Emotional Paradox

I heard about Bush’s speech, saying the U.S. would focus more on stopping illegal immigration but would allow more work visas to be granted. Obviously, Bush is appealing to the businessmen & their companies that line his campaign’s pockets. Said the Prez:

America has always been a compassionate nation that values the newcomer and takes great pride in our immigrant heritage, yet we’re also a nation built on the rule of law. The American people should not have to choose between a welcoming society and a lawful society. We can have both at the same time.

I agree, but that doesn’t mean we need to send ‘em packing at first glance. Grant a temporary visa, let immigrants apply for citizen status, and say “Welcome to America.” This country is composed of all types of people, and I believe everyone should always be welcome.

I’ve heard a few people mumble around campus about jobs disappearing with the rise of immigration. Hopefully, this will motivate Americans to work a bit harder to compete for these jobs. I better stop before I have to post on ‘job stealing.’

Oklahoma House Rep. Thad Balkman (R-Norman) recently declared he wanted Oklahoma to join the discussion over intelligent design. Balkman is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Oklahoma Gazette commentary writer Kurt Hochenauer wrote a great piece on intelligent design & why it is in no way scientific. An excerpt:

Intelligent design uses deceitful rhetorical strategies to promote Christian creationism under the name of ’science’ and as a challenge to the theory of evolution. It argues the natural world is so complex it must have been created by an intelligent designer. This may seem like a logical idea to some people, but it cannot be proved using standard rules of scientific experimentation. The main advocates of the movement are right-wing Christian fundamentalists.
Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution, which maintains the natural world evolve over time through natural selection, has never been disproved by scientists. Evolution is a tested scientific theory, not a conjectural theory, which has led directly and indirectly to major advances in medical science. The main advocates of evolution are the vast majority of the country’s educated scientists.

My favorite:

Evolutionists help to fight cancer, cure disease and affirm life. Intelligent designers dismiss real science over religious faith or, in this case, an unproven idea.

Intelligent design has every right to be discussed, but it has no place being taught, especially in a science classroom. Philosophy does well in discussing this topic, as it should.

It’s very frustrating that a few people in power feel the need to oppress the citizens they ‘represent’ by imposing ignorant laws that force improper education. Students taught ID in a scientific environment will, unfortunately, believe that ID is scientific, not philosophical. As long as religious zealots continue to have such a stronghold in legislation, citizens will continue to be subject to their want & will.

Thad Balkman does write in favor of intelligent design. I will not summarize it, simply because I believe it is absolutely preposterous. I’ve read it three times in succession, and I still cannot believe that he, let alone others, actually believe what he wrote. You can read it here.