And you think the right wing is anti science on top of all that.

Does that sum it up?

You can't argue against evolution and pro magical creation "coherently". That's part of your delusion. In your mind, it seems "coherent", but believe me, those in the science community see you as a crackpot as best and a member of the "Teanut Gallery" at worst.

So these scientists are crackpots?

I eagerly await your impotent and irrational spin.

 

[Quantum Windbag]

Why is creationism still being taught in public high schools? - The Week

Let me get this straight.

You went to a school that, according to your article, more than likely taught evolution as, at best, a weak argument against creation. Yet, somehow, despite that, you believe in it, despite not having a factual basis for that believe that you can argue cogently.

Yet you scoff at those who, like me, believe in god and can actually argue for evolution coherently, understand the actual scientific concepts, now their strengths, and weaknesses, can cite and actual research to back themselves up.

And you think the right wing is anti science on top of all that.

Does that sum it up?

You can't argue against evolution and pro magical creation "coherently". That's part of your delusion. In your mind, it seems "coherent", but believe me, those in the science community see you as a crackpot as best and a member of the "Teanut Gallery" at worst.

You can't read.

The part you bolded and enlarged clearly has me saying I can argue for evolution coherently.

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hfYJsQAhl0]Billy Madison - Ultimate Insult (Academic Decathlon) - YouTube[/ame]

We need a new word to describe the level of stupidity of a person like you. I propose we simply use your name as that word.

Tell me something, science I don't understand science, is evolution random, or deterministic?

 

[Quantum Windbag]

Let me get this straight.

You went to a school that, according to your article, more than likely taught evolution as, at best, a weak argument against creation. Yet, somehow, despite that, you believe in it, despite not having a factual basis for that believe that you can argue cogently.

Yet you scoff at those who, like me, believe in god and can actually argue for evolution coherently, understand the actual scientific concepts, now their strengths, and weaknesses, can cite and actual research to back themselves up.

And you think the right wing is anti science on top of all that.

Does that sum it up?

You can't argue against evolution and pro magical creation "coherently". That's part of your delusion. In your mind, it seems "coherent", but believe me, those in the science community see you as a crackpot as best and a member of the "Teanut Gallery" at worst.

So these scientists are crackpots?

I eagerly await your impotent and irrational spin.

Everyone knows Buckminster Fuller was a complete idiot.

 

[daveman]

you can't argue against evolution and pro magical creation "coherently". That's part of your delusion. In your mind, it seems "coherent", but believe me, those in the science community see you as a crackpot as best and a member of the "teanut gallery" at worst.

so these scientists are crackpots?

I eagerly await your impotent and irrational spin.

everyone knows buckminster fuller was a complete idiot.

 

[daveman]

Here's one of those rich science- and culture-hating conservatives:

David H. Koch Charitable Foundation and Personal Philanthropy

A long-time philanthropist, David H. Koch has given generously to a variety of organizations and causes for nearly three decades. Since 2000, he and the David H. Koch Charitable Foundation have pledged or contributed more than $750 million to further cancer research, enhance medical centers, support educational institutions, sustain arts and cultural institutions, and conduct public policy studies.

Mr. Koch earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in chemical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He joined Koch Industries, Inc. in 1970 and today serves as an executive vice president and board member. As chairman and president of Koch Membrane Systems, Inc., his passion for water technology has led to clean water innovations that have been exhibited at the International Desalination Association World Congress. Koch Membrane Systems is part of Koch Chemical Technology Group, LLC, a subsidiary of Koch Industries, Inc.

Medical & Cancer Research

As a prostate cancer survivor, David Koch’s gift of $100 million in 2007 created the David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research at MIT, which opened March 3, 2011. Other cancer-fighting gifts include:
$20 million to Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore
$30 million to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
in New York City
$25 million to the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston
$15 million to New York-Presbyterian Hospital Weill Cornell
Medical Center
$25 million to The Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City
In 2011, Mr. Koch received the Humanitarian of the Year award from the American Apparel and Footwear Association for his long-standing support of organizations working to find a cure for prostate cancer. The awards gala raised more than $1.1 million for the Prostate Cancer Foundation. In 2007, Mr. Koch was honored with the Double Helix Medal for Corporate Leadership from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory for supporting research that, “improves the health of people everywhere.”

Education & Science

Mr. Koch supports science-related projects including funding of the long-running PBS documentary series, “Nova,” and a science and technology center at Deerfield Academy in Massachusetts. As the national sponsor of The Bill of Rights Institute's 2009-2010 high school essay contest, Mr. Koch's philanthropy helps educate young people about the words and ideas of the nation's founders. Winners of the “Being An American" contest were honored at a gala held in Washington, D.C.

Mr. Koch’s $15 million gift to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C., created the David H. Koch Hall of Human Origins that opened spring 2010. The 15,000-square-foot exhibit offers visitors an immersive and interactive museum experience. In 2006, he made a $20 million gift to the American Museum of Natural History, creating the David H. Koch Dinosaur Wing.

Public Policy

A passionate believer in free societies, Mr. Koch has funded research and education programs that analyze how freedom creates prosperity and advances social progress. He serves on the boards of the Cato Institute, the Reason Foundation and Americans for Prosperity Foundation.

Arts & Culture

Gifts to the arts from the David H. Koch Charitable Foundation have benefited the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the American Ballet Theater. In 2008, the foundation gave $100 million for the preservation and renovation of the State Theater of New York at Lincoln Center, home to the New York City Ballet and New York City Opera. The theater has been renamed the David H. Koch Theater.​

Once again, reality kicks derp's ass.

 

[Navy1960]

Richard Glenn "Dick" Rutan (born July 1, 1938) is an aviator who piloted the Voyager aircraft around the world non-stop with co-pilot Jeana Yeager. He was born in Loma Linda, California, where he gained an interest in flight at a young age.

In 1992 Rutan ran as a conservative Republican against Democratic congressman George Brown, Jr. in California's 42nd congressional district. The district comprised most of the San Bernardino region of southern California and was viewed as a swing district. In the Republican primary, Rutan upset San Bernardino County Supervisor Rob Hammock, who had run a strong race against Brown in 1990. In the general election, Rutan ran on a platform that called for reforming congress and lowering taxes.
Dick Rutan - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The man behind the winning design for the Ansari X Prize was and still is to my understanding a conservative. He is a very accomplished scientist and has many awards both in design and theory in the field of aeronautics. The thing is, that science is not selective of one's political beliefs and at times not even one's religious beliefs. Case in point,

Ntaryike Divine Jr. - A famed Egyptian-born scientist has challenged journalists in the Arab world to dispel what he called a widespread and biased idea that Islam is anti-science. Dr Ahmed Zewail, a 1999 Nobel laureate in chemistry, was speaking June 27 at the start of the three-day World Conference of Science Journalists in Doha, Qatar.

Our nation needs to understand that we as a nation not only need to but have to teach our young people all we can and teach them to excel in all fields of science. We also need to learn to put aside our bias in order to understand that as a nation if we wish our young people to compete in the world and have the same level if not better chance of making a place in an ever expanding world then it is a must we have educational focus on math and science without bias. When we begin to put limits on science is when we make the decision to begin that long slide into a 2nd rate status in the world. Don't believe me? just take a look at what nations are capable of putting humans into space ( hint the United States is not one of them ).