May 09, 2007
McCain And Creationism: Not In Science Class, But Let Localities Decide
Here's the answer to our question about John McCain and evolution.
McCain believes in evolution, personally believes that :"intelligent design" "creationism" shouldn't be taught in SCIENCE class, but is willing to leave that decision up to the states, ultimately, and also, believes that students should be exposed to the theory elsewhere, presumably in religion or social studies class.
Mark Salter, McCain's long-time chief of staff and co-author and close friend, confirmed that our summary matches McCain's views. (Note that Salter co-authored, with McCain, a chapter on Darwin in their '05 book "Character Is Desinty.")
A brief Nexis search and some friendly e-mail tips shows consistency:
From the Lousiville Courier-Journal in 2006:
"On the issue of whether the teaching of evolution in public schools should also include "intelligent design" - the idea that life is too complex to have happened by accident - McCain said he agrees that "young people have a right to be told" about intelligent design. "It's a theory, just like evolution is a theory ... (even though) it may not be as plausible," given there's little scientific evidence to support it, he said. The "hand of God played a role," he said."[emphasis added]
From the Aspen Times in 2006:
John McCain: “'I think Americans should be exposed to every point of view,' he said. 'I happen to believe in evolution. ... I respect those who think the world was created in seven days. Should it be taught as a science class? Probably not.'"
From the Albany Times Union in 1999:
"Since the Kansas Board of Education voted in early August to delete virtually all mention of evolution from the state's recommended science curriculum and standardized tests, presidential hopefuls have been asked their views on the matter. Republican Texas Gov. George W. Bush has said local schools should be allowed to teach both creationism and evolution as theories. Two other Republican hopefuls, Elizabeth Dole and Sen. John McCain of Arizona, have said the issue is for local school boards to decide."
This reminds us of McCain's position on civil unions: personally, he opposes them, but he does not believe the federal government ought to make the decision for states. [MARC AMBINDER]
Posted at 12:10 PM
Comments
PhonyTalkExprees McCain is going on his knees infront of righties once again! He is looking more and more pathetic.
me | 05.09.07 12:44 PM
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Intelligent Design is not a theory
It has no data to support it. It is merely the "God of Gaps." In other words, what you can't explain with current knowledge you claim that God or an Intelligent Designer made it so.
With that approach, we would have learned nothing over the past 10000 years.
God can make it all happen - with Natural Law (whatever that is) and it is up to us as investigators to chip away at what Natural Law is.
We will never understand all of Natural Law - only God knows that.
Stephen Garramone(Col, USAF, Ret), Melbourne, FL | 06.05.08 05:21 AM
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