Kansas: How Long to the Point of Know Return

Our story so far: The Kansas State School Board decides on their own definition of science, mandating the teaching of "intelligent design" as an alternative to the theory of evolution.

An admittedly brilliant (if underemployed) Bobby Henderson writes an open letter to the Board, praising them for their decision and pointing out that his theory (viz, a Flying Spaghetti Monster created the universe...there's no way I can do it justice, just go and read it) is as scientifically valid as ID, and that it should also be taught in KS.

Several school board members reply. Some wittily and supportively; some less so (e.g., "It is a serious offense to mock God."). In a final vote, the...er..."less so" faction prevails. "Intelligent design" is in; scientific standards are out.

Encouraged, the Pennsylvania State School Board endorses a similar proposal, only to find themselves on the street so fast the doorknob did, in fact, hit them in the ass on the way out.

As many others, appalled by Kansas, have pointed out, I have no objections whatsoever to religion. I would love to see a comparative religion course taught in elementary or middle school. And, as the Joss character points out in Carl Sagan's Contact, science informs knowledge, not values: "What is there in the precepts of science to keep a scientist from doing evil?"

But religion is the very antithesis of science. (Keep your religion out of my kids' science classes, ID fans, and I'll refrain from barging into your religious services to point out the parts that bug me. Deal?)

Kansas or Pennsylvania? The fanatics win only because they never let up, not because they're right.

It's your move.