01/12/06 New Developments

The Second Regular Session of the Sixty-Fifth General Assembly convened yesterday with neither Sen. Brophy nor Rep. Stafford making any moves regarding their declared intention to impose "intelligent design" (ID) on Colorado public schools. We are carefully monitoring events, but so far so good.

While the legislators have remained quiet on the issue, the Manitou Springs-based Summit Ministries, a "reconstructionist" ministry, has decided to take a stance on the issue in its "Truth & Consequences" newsletter. Noting that "ID scientists are willing to make observations about the natural world and are not afraid to explore both natural as well as supernatural explanations for interpreting the data, whichever best fits the facts," they conclude: "Only when students are allowed to hear both sides of the current controversy will they be given a true education. Anything less is blatant indoctrination. For that reason, ID deserves a place in the science classroom." To read the full article: What Was Eric Cornell Thinking? Science Can't Tell, Misrepresenting Intelligent Design by Chuck Edwards, January 2006, Truth & Consequences.

Upcoming Event: Noted theoretical physicist, science advocate, and lecturer against ID, Prof. Lawrence M. Krauss will be visiting Colorado later in January and early February talking about the ID assault on sound education.

To quote the announcement from Colorado College, Lecture: "Science Under Attack, from the White House to the Classroom" on February 2, 2006 -

"Lawrence M. Krauss, theoretical physicist and author, presents a lecture, "Science Under Attack, from the White House to the Classroom: Public Policy, Science Education, and the Emperor's New Clothes." Krauss is a professor of physics, professor of astronomy, and director of the Center for Education and Research in Cosmology and Astrophysics at Case Western Reserve University. He authored seven popular books including international bestseller "The Physics of Star Trek" and the award-winning "Atom." Krauss is also a regular essayist for newspapers such as the New York Times, and appears regularly on television. He is the only physicist to have been awarded the highest awards of the American Physical Society, the American Association of Physics Teachers, and the American Institute of Physics. He has led the effort by scientists to defend the teaching of science in public schools. His essay in the New York Times on "Evolution and Intelligent Design" in May 2005 helped spur recent controversy. Krauss argues that scientists and those interested in science need to become vocal evangelists for science on many fronts. Sponsored by the Harold D. and Rhoda N. Roberts Lecture Fund in Natural Sciences.


[7:30 p.m., Packard Hall, SW corner of Cascade Ave. and Cache La Poudre St. FREE]

Professor Krauss will also be speaking twice in Aspen:

Jan 24, 2006 - Wheeler Opera House, Aspen CO

Jan 24, 2005 - Explore Bookstore, Aspen CO

Anyway, we are continuing to monitor developments closely and will be sure to keep our readers apprised of new developments regarding ID in Colorado as they happen.