The Dangerously Tyrannical Nature of Open-Mindedness

OK, this one is a rant. (I'm not fond of rants)

I am really surprised at the ruling by a federal judge in the matter of the Dover, PA fight over a 30 second statement in the public school system. The school board mandated that the following should be read once at the beginning of the sections about Darwinistic Evolution:

from the Associated Press:

Text of the statement on intelligent design that Dover Area High School administrators had been reading to students at the start of biology lessons on evolution:

"The Pennsylvania Academic Standards require students to learn about Darwin's theory of evolution and eventually to take a standardized test of which evolution is a part.

"Because Darwin's theory is a theory, it continues to be tested as new evidence is discovered. The theory is not a fact. Gaps in the theory exist for which there is no evidence. A theory is defined as a well-tested explanation that unifies a broad range of observations.

"Intelligent design is an explanation of the origin of life that differs from Darwin's view. The reference book, 'Of Pandas and People,' is available in the library along with other resources for students who might be interested in gaining an understanding of what intelligent design actually involves.

"With respect to any theory, students are encouraged to keep an open mind. The school leaves the discussion of the origins of life to individual students and their families. As a standards-driven district, class instruction focuses upon preparing students to achieve proficiency on standards-based assessments."


Wow - please note the abundance of deviously designed rhetoric to undermine science. Ugh. Let me summarize:

You are about to learn about the theory of evolution. Theories are not proven, but give tested explanations and are open to more evidence and adjustment. There is another school of thought about our origins, which you may look into on your own time, called Intelligent Design. There is a book in the library about it, but that area is for your own pursuit and your family's. Keep an open mind. We are standards driven and will prepare you to know evolutionary theory.

Or, let me give you the short short version. "We're about to teach on Evolution. Some people have another idea, which if you are curious about you may study on your own. Up to you, but we test you on evolution."

Now THAT, is one insipid and nefarious statement.

The part that seems especially threatening is having an open mind. We can't have that. If evolution is the best theory, why would people be so threatened about other viewpoints. What's also interesting is that the statement says "The school leaves the discussion of the origins of life to individual students and their families" - with the notable exception of evolution. That origin of life viewpoint is mandated, and apparently not open to evaluation or competition.

No - what we really need, in regard to this issue, is a closed mind. Nothing else in there. We can't have any heretics bringing in false theories and beliefs. (Sounds like a religious person's viewpoint to me)

An open mind is simply too dangerous to be encouraged. People might be duped into thinking they have options. Or duped into thinking for themselves. I don't really care what the conclude about the subject. I care that they cannot even mention that you have an option, or point toward something else. Open mindedness - too dangerous to encourage or sanction.

Good thing no one will read this! I might be in trouble.