Forgive me, all - I couldn't find a way to post this letter to my album or easily email only to those who asked that I include their names, since I didn't have all email addresses. So, if you aren't interested, don't read on. Again, my apologies. Below is the text of the letter I've drafted for Senator Buttars. I decided to send it under my business letterhead, mainly because I couldn't think of anything else appropriate. I'm open to ideas, though. Please comment off-list, if you wish. I plan to put it in the mail tomorrow morning. August 11, 2005 Senator Chris Buttars 9241 South Lisa Avenue West Jordan, Utah 84088 Re: Creationism and Utah Public Schools Dear Senator Buttars: For the record, I sent you an email earlier today asking for clarification from you about the referenced issue. I realize that you must be very busy and likely cannot respond within such a short time to email from concerned citizens. However, I wanted to contact you soon regarding this matter and, hopefully, reach you by mail by the week's end. For some time I have observed the continuing debate in other states regarding the effort by some conservative religionists to require that creationism be reintroduced into the public school curricula. On June 6th of this year, the Salt Lake Tribune reported that you, backed by the special interest lobby, the Utah Eagle Forum, planned to introduce legislation that would require that creationism be taught in Utah's public schools. Prior to reading that article, I believed the Utah's citizens were above this debate. Your remarks proved that I was mistaken. Since that June article, I have read another Tribune article, dated August 3rd, wherein you were again quoted about this issue. Finally, I read your column at Yahoo News, dated August 9th, that more clearly outlines your personal views. While I wish to avoid a personal attack, I must first point out that you appear to be uninformed regarding Darwinism, evolution theory, and science, in general. It is not my intent to debate science and religion with you, but I encourage you to become better acquainted with both the scientific process and the language of science before you speak again so publicly about science, religion and creationism. I am very concerned about your intent to have your values and those of the Utah Eagle Forum taught in the science classroom. Religion under any guise, whether you call it creationism, intelligent design, or divine design, does not belong in a science curriculum. If Utah public schools have the budget to initiate classes that teach comparative religion, then that may certainly be an appropriate venue for your views and those of other like-minded citizens. I probably need not remind you, however, that in such circumstances, your views are equally valid as those of the proponents of Druidism, Santeria, Wicca, atheists, and even what you might call "liberal" Christians. It is a grave mistake to take Utah down the road of replacing rational inquiry and debate with mysticism and faith-based beliefs. Western civilization once took that path. We call that period of history the Dark Ages. Scientists don't pretend to instruct us about religion; unknowledgeable persons of faith shouldn't instruct us about science; politicians, including you, shouldn't instruct us about either. Please keep religious instruction and debate where it belongs, in Utah's homes and places of worship. Sincerely, Kim A. Hyatt I am a member of the Salt Lake Astronomical Society. The following are fellow amateur astronomers/scientists who have asked that I add their names to this letter: Michael Carnes, Salt Lake City Scott Catron, Sandy Richard Tenney, Provo Kathleen Warner, Salt Lake City Ken Warner, Salt Lake City Paul Witte, Provo C: Darin Peterson, Utah State Senate, District 24 Richard W. Wheeler, Utah House of Representatives, District 68 Gayle Ruzicka, President, Utah Eagle Forum Joe Bauman, Deseret News Glen Warchol, Salt Lake Tribune