By Jack Cashill

(cont.)

Four decades of modern research into the cell have led biochemists either to a similar conclusion or to stubborn silence. Those who dare to question accepted theory are finding, as respected biochemist Michael Behe notes in Darwin’s Black Box, that “Darwinism is an inadequate explanation for understanding the origin of complex biochemical systems.”

ID proponents argue that not only do random variation and natural selection fail to account for systems as “irreducibly complex” as, say, a human eye, they fail to account for the development of a single cell within that eye. Behe’s studies have led him to the conclusion that “Life on earth at its most fundamental level, in its most critical components, is the product of intelligent activity.”

Adds Behe, “The result is so unambiguous and so significant that it must be ranked as one of the greatest achievements in the history of science.”

One would think that an achievement of this magnitude would be worth teaching, at least worth exploring and debating. As one woman at the hearing argued, "The freedom to look at the truth new everyday is one of the precious freedoms we have in this country." Another asked that the students be allowed the same debate that the board was enjoying.

The board agreed. The science educators did not. John Staver, co-chair of the writing committee called the board’s decision “a travesty to science education.” Kansas, he added, “just embarrassed itself on the national stage.”

As to the ACLU, they are apparently threatening to do what they have done now for 75 years, take democracy to court.

Deja vu all over again.

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