The wisdom of the plains

What I think about evolution    published in today's NY Times by Senator Sam Brownback of Kansas.

Hmm, where to start?   Clearly the Senator is a well-educated and articulate man, and yet he spouts such drivel. 

"But limiting this question to a stark choice between evolution and creationism does a disservice to the complexity of the interaction between science, faith and reason."

A very well written but ultimately nonsensical sentence.   When I read that line I think of the kind of quiz that children sometimes take where they are shown 3 pictures (say a cow, a pig, and a car) and asked to choose which one doesn't belong.   

It could be interpreted that he does not actually believe these things but is simply pandering to his Christian-right Kansas base.  But the fact that he chose to write such a detailed piece (when creationist type sound-bytes probably would suffice for that base) and publish it in the NY Times leads me to believe that it is likely he believes these things.

"It does not strike me as anti-science or anti-reason to question the philosophical presuppositions behind theories offered by scientists who, in excluding the possibility of design or purpose, venture far beyond their realm of empirical science."

There is nothing "beyond the realm of empirical science".  There is or will be scientific explanation for every  phenomenon existing in nature; for the origin of that phenomenon; and for every biologically /genetically driven emotion, action, or belief of human beings. 

The question is moot anyways.  I dont know why I keep bringing it up.  It's just so frustrating to people like me who just can't understand how anyone can believe in such ridiculousness.  I know its not their fault, they are genetically predisposed to this condition.   I've said it before and I'll say it again, I just cant wait until they invent a cure.