Thought Theater

Many within the GOP are touting Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal as a possible running mate for John McCain...calling him a rising superstar in the party. Unfortunately, this rising star is also in favor of teaching creationism (intelligent design) alongside of evolution.

In the following video, Jindal attempts to offer a nuanced argument in favor of including intelligent design as part of a science curriculum. Jindal suggests, "I don't want any facts or theories or explanations withheld". Apparently Jindal doesn't comprehend the significant differences between facts, theories, and explanations. Intelligent design is largely an attempt to explain the origin of our world and its inhabitants by simply assailing the gaps that exist in the huge body of evidence supporting the theory of evolution.

Perhaps we should also require schools to teach children that Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny are reasonable explanations for the gifts they receive on Christmas and Easter...and that mom and dad could actually be lying when they admit that they played those roles.

The prevailing problem with those who promote intelligent design is their desire to include it in a science course. While many can accept that it is an alternate belief as to the origin of our existence, they also realize that it should be taught in a religious studies or sociology course; not on a par with evolution in a science class. There's simply a lack of evidence to support it as a tested or testable scientific hypothesis.

Look, I'm happy to see the GOP promoting the superstar status of Republicans like Jindal. I think John McCain should include more of them in his candidacy. In fact, why not announce some of the other superstar individuals McCain plans to appoint to his cabinet...individuals who want to include other areas of interest in the science we elect to teach our children. Why stop at creationism?

I think McCain's cabinet ought to include those with expertise in exorcism, tarot card reading, and Ouija Board interpretations, or any number of other "reputable" fields of study. On second thought, I forgot that Jindal already has the exorcism bonafides covered...but not to worry...maybe John McCain can still promise to appoint a witch doctor as his Surgeon General.