From: mike@gordian.com (Michael A. Thomas)
Subject: Re: HERSCHENSOHN: Differences with Boxer on Education
Organization: Gordian; Costa Mesa, CA
Date: Fri, 16 Oct 1992 18:14:29 GMT

In article <12771@optilink.UUCP>, cramer@optilink.UUCP (Clayton Cramer) writes:
> In article <1992Oct14.183207.15844@gordian.com>, mike@gordian.com (Michael A. Thomas) writes:
> > In article <12723@optilink.UUCP>, cramer@optilink.UUCP (Clayton Cramer) writes:
> > > In article <39223@sdcc12.ucsd.edu>, jlodman@cs.ucsd.edu (Michael Lodman) writes:
> # # # Evolution, on the other hand, is science, whatever the religious morons
> # # # who try to equate it to creationism might want to believe, and it does
> # # # belong in the schools.
> # # 
> # # "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion,
> # # or prohibiting the free exercise thereof;"  What does that last 
> # # phrase tell you?
> # 
> #   That education should be privatized. Trying to to make a right or
> 
> It would certainly solve the problem.  But since liberals are intent
> on imposing their will on others, and prohibiting diversity, what
> do we do in the mean time?

  Of course this can be argued till blue faces prevail, I will only
give this one shot. If we are going to have public schools then
they ought to at least try to seperate religion, *all* religion,
from the classroom. Play *no* favorites one way or the other. Let
parents have the onus of teaching their children morality altogether,
based on whatever philosophy they subscribe to (and whatever the
child is willing to tolerate). 
  This will not solve problems like sex education and other things
like that, but they could (and still are, to my knowledge) be voluntary
programs. This is not a perfect solution by any means (it cannot be
since the premise of public education is wrong), but it is a *far* shake
better than having public indoctrination of particular religions.
I, as an atheist, would not appretiate *one* *iota* my children being
forced to pray, or taught biblical stories, or preached at about
Leviticus. This is very confusing for children. Public schools should
not be promoting or disparaging religion. 
  As far as contradictions of the nature of science vs. religion
(typified by evolution), science should prevail. Schools are about
learning facts and the manipulation thereof. If there are contradictions
with religious teachings, that's the parent's responsibility to 
rationalize to their child. Elevating pseudo-science to science is
a SHAM, and serves only to destroy science altogether. Public schools
cannot be in the business of try to choose one brand of pseudo-science
over another or promoting pseudo-science on equal footing as real
science.

> # wrong determination with the problem is futile: it is based on a 
> # faulty premise. If you had any self respect Clayton, you would limit
> # your arguments to that point and that point alone.
> # -- 
> # 		Michael Thomas	(mike@gordian.com)
> 
> What is the faulty premise?  That we are stuck with public schools
> for the forseeable future?

  That government should be educating children.
-- 

		Michael Thomas	(mike@gordian.com)
	"I don't think Bambi Eyes will get you that flame thrower..."  
		-- Hobbes to Calvin
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