Sarah Palin Says She Open To Teaching Creationism In Public Schools

Boston Globe :

John McCain's vice-presidential pick, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, is an evangelical Protestant with a strong record of opposition to abortion and an openness to teaching creationism in the public schools.

Palin is the mother of five children, one of whom was born with Down Syndrome. She learned that her son had Down Syndrome when she was four months pregnant, and she told the Associated Press in May that she never considered ending the pregnancy. "We've both been very vocal about being pro-life," she said in the AP interview. "We understand that every innocent life has wonderful potential." Palin also said of her son, whose name is Trig Paxon Van Palin, "I'm looking at him right now, and I see perfection. Yeah, he has an extra chromosome. I keep thinking, in our world, what is normal and what is perfect?"

Read the whole story: Boston Globe

Comments

[Joseph A. Palermo - Huffpost Blogger]

We've had Mr. Gravitas, Dick Cheney, as VP and they tell us we should all be afraid of the Terrorists each waking minute of the day and we live in a dangerous world and Obama has too little experience, and then McCain turns around and appoints a woman who was "Miss Wisalla" and first runner up in the "Miss Alaska" contest -- please, any woman who participated in beauty contests in the late 70s and early 80s is not fit to be president of the United States -- and she want to over turn Roe! Just great! So all those young working class women who die from back ally abortions inside the 30 states that outlaw the practice because of McCain/Palin are somehow testimonials to the value the GOP places on women???

[LeaderofMen]

This is a DIRECT QUOTE from the woman. You Republicans can spin it all you want, but I will take it on FACE VALUE. The woman is ANTI SCIENCE. Clear and evidential words directly out of her mouth are all YOU need too, to know precisely where she is coming from.

She says herself: Don't be afraid of information.

Well, Republicans. That's information. You are obviously AFRAID of it.

==========­==========­=========

"Teach both. You know, don't be afraid of informatio­n....Healt­hy debate is so important and it's so valuable in our schools. I am a proponent of teaching both. And you know, I say this too as the daughter of a science teacher. Growing up with being so privileged and blessed to be given a lot of information on, on both sides of the subject -- creationism and evolution. It's been a healthy foundation for me. But don't be afraid of information and let kids debate both sides."

[HowAboutThis]

I'm not religious and value reason over faith. But I don't think someone being religious disqualifies her from public office. Many intelligent people compartmentalize their traditional religious beliefs and don't wear it on the sleeve. This is the quote that keeps me from worrying about this issue:

In an interview Thursday, Palin said she meant only to say that discussion of alternative views should be allowed to arise in Alaska classrooms:
"I don't think there should be a prohibition against debate if it comes up in class. It doesn't have to be part of the curriculum­."
She added that, if elected, she would not push the state Board of Education to add such creation-based alternatives to the state's required curriculum.
Members of the state school board, which sets minimum requirements, are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Legislature.
"I won't have religion as a litmus test, or anybody's personal opinion on evolution or creationism," Palin said.
Palin has occasionally discussed her lifelong Christian faith during the governor's race but said teaching creationism is nothing she has campaigned about or even given much thought to.

[Truthosaurus]

If religious faith (assuming it's not a ruse to get elected) were to disqualify candidates from public office, then few candidates would be eligible. Obama has already stated he wants to institute "God's Kingdom" here on earth. How is that the job of our secular government officials? It's time for people to stop being hypocrites, and tell ALL these candidates to stop running for Pastor in Chief. As for Palin, she is using the current "teach the controversy" tactic to get creationism taught in schools. There is no controversy. There is no reason for children in science class to be wasting time debating this non-issue, any more than they should debate if Earth is 6000 years old. That should be left for social studies class, not science class.

[messy]

There's absolutely NO room for debate here any more than there is over arithmetic, and what theories should be debated? Hindu creationism? The idea we're riding on the back of a giant turtle? The flying spaghetti monster, perhaps?

[Nyland8]

""I don't think there should be a prohibition against debate if it comes up in class."

What does that mean? That religion can "debate" science? That science can "debate" religion?

Neither is possible.

The purpose of public education is not to debate people's beliefs. It is to teach what in "known" - not what is "believed". Some people "believe" in Satanism. Should this be "debated" in our public schools? Is that what you're suggesting?

8

[hyjanks]

Wasn't it Romney who said during the debates last year that, "Yes, religion has no bearing on the appointments he would make during his presidency". When asked if that also included atheists, his reply was, "Yes".
Is he to be believed? Is Palin to be believed since Christians see their religion as infallible?
I don't think so. The religious zealots creed is get you foot in the door even by lying, then lower the hammer.

[BertrandRussell]

"But I don't think someone being religious disqualifies her from public office. "

That would depend on the details of the religious beliefs held by the candidate. If a candidate for public office firmly believes that Armageddon is coming in our lifetime then they are holding a world view that is dangerous to good government. Why worry about the long-term consequences of anything when the world is about to end?

Need proof? I offer you George W. Bush.

By the way, the End of Times has been "coming soon" for some 2,000 years. Keep in mind that people a 1,000 years ago believed, just as firmly as people do today, that the end would come during their lifetimes. They were just as intelligent and just as faithful as anyone living in the present and they too could see clear signs all around them that biblical prophecy was about to be fulfilled.

I don't know about anyone else but if 2,000 years counts as "soon" I'm going to hitch my horse to a better wagon.

[Chubbster]

Creationism is not information. It is fictitious garbage. It is primitive belief. It is a fairy tale.

[McKellin]

Palin is just an extension of the Bush administration approach to science. Creationism puts her understanding of science in perspective. Though her father was a science teacher, when it came to decisions to list the polar bear as endangered, she dismissed the scientific evidence - while claiming that she was basing her decision on the science. She re-writes the facts to make them fit her prejudice.

[Nyland8]

Well - it looks like she's the whole package. Beauty queen, breeder, enlightened soul who probably expects Jesus to come back riding on a Pterodactyl. She's got all the basis covered - a perfect candidate for the flat-earthers.

She'll up the GOP turnout at the polls by 3 - maybe 4%.

8

[Nyland8]

That should read " ... all the bases covered".

My editor is off on weekends.

8

[silverball]

hmmmm....p­robably NOT a pterodacty­l...aren't they more than 6000 years old?....bu­t you are right about the flat-earth­ers....lol

YES WE CAN.....

[helonias]

So will Larry Craig teach snake handling?

[Nyland8]

8~)

[bikerdude]

Depends on the kind of snake you are discussing­....

[NewOrlinNC]

My question is, what was this then 43 yr old woman doing getting pregant for the fifth time, anyway? Didn't she have enough kids, and enough on her plate at the time?
And if the kid was an accident:
Shouldn't we worry that if she isn't responsible enough to prevent an unwanted pregnancy, how can she be expected to take on the responsibility of leading the free world?

If baby number 5 wasn't a mistake, and it was due to a Catholic anti-birth control practice on her part, then:
1) Does this mean she may be pumping more out during her tenure in office?
2) What would this say for her support of the campaigns against AIDS and teen pregnancy?

[YankeeCanuck]

We have in this country erased the line between the public and private spheres. These are personal choices-- there's probably enough to question along the lines of competence and experience. I'm wondering exactly what this person has to offer in national politics.
No discernible political philosophy, no community organizing experience, no state or US Senate experience. A few years of municipal leadership of a minute town, 1 1/2 years as governor of a low-population state. Recent statements that are as empty as the GOP candidate's.
As an aside, she's not a Catholic-- Catholics have recognized science, if a little late. A few of them still cling to the Pope's directive against birth control, but most think for themselves on that score.

[JBoy]

Chief executive of a State is much truer experience than a Senator who has tended to vote "present" on most issues because he's afraid to make an incorrect decision he could be judged by.

[JBoy]

You're wanting to deny her the right to have children?

[NewOrlinNC]

Why does she need five? And what about responsibe procreation? Having kids in your mid 40s carries the risk of birth defects. Sure, she says she may not mind that the kid has down syndrome. But what about the kid? Is his life going to be so great? And what about society who is going to have to care for him, find schools for him, look after him in his old age?

[SuppersReady]

I am glad for the pick because the majority of Hillary supporters can see right through this. She is an ultra-cons­ervative..­..that alone tells you she is close-minded and nothing like Hillary. She was a huge supporter of Pat Buchanan. Enough said. The media likes to get us all excited about nothing. The only people thrilled about her are the right wings nuts.
I have a message for the PUMAS....I­f this doesn't bring you to the Democratic ticket, nothing will. For the sake of the Supreme Court, our environment, economy, and our safety you have to get beyond your revenge and start looking at issues. If you only vote for gender than you are as close-minded as the right wingers. I heard a PUMA on the news claiming she was a moderate.

MODERATE MY ASS.......­.

[keepemhonest]

Creationism is UNCONSTITIONAL ... The Supreme Court ruled that teaching "creationism" in public schools is UNCONSTITUTIONAL.

Does Palin KNOW the Supreme Court already ruled on that?

[HowAboutThis]

I think she knows that. The headline saying she wants the teaching of creationism in the schools is incorrect. A search of news stories from around 2006 shows what was actually asked and what she actually said.

There's nothing wrong with real criticism of political candidates, but I get a little tired of candidates being criticized for things they didn't do or say. It happens with both parties and I hope voters wake up to the tactics.

[Nyland8]

Well, how about this? It's a direct quote:

"Teach both. You know, don't be afraid of informatio­n....Healt­hy debate is so important and it's so valuable in our schools. I am a proponent of teaching both. And you know, I say this too as the daughter of a science teacher. Growing up with being so privileged and blessed to be given a lot of information on, on both sides of the subject -- creationism and evolution. It's been a healthy foundation for me. But don't be afraid of information and let kids debate both sides."

Creationism is theology - not science. Evolution is not subject to debate in any venue other than a scientific one.

For science to debate philosophy is out of its ken.

For religion to debate science is out of its depth.

8

[ibsteve2u]

How ironic is this?

The fabled "glass ceiling" being "broken" by a woman who wants to lock all other women back inside their bodies:

From "The Anchorage Daily News" at http://dwb.adn.com/news/politics/elections/2006/governor/story/8372383p-8266781c.html

[bq]
The candidates were pressed on their stances on abortion and were even asked what they would do if their own daughters were raped and became pregnant.

Palin said she would support abortion only if the mother's life was in danger. When it came to her daughter, she said, "I would choose life."
[eq]

[mikie63]

Would she also be pro life if her daughter was gang raped by twenty men diagnosed with AIDS and some of them with sex transmitted diseases, and the doctors told her that her daughter would live through her pregnancy but the child would suffer terribly and probably die soon after birth. But what do those doctors know; come on god knew long ago that this rape would happen and it also knew about the baby's suffering; it could have stopped it all from happening but why should it care.

[peacevet]

I just looked at this woman's birth astrology, now, you can believe in astrology or not, however. Her birth chart shows a person absolutely convinced of her own opinions. She will stop at nothing to get her way. Compromise is not a word in her vocabulary, for her it is all "my way or the highway". Do not underestimate this one. This is the kind of birth chart we see in extreme religious fundamentalists in any religion. Once the people of the U.S. get to know her they will not like her. Lets hope there time for the true Sarah Palin to be seen by the public. She can be defeated because she is not afraid to hide her extremist views. Choosing her is another example of the terrible judgment of McCain.

[YankeeCanuck]

Well, astrology is no further out than creationism. Teach astrology in school alongside psychology and sociology! "Don;t be afraid of informatio­n."

[Truthosaurus]

Is this person really using astrology to criticize religious belief? It's a wonder we get the kind of office holders we do if this is representative of the electorate.

[Blogosynthesis]

With or without astrological charting; Palin is obviously a "true believer" type...she belongs no where near the trigger of nuclear weapons...­..hell she can't even pronounce the word.

It's not just *Muslim* fundamentalist fanatics that are a threat to our national security.

[helonias]

So what does she think about really important biblical stuff like adultery and worshiping graven images, both 10 suggestion biggies,

What are her view on them.

[Last-LiberalRepublicans]

None of my pro-Hillary female friends are falling for this obvious GOP pander. To the contrary, McCain's selection of Sarah Palin as his VP is drawing hoots of derision.
Once they learn that Sarah Palin opposes rape and incest exceptions for women seeking abortion, they completely write her off.
One female friend said: "Sarah Palin is to the movement for women's equality what Clarence Thomas is to civil rights. She's an extremist and an enemy to the cause that has been fought on her behalf.... Someone should stand up and say: 'I know Senator Clinton. Senator Clinton is a friend of mine. And Sarah Palin is no Hillary Rodham Clinton.'"

***********Bad choice.... bad judgment..­. no way, no how....

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AUDIO> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKkydrUnBZE
----------­----------­----------­----------­--------

FLIPPER John McBush LAUGHTS and say “Great Question” as he was ask “How Do We Be The B!tch” (Hillary Clinton)!

CLICK> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLQGWpRVA7o
----------­----------­----------­----------­--------

Worst SELECTION Ever

CLICK> http://www.blog.newsweek.com/blogs/tamcam/
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[helonias]

Want your kids to learn about religious creationism, send them to a religious school that teaches it.

It does not belong in a public school, ever!!!!!!­!!!!!!!!!!­!!!!

[mikie63]

AMEN to that!!!!!!!!!!!

[Mitchell4A]

Wait till people find out more about Palin. I don't believe that she was properly vetted. McCain may have really jumped the shark on this one.

"McCain Just Lost the Election with a Hail Mary (or Political Ambition 21, Country 0)"
http://msa4.wordpress.com/

[emcd]

I'm not a political strategist, so I don't know how to plan this out. I think the Dems need to highlight her positions, and let her talk about them as much as she can and at great length! Let her demonstrate the great reason and intellect behind her positions!

Her positions on creationism and global warming, the positions that the Repubs are now getting behind, remind me of another era's debate between evolution and science. William Jennings Bryan argued the creationism side.

Here's an excerpt from a recent politico article on how Bryan's candidacy and his own VP pick turned out for them!!!

If elected vice president, Palin would appear to have the least amount of experience in federal office or as a governor since John W. Kern, Democrat William Jennings Bryan’s 1908 running mate, who had served for four years in the Indiana state Senate and then four more as city solicitor of Indianapolis. The Democratic ticket lost to Republican standard bearer William Howard Taft and running mate James S. Sherman by an Electoral College spread of 321-162.

[Last-LiberalRepublicans]

Great IDEA and Points!!

I WANT TO HEAR Her Views on IMMIGRATION, UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE, FOREIGH POLICY ETC!!! SHE HAS ZERO Experience on National and Foreign Policy!!