Pickens: Expect evolution bills

Another key lawmaker says it's likely the Legislature will weigh in on the evolution controversy. And in this case, the lawmaker, Rep. Joe Pickens, R-Palatka, says he has concerns about the proposed state standards himself.

"If it becomes a matter for legislative discussion, then I would have opinions that if it's going to be presented, it's presented … in a manner that is not potentially exclusive of any other theory," including creationism, said Pickens, the powerful chair of the House Schools and Learning Council.

Pickens said he has heard from other lawmakers who are concerned about the proposed standards - which refer to evolution as the fundamental concept underlying all of biology – but none told him they were planning to file legislation. Still, he said, "I would be very surprised if there weren't some individual legislators that feel so strongly about the issue that they individually file bills that address that."

Pickens' comments echo those of Rep. Dan Gelber, D-Miami Beach, the House minority leader, who made similar predictions to The Gradebook a month ago (see post here.)

Among scientists, there is virtually no debate about the fundamental soundness of Darwin's theory. "But far and away," Pickens said, "most of the people who are our constituents, and who vote for us, are not scientists." Pickens' home county of Putnam, in North Florida, is among those with school boards that may be considering resolutions criticizing the proposed standards (see Florida Times Union story here.)

- Ron Matus, state education reporter

Comments

[club penguin mission 1]

There is no other alternative Theory to Darwinian evolution. It's the only theory about the development and diversity of species testable and confirmed by experiments. How does this guy explain disease control, paleontology, oil exploration that relies on fossil evidence, agriculture, and so many other disciplines that use evolution to assist their goals to make this country rich and prosperous.

[Jessica Bennett]

Glenn Branch posted at Beacon Broadside today about the change of standards in Florida, and he links back here.

A New Standard in Florida: http://www.beaconbroadside.com/broadside/2008/02/the-recent-batt.html

[L. T.]

Picken's name simply describes what he does with his nose in his spare time. The rest of the time he is aggravating those of us with IQs higher than their shoe size up here in Putnam. Some of us do have a belief in modern principals of science... no matter what he says.

Dr. AmpuT

[Tom]

Now, let me get this straight...

Florida is in the middle of a HUGE budget crunch.

Insurance companies are taking advantage of every opportunity to raise rates.

The people have spoken because they want lower taxes.

All attempts to get creationism into public school science curricula have been struck down in federal courts...

And, these jamokes up in Tallahassee have NOTHING better to do that dream up bills to bring their bible thumping ways into public schools?

Don't they have to have debates on what the official state candy bar will be during their 60 days in session? Won't this cut into their valuable lobbyist wining and dining time?

[Desertphile]

Pickens is quoted as saying in part "it's presented ... in a manner that is not potentially exclusive of any other theory...." How can someone be a chairperson of a education council and not know there is only one theory of evolution? There are no "any other theories." Evolution is an observed fact: evolutionary theory is the theory that explains, describes, and makes predictions about the fact of evolution. It makes no sense at all to talk about "other theories." Why doesn't Pickens know this--- isn't that lack a sign that he should not be on any council of education?

[D]

Here is a question: I would attend a place called church if I want to explore creationism. I send my children to school to learn Science. Now, if school becomes the place to learn creationism, will church become the place to learn evolution?? Certainly the proponents of including creationism in the public school Science curriculum would support the teaching of evolution in the churches to be consistent with their position, right? Where is that movement and who is spearheading it?

[JLO]

I wonder if he listens to himself when he speaks.

"most of the people who are our constituents, and who vote for us, are not scientists."

'nough said.

[D. Trump]

Repeat after me....

Joe Pickens, R-Palatka, YOU'RE FIRED!

Love always,

D. Trump

[Snoz]

Yes, let's use invaluable legislative time to debate whether God had a hand in creating the biodiversity of life contained in our world. We'll just set off any debate about funding our schools at a level that actually benefits our children's future education, let's skip finding alternative sources of revenues so that valuable public services are not cut for those who badly need it, and just pass a law that requires teachers to also teach magic and wizardry as an alternative theory to science. Just look how far the rest of the world has come by failing to teach science to their students and instead filling their tiny heads with radical ideology. Look, if you want to pray and believe in God, I can respect that. Just do it in private, without government interference. How would you like it if the Government were to attend masses at your church to tell you their versions or theories on the bible? This is why we keep religion out of government and vice versa. They can both coexist without crossing each other. Let science stay in the classrooms and religion stay in the churches.

[Drew]

The Florida Legislature is full of idiots! There is no other alternative Theory to Darwinian evolution. It's the only theory about the development and diversity of species testable and confirmed by experiments. How does this guy explain disease control, paleontology, oil exploration that relies on fossil evidence, agriculture, and so many other disciplines that use evolution to assist their goals to make this country rich and prosperous.
There's nothing in evolutionary theory that talks about initial origins of life if thats what this loser is worried about. He can believe God created Earth and initiated life, lots of scientists do and it doesn't conflict with their belief in evolution. But lets keep individuals religious beliefs out of the science class. Our kids need to be smart to compete internationally.

[Bill]

What they realy want is not a fair discussion but another chance to proselytize. They know there is no scientific evidence that discounts evolution, which they believe is only natural selection, not including genetic drift, or punctuated equilibrium or any number of fossil evidence they choose to ignore. In short they are just lazy rednecks. Read Dover Board of Education decision in Pennsylvania and enlighten yourself.

[Rose]

Let's teach creationism as science ONLY IF any idiot who votes for it MUST get their healthcare from doctors and nurses who lay on hands and praaaay for your healing instead of using solutions discovered thru scientific methods. No more innoculations for preventable diseases, because they interfere with God's plan.
I've EVOLVED beyond thinking a sky monster is eating our sun during an eclipse.

Isn't there a rule against "nuisance" lawsuits? This proven idiocy LOST everywhere it was tried, but cost taxpayers big bucks for lawyers.

God gave us BRAINS to USE them. Our founders tried to protect us from being FORCED to sanction religious opinions. I'm not a Christian Scientist nor Jehovah's witness nor radical Christian fundamentalist.

I donate blood for transfusions and prefer it be tested for germs by scientists who studied latest science -- not flat earth centered demonology myths -- as science.

Legislators need to keep their mitts off of citizens' right to choose their own faith without tax paid propaganda.

[Kim]

Oh god!!! I am living in a state governed by idiots!!!! I don't see why we even bother spending tax money on education.

[Eric]

The overarching goal of the opponents of the new science standards isn't against evolution, but to undo what they consider 'a materialistic worldview.' That means science itself, as well as mainstream Christianity that accepts evolution as God's work, are under attack from Christian fundamentalists.

[Dave]

Pickens statement is the most cynical I have seen in a long time. What is and is not science is not an issue decidable by popular vote.

If they aren't scientists why should they be dictating what is taught in the science classroom?

Oh, wait....

[Sherman Dorn]

Since potential bills by individuals have to have been submitted already for drafting, you might want to ask in Tallahassee about that. The other two possibilities are shell bills that could address standards or committee bills.

I suspect any such interference would die in the session unless bound up in another bill.