Tenn. GOP Gov to Sign Evolution Bill

via Wikipedia

GOP Gov. Bill Haslem (TN) is "probably" going to sign a bill from the State Legislature that will protect teachers and students who question 'controversial' theories such as evolution. Critics argue the bill paves the way for religious teachings in school, in direct violation of the separation of church and state enumerated in the constitution, as well as dredging up the anti-science rhetoric of the 1925 Scopes-Monkey Trial,to which the Supreme Court has already ruled such religious posturing in schools violates the separation clause. Proponents say it's good for students to question theories, even though theories such as evolution and global warming, are almost universally accepted in the scientific community.

Of course, evolution is not really controversial (and neither is global warming). The only controversy stems from the Big Religion (and Big Coal/Oil fighting climate change science) corporation that is slowly losing legitimacy in the face of scientific progress.

I recently watched, Flock of Dodos, the 2006 documentary probing the Kansas state School Board and their efforts to inject Intelligent Design into classroom curriculum's. Marine biologist Randy Olson examines the politicization of the School Board and their disregard for actual, verifiable science. I guess Olson will be revisiting the midwest in the coming years.