A majority of the Pinellas County, Florida, School Board supports the inclusion of Intelligent Design in the science curriculum, reports the St. Petersburg Times.
Four members of the school board, including the chairperson and vice-chairperson, have made statements in support of Intelligent Design.
“The entire theory of evolution is not scientific fact. Intelligent design balances it out.” — Nancy Bostock, Chairperson
“I’d probably ideally like to keep it all [evolution and Intelligent Design] out of the classroom. If it’s going to create this much controversy, how important is it?” — Peggy O’Shea, Vice Chairperson
“I think that students should be given the opportunity to view all theories on how man evolved and let their science background and their religious background take over as to which one they believe in.” — Jane Gallucci, Member
“To teach one [evolution] as if nothing else existed, I think we’re doing our students a disservice.” — Carol Cook, Member
You can read the news article here.
The PCSB website states: “The public is encouraged to contact the School Board members on any issue.”
I suggest we contact the school board and let them know there are more than two theories of our origins. Pastafarianism is built on similar tenets as Intelligent Design, and has much greater support from the academic community. If you decide to write, please be respectful.
Contact Info:
Office: (727) 588-6300
E-mail: Board@pcsb.org
Individual E-mail addresses:
Nancy Bostock: bostockn@pcsb.org
Peggy O’Shea: osheap@pcsb.org
Jane Gallucci: galluccij@pcsb.org
Carol Cook: cookc@pcsb.org
And the hydra sprouts a new head. I’m particularly appalled by Ms O’Shea’s idea of teaching nothing controversial because it can’t possibly be important. Can we offer them a re-written curriculum that educates no-one in anything controversial - religion, politics, science, history, sociology, literature etc. What would they be left with?
emails away
I’d like to note that none of the above commentators are pirates who are for intelligent design in the classrooms.
“The entire theory of evolution is not scientific fact. Intelligent design balances it out.” Well yeah I mean unless it can be proven it’s considered scientific theory. But how does ID balance it out anyone? Can I get a Ramen?
Regardless, we throw in ID we must then offer the different views of ID which means more people will learn of the great FSM.
Pasta be with you.
Oh yeah and another thing, someone on the original article brought this up as a comment.
“”To teach one as if nothing else existed, I think we’re doing our students a disservice.”
I wonder if Ms. Cook would say the same about abstinence-only sex ed? that’s not showing the full picture either”
I totally agree alot of people that are pushing for ID in the classrooms are being hypocrital when it comes to other issues like sex ed and teaching kids all the methods of safe sex.
sorry I’m done done.
Pasta be with you.
Ramen.
Dear board,
I recently heard that you are going to teach the ID theory next to the theory of evolution in the classrooms.
To me, this is a very, very serious matter so that’s why I’m sending this.
May I point out the fact that there are more than 2 theories of our origin?
It is of course a great idea that students “should be given the opportunity to view all theories on how man evolved”. (quote Ms. Gallucci)
I like to point out that there is another theory; the theory that a Flying Spaghetti monster created the universe, earth and man.
A few things that you need to know and why this theory receives so much support from the scientific community:
1. He created the Universe first. The FSM needed a few days – we’re not exactly sure how many - to do this (being it such a huge thing and all). Then he created a mountain with trees and a Midgit. (a sort of midget, but not exactly).
I know, I hear you ask… “if this is Intelligent Design, then why are asteroids colliding, are there still traffic jams. Why does my husband need glasses and do I choke when inhaling while I drink my coffee??”
That, my dear board, is a very good and useful question and I will answer it:
2. This might sound a little strange, but when you believe it, it will make sense. He was a little drunk while he created it all. He even forgot that he did it, and made another world. He then sort of melted them together and that’s why there is a heaven with beer volcanoes. Really.
3. He controls everything with his Noodly Appendage – but not always. Being the world so large, he can’t be everywhere all the time, so sometimes you really need to keep your eyes on the road while driving. Trust me on that one.
4. All proof of evolution on this world is placed there by the Flying Spaghetti Monster. Although he didn’t leave a note, we’re pretty sure.
I don’t want this email get too long, but I’m sure you understand why I strongly feel that the children know who created them.
You can find more info on our website www.venganza.org
Sincirely,
Theo Westgeest
Thats just ridiculous.
.
“I’d probably ideally like to keep it all [evolution and Intelligent Design] out of the classroom. If it’s going to create this much controversy, how important is it?”
.
You often have to struggle before the truth can be found. Nothing in life is easy, nor is it handed to you. All this ‘controversy’ is necessary for growth.
“The entire theory of evolution is not scientific fact. Intelligent design balances it out.” — Nancy Bostock, Chairperson
.
How exactly is it balanced out? A highly probable explanation for how things came about that has been tested and viewed accurate…and something completely idiotic that was created by a group of people with no real testable evidence?(who were probably bored at the time, eatting their non-noodle based substances.)
“I’d probably ideally like to keep it all [evolution and Intelligent Design] out of the classroom. If it’s going to create this much controversy, how important is it?” — Peggy O’Shea, Vice Chairperson
.
I answered that already, and decided to come back and comment on everyone else :]
“I think that students should be given the opportunity to view all theories on how man evolved and let their science background and their religious background take over as to which one they believe in.” — Jane Gallucci, Member
.
Meanwhile you’re only actually giving them two theories, and not the complete spectrum.
“To teach one [evolution] as if nothing else existed, I think we’re doing our students a disservice.” — Carol Cook, Member
.
And to pollute the minds of young impressionable children with senseless dribble is a disservice. I’m of course speaking of ID.
The most interesting thing to note here is how incredibly stupid these people are. Perhaps we shouldn’t be wasting our time trying to change their obviously non-existent minds, and should instead take up a collection to pay for crayons, finger paints and other bright/shiny objects. This would keep them more usefully occupied and away from positions of responsibility where they can do great damage through their complete inability to understand the subject.
quote — “I’d probably ideally like to keep it all [evolution and Intelligent Design] out of the classroom. If it’s going to create this much controversy, how important is it?”
*blinks*
also calc is hard… is it realy that important also? can we leave that out so my kids don’t have to think. please no big words in the english books and more pictures.
Unfortunately, the debate is not only at the county level, as another part of the same article in St. Pete Times reports,
At least one member of the state Board of Education has objected to the proposed standards. Donna Callaway told a religious newspaper in Jacksonville that evolution “should not be taught to the exclusion of other theories of the origins of life.”
Additionally, Selena “Charlie” Carraway, program manager for the state Department of Education’s Office of Instructional Materials, has urged fellow Christians to fight the inclusion of evolution in the science curriculum.
As a science teacher, we appreciate the recognition that the CFSM has brought, and encourage your members to post at the education blog, “The Gradebook”. At least one board member is reading the blog, as she responded to a post. http://blogs.tampabay.com/schools/ is the link.
Thanks!
I’d really like to see a form letter that we can all use to send to these people. Something so I don’t sound like the pissed-off person that I am.
Sent an e-mail to them… lol
Hello, I just heard the good news that the Pinellas County, Florida, School Board supports the inclusion of Intelligent Design in the science curriculum. I think that a broader science curriculum is what the students of Pinellas County needs. Also, I hope that this step forward in science education is complimented with Pastafarianism, or FSMism, the Flying Spaghetti Monster. We believe the FSM is responsible for the source of all creation, DNA strongly resembling rotini pasta, (two inch lengths of thick screw-like pasta), single-celled string like primitive life, etc.
Pastafarianism is built on similar tenets as Intelligent Design, and has much greater support from the academic community.
Sincerely,
-Dillon L Karchner
“I’d probably ideally like to keep it all [evolution and Intelligent Design] out of the classroom. If it’s going to create this much controversy, how important is it?” — Peggy O’Shea, Vice Chairperson
.
.
o_o That’s a whole new level of stupid.
When will it all end!!!! How do these people get elected?!!!!
I guess I will warm up my keyboard for another e-mail onslaught!!
Ramen!!
“The entire theory of evolution is not scientific fact. Intelligent design balances it out.” — Nancy Bostock, Chairperson
-but it is a scientific theory with many facts to back it up. Intelligent design is a religious theory with no actual facts.
“I think that students should be given the opportunity to view all theories on how man evolved and let their science background and their religious background take over as to which one they believe in.” — Jane Gallucci, Member
-Well then this includes FSM of course, and every other religion in the world?
“I’d probably ideally like to keep it all [evolution and Intelligent Design] out of the classroom. If it’s going to create this much controversy, how important is it?” — Peggy O’Shea, Vice Chairperson
-Well it’s better than the others..
“To teach one [evolution] as if nothing else existed, I think we’re doing our students a disservice.” — Carol Cook, Member
-Right! So lets teach a theory with no evidence! WOO! Service the students with lies!
:) I sent them a lovely, polite e-mail to let them know about our theory.
Priceless quotes… And they wonder why only the deluded take them seriously…
“I’d probably ideally like to keep it all [evolution and Intelligent Design] out of the classroom. If it’s going to create this much controversy, how important is it?” — Peggy O’Shea, Vice Chairperson
That quote is gold. PURE GOLD.
“… all theories on how man evolved …”
There is only one theory on how man evolved.
It’s amazing that even after the whole ID thing has been shot down and made out as the psuedoscience BS creationism it is…..these people are still endorsing it. I mean I know none of these people watch NOVA but come on. Is Florida really that full of existentially handicapped people as is seems?