Re: [Phys-l] The attack on science is political, not philosophical

[Jack Uretsky <jlu@hep.anl.gov>]

Hi all-
	As a history buff, I heartily endorse Rick's comments.  The 
horrors of untrammeled democracy were made evident by the Athenians during 
the Peloponesian wars; the ideas that led to the formation of our republic 
sprang from the brain of Cicero, who's head and hands were ultimately 
presented to the emperor Augustus.
			Regards,
				Jack



On Wed, 16 Jan 2008, Rick Tarara wrote:

> There are always 'gray areas'--although for me this is not one largely due
> to my personal view of 'animal activists'.  Imagine what the consequences of
> a full PETA agenda would be (would have been) on medical science.  And why
> not include INSECTS in one's protection--save the mosquito!
>
> As to another post though, yes it is quite possible for the society to
> decide NOT to teach evolution.  That is the danger in a true democracy or
> worse, in a theocracy.  Ignorance CAN rule.  The US republic style
> government offers a little more protection and a well-written constitution
> even more, but in the end--the society decides.  It does impose religious
> ideas on all (IN GOD WE TRUST if nothing else).  The Indiana Supreme Court
> has twice ruled that tax payers have no right to sue over prayers in the
> legislature?  Education is our first line of defense, but it is not
> impregnable!
>
> Rick
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "LaMontagne, Bob" <RLAMONT@providence.edu>
>
> > However, what about a child who has taken a moral stand against
> > experimenting on animals. Do we force that child to dissect frogs and
> > cats? Is the point of the schooling to learn how to dissect or to learn
> > anatomy?
> >
> > Bob at PC
>
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