[net.origins] Creationism law in Louisiana

jho@ihuxn.UUCP (Yosi Hoshen) (04/30/84)

I have some information pertaining to Louisiana creationism  law.
Following  the  decision  by the Supreme court that a legislature
does have the power to set curriculum  for  the  public  schools,
the  constitutionality  of Louisiana's creationism law is back in
federal Court.  However, the court is waiting to set a trial date
because  there  is  a bill before the Louisiana Legislature which
would repeal the creationism law.  There is a  fair  chance  that
the bill  will pass.   If not, the Louisiana Creationism Law will
probably go to trial sometimes this summer.

I am puzzled by this creationism circus that is  running  through
some  of the US States' legislative bodies.  I can understand the
fundamentalists.  Driven by their fanatic faith, they are  trying
to push their religion on everyone, everywhere, and whenever they
can.  What I don't understand is why there is  a  large  group of
conservatives   who  tolerate  or  even  support  the creationism
frenzy.  I thought conservatives were interested  in   a   strong
US  defense,  and that they would support science, as science  is
the corner stone of modern defense systems.   Various  government
and   non-government   commissions have  just  recently concluded
that  science in the  public  schools   is   in   a   very   poor
shape.    Adding  creationism   to   the   curriculum  will  just
compound the  mess. It may be the  last  straw  that  breaks  the
camel's   back.     I    have  a  strange  feeling  that  Comrade
Konstantin   Chernenko,   the   Secretary    General    of    the
Communist  party  and   President   of  the  USSR,  is  chuckling
and enjoying himself seeing how science is undermined in the US.

If I did not know who are the proponents of the creationism  law,
I  would  undoubtly  think that "creation science" is a communist
ploy,  aimed  at  subverting  the  intra-structure   of   science
education  in  the US. Communists and other enemies of the US can
sit  back leisurely,  observing  how  their job is  done  by  the
creationists and their allies.
-- 

Yosi Hoshen
Bell Laboratories
Naperville, Illinois
(312)-979-7321
Mail: ihnp4!ihuxn!jho