jho@ihuxn.UUCP (Yosi Hoshen) (05/29/84)
Andy Berman writes: > Yosi Hoshen's nonsense conspiracy theory that the Russians are >behind the creationist crazies is so absurd that it warrants discussion >only in terms of showing that liberals as well as right-wingers can >get caught up in the simplicity of seeing all questions in the >world in terms of an "evil empire". Andy, I think you did not read my article very carefully. At no point did I say that the USSR is behind the present Louisiana Creationism law. I only described a hypothetical situation that may arise, if the creationism law survives the constitutionality test. > Be assured, Yosi, >that all the problems in the world are do not emanate from Moscow. I did not state that the USSR is behind all the world problems. However, the USSR has been trying to exploit many trouble spots around the globe for its own advantage. Examples of Soviet exploits are can be found in Africa, Middle East, Asia and Central America. >Be assured that most attacks on our liberties are very much >home grown . I agree with you on this point. However, it is possible to fight attacks on liberty in the US, and you don't go to jail for doing so. On the other hand in the USSR, if you complain you will most likely find yourself in a forced labor camp or worse in a "mental institute". The treatment of Dr. Sakharov and his wife demonstrates the real nature of the USSR system. > To ascribe creationism, which is fundamentally a right-wing attack >on the First Amendment, to a "Soviet Conspiracy" weakens the battle >against it. I don't think creations can be characterized as a right-wing attack. It is a fundamentalist effort to impose a specific religion on the rest of society. This effort is aided by some powerful conservative groups. I don't see why you think that my view weakens the battle against creationism. Let us analyze the possible effects of my article on groups who may have interest in creationism. Liberals - I don't think that we need to convince them that creationism is dangerous. Since Liberals oppose creationism in principle, it is rather doubtful that my article will have any effect on their opposition. Creationists - you cannot convince them. Conservative - Not all conservatives support the creationists efforts. The success of creationists stems from the support they get from some conservatives who are not necessarily creationists. If those conservatives could be made aware of the danger of creationism to science education, and hence to US security, they might reconsider their support of creationism. The threat of creationism to science is political, not scientific. When the creationists will lose their political backing, their activities will not be of concern to us. Creationism will then be considered to be in the same league with "flat-eartherism", intersting and amusing, but not dangerous. -- Yosi Hoshen Bell Laboratories Naperville, Illinois (312)-979-7321 Mail: ihnp4!ihuxn!jho