1. Texas Supreme Court rules church can't be sued in exorcism

Comment #200775 by heafnerj on June 28, 2008 at 8:22 am

In the words of George Carlin, American is finished. With the courts stacked with conservative justices appointed by politicians purchased by big business, lobbyists, and groups like the NRA, there's no reason or hope to expect things to improve. It's over folks.

2. Louisiana's Latest Assault on Darwin

Comment #197186 by heafnerj on June 21, 2008 at 10:00 am

Folks, I really hate to be the one to say it, but the fact that this non-issue repeatedly comes back is evidence that it's not going away. We've lost this battle, mostly thanks to the dumbing down of public education in this country. The next third world country on the planet will be America.

3. 16% of US science teachers are creationists

Comment #182652 by heafnerj on May 20, 2008 at 6:44 pm

I'm surprised the percentage is this low. Teaching simply isn't valued in this country as evidenced by how easy it is to become "certified" to teach in the public schools. I'm certainly not saying that all teachers are incompetent because that simply isn't true. However, many are especially when it comes to science.

4. I Am Evolution

Comment #178586 by heafnerj on May 11, 2008 at 4:21 pm

Yes, I certainly do distinguish between between *belief* and *acceptance* because the former doesn't require evidence whereas the latter does. I've been teaching science for fifteen years and it's about time we, not just the scientific community but everyone, paid more attention to simple terminology. It's not an issue of being "uptight"; that accusation is indeed a deeply entrenched part of the fundamental problem.

And yes, it is incorrect to say that "I believe in quantum physics." because quantum physics is based on experimental evidence, not blind faith. Therefore, belief is not in order. And remember that Webster doesn't always get it right.

Anyway, terminological subtleties may be arguable to experienced scientists, but certainly they are quite confusing and a learning barrier to young, untrained, introductory students. Use terms for which there is no ambiguity for the introductory students and let their terminological proficiency grow with their reasoning abilities.

For the record, I'm completely in favor of the essay, so please nix the straw man arguments and burden shifting. ;-) Lastly, commenting on one's choice of words isn't the same as attacking one. I would have thought posters here would know the difference! I don't seen a single ad hominem attack among the comments here.

5. I Am Evolution

Comment #178520 by heafnerj on May 11, 2008 at 2:25 pm

I heard this on NPR this morning and gave a silent cheer (I was still in bed snoozing). As a teacher, I have a bit of a problem with "believing" in science as opposed to "accepting" it, but the overall message is good.

6. Soldier Sues Army, Saying His Atheism Led to Threats

Comment #169772 by heafnerj on April 26, 2008 at 6:09 pm

This really doesn't surprise me. Religion and military violence go hand in hand.

7. Yoko Ono, Filmmakers Caught in 'Expelled' Flap

Comment #162670 by heafnerj on April 17, 2008 at 7:58 am

A friend just suggested something that hadn't crossed my mind. What if Ben Stein got the idea to satirize the ID folks and creationists while making it look as though he's poking fun at scientists? What if the whole project is really Ben's way of showing what IDiots they are? This could conceivably be a Spinal Tap type of mockumentary and the IDers don't realize they're the ones being satirized. If this is true, this is sheer brilliance.

8. Yoko Ono, Filmmakers Caught in 'Expelled' Flap

Comment #162619 by heafnerj on April 17, 2008 at 6:22 am

I've thought for some time that this whole fiasco might be nothing more than a huge, well planned publicity stunt designed solely to keep people talking about it.

9. Police: Girl Dies After Parents Pray for Healing Instead of Seeking Medical Help

Comment #149801 by heafnerj on March 26, 2008 at 8:37 am

Only in America....where child abuse is defended on religious grounds.

10. In Britain, creationist theory is evolving

Comment #144702 by heafnerj on March 16, 2008 at 4:08 pm

Yet another reason to be ashamed of being an American (my personal opinion only, mind you). As a college science instructor, this is very, very discouraging. Then again, it's not exactly a conspiracy either. Conspiracies are carried out in secret. The Wedge Document clearly lays out the strategy that is working just as planned.

11. Questions Delay Creationist Master's Degrees

Comment #112648 by heafnerj on January 17, 2008 at 4:50 pm

That an online academic degree (an oxymoron) in creationism is even being considered at all here makes me ashamed to be an American and simultaneously proud to be a community college professor. Even my students somewhat understand the difference between science and pseudoscience.

12. Poll finds more Americans believe in devil than Darwin

Comment #93261 by heafnerj on December 2, 2007 at 2:32 pm

Well, some things make me ashamed to be caucasian. Some things make me ashamed to be a man. Some things make me ashamed to be American, and this poll is one of them. Our spectacular failure of a public educational system is another. Ugh! I too have seriously...SERIOUSLY...considered moving to the great white north.

I teach undergraduate astronomy and physics for a living, and I can tell you things are getting worse, not better.

Incidentally, annabanana, my brother lives in Spartanburg and is a bio prof at Limestone. I live in NC.

13. The Stupidity of Fox News is Truly Beyond Belief

Comment #52316 by heafnerj on June 26, 2007 at 5:48 pm

Sadly, most (certainly not all) Americans who watch this will believe every single word. This piece is a "poster child" for logical fallacies and I just may use it in my classes this fall. To me, this is an attempt by a government propganda outlet to once again discredit intellectualism and science and to make the pious think they're superior. It will probably work too.

14. Executive Actions to Promote Religion Ruled Beyond Court Scrutiny

Comment #51945 by heafnerj on June 25, 2007 at 3:41 pm

The transition to theocracy is effectively complete now. The only missing piece is the seizing of the military by the executive branch. Given Dick Cheney's ongoing arrogance, I really can now foresee either Cheney or Bush seizing the military to prevent a new president from taking office after the next election.

Some say, "Write your congressional representatives and senators!" Well, I can't do that. As a private citizen who makes less than $50000 annually, not affiliated with any corporation, not affiliated with the Republican party (both of NC's senators are Republicans), not religious, and not a contributor to campaign funds, I effectivey have no representation. When I visit Canada next summer, I will seriously consider moving. I never thought I would utter those words or entertain that though. I'm ashamed of America.

15. Supreme Court nixes suit over faith-based plan

Comment #51863 by heafnerj on June 25, 2007 at 12:14 pm

This is a sad day for America. To answer jonahemery's initial statement, I personally feel it's beause our education system is a spectacular failure at every level. It's quite difficult to be outraged over something if you are not aware that the something is actually bad in the first place. Edward Tabash's remarks have hit home today like a ton of bricks. Couple this with Dick Cheney's continuing antics and I am truly afraid for this country's future.

16. PBS Revelation: Network's 'Wall Of Separation' Has Religious Right Genesis

Comment #49617 by heafnerj on June 12, 2007 at 3:35 pm

Fine, just air Root of All Evil and I'll be happy.