Conservatives Call for New Text Containining Adam and Eve, Darth Vader, and Spaghetti Monsters

So I read a recent post from the blog "In the Pink" titled "Evolutionary Road" It was on a topic that highly interests me, which is the topic of evolutionism and/or creationism taught in Texas schools. You see, the State Board of Education rejected a motion from conservatives to restore the requirement that "strengths and weaknesses" of Darwin's theory of evolution be taught in schools. The author does a good job of letting us know what side she's on through humorous statements, but overall, the post was too short to really delve into the subject. This is a very hot topic here in Texas, and the post didn't tell enough about what the new requirement says, and if it really changes anything. It didn't go into the fact that if we teach all sides, we have to cover what EVERY religion believes, not just Christian belief. It would be a Pandora's Box that even the conservatives wouldn't want to open, even if some of them don't realize it. No matter if you say "strengths and weaknesses" or "examining from all sides" it all means the same thing and is intended to do the same thing - pollute the theory of evolution. I'm just glad that for now at least we seem to be making headway (albeit slowly) in the right direction. Eventually we'll catch up to the rest of modern society. Maybe.

Making Sure You're Being Kicked When You're Down...

Here is a great op ed article from the Statesman. It is very well written with the arguments against the new proposed ultrasound bill being grounded in fact. Although it is very much against the bill and most decidedly negative, it seems the author is trying to show points of factual mis-interpretation, such as the Texas law that forces doctors to inform patients that having an abortion increase the chance for breast cancer in the future. This is a ridiculous claim, since not only has it never been substantiated in research, two of the largest cancer research organizations have both blatantly stated the complete opposite - that there is absolutely NO proven link. I think the article is written with distinct bias, but I think the author is spot on with their opinions and their defense of their position. I love the state I was born and raised in, and living outside of Texas for 6 1/2 years before moving back last August reinforced my feelings. As I discover legislation on the table such as this, though, it reminds me that stereotypes are founded in truths, and that we still have a way to go. I am just happy to be a first-hand witness to the maturation process of my state. A "changing of the guard" will happen soon, I am certain. Whether it's minority/majority flip-flopping, or the end of a narrow minded generation, I am not sure. I'm just sure it will!

Fences of Freedom?

I recently read an article that I found very interesting. Not only does it impact us locally, but it also secondarily impacts our fellow Americans, even if it’s probably unknown to most of them. It was about the wall that was deemed necessary to “combat terrorism” by our Department of Homeland Security a few years ago. It tells a story of a 73 year old Native American woman trying to save her land that has been in her family since the 18th century from being taken from her by the DHS. (Even though she is offered “fair market value”) It tells the story of Eagle Pass, where there are miles of fence being erected through the center of town, much to the chagrin of not only the townspeople, but also the Mayor. The article gives us information on the bleeding of the government’s wallet by grossly overpaid and decidedly under-delivering corporations such as Boeing, (my personal favorite as they were my most recent employer) who are given ludicrous amounts of money to engineer and build a fence…….wait a minute…..doesn’t Boeing build airplanes? WTF? The only way I can think to put this in perspective would be for one of us hiring an engineer from Ford to build us a soap box derby racer, and paying him 500 grand for his horrifically overqualified work. This article basically leaves us with the overwhelming impression that the brand spankin’ new DHS secretary Janet Nepolitano will have her hands full trying to clean up this mess here. Of course, that is, if this administration really is about change!