I agree!!! I am both a scientist and a deeply spiritual person, but I do NOT want the two to cross in education and politics. We are a free nation but we have doctrines intended to separate church and state - for a reason! This nation was founded by our ancestors who wanted to escape religious persecution. Let's not go backwards! By keeping the two separate, we allow EVERYONE to pursue their OWN personal path in spiritual areas - the truest Freedom of Choice! I choose NOT to impose my beliefs on others and ask for the same courtesy. End of story. Simple solution. We honor ALL the paths to 'God' or whatever name you chose to follow. P E A C E, Jim S. Kim Hyatt <kimharch@cut.net> wrote: Warning: The following is critical of President Bush. If you do disapprove, do not read on. News item (courtesy of Patrick Wiggins): Science Leader Says President Bush Confuses Science and Belief To the chagrin of scientists, President Bush said Monday he believes schools should discuss "intelligent design'' alongside evolution when teaching students about the creation of life. http://www.livescience.com/othernews/ap_050802_bush_design.html I think that scientists (professional and amateur alike) should speak out about this trend. Remember, there will likely be a bill introduced in Utah's next legislative session to require that Utah schools teach "intelligent design" alongside the theory of evolution. "Intelligent design" is the new catch phrase that proponents of creationism use to make this religious "theory" sound more scientific. I think of myself as a religious person, but I feel strongly that religionists should stop interfering with science. The Catholic Church used to do so and pursued that course to its logical end: the persecution, imprisonment and execution of scientists. Scientists don't pretend to instruct us about religion; unknowledgeable persons of faith shouldn't instruct us about science; politicians, including and especially Mr. Bush, shouldn't instruct us about either. I respect my friends (and those who are not my friends) who hold differing views. But, I believe that religion in any guise should only be taught in our homes and places of worship. I believe this to be a correct interpretation of the Constitution and I will oppose politicians and lobbyists such as the Eagle Forum who have said that they will work toward having intelligent design taught in public schools. This may open a barrel of snakes, but I think the persons of this group have a responsibility to protect science from interference from religionists. So, how do others feel? Kim _______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list Utah-Astronomy@mailman.xmission.com http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy Visit the Photo Gallery: http://www.utahastronomy.com TechnoVation Network New Technology Consulting The Perfect You Insightful Seminars, Workshops & Coaching