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Keepers of Galapagos. The Gospel of St. Charles

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Written by The Big Stink | 05 February 2009

There is the theory of evolution and there is the theory of Intelligent Design (ID).  Which is true?  The fact is a theory, by definition, is never true.  It is a set of hypotheses based on assumptions, patterns and observation.  In that regard, both Darwinism and ID are equal; neither carrying the weight of conclusive proof, nor are they, by definition, disqualified as theories.  In other words, neither are true, nor untrue.  They are theories.  They are equal.

Except in the classroom.  

ID has a public relations problem.  I cite, as an example, the recent withdrawal of the name Ben Stein as commencement speaker at the University of Virginia.  Stein, whose documentary film, “Expelled” was an expose’ of the hypocrisy practiced in higher learning in order to keep ID out of the classroom – and Darwin as the sole resident of the academia’s hallowed halls.  Stein had been invited by the U president to address the graduates - but the hue and cry from staff and students was such that Mr. Stein voluntarily withdrew his name from consideration.  The idea of welcoming someone who might actually believe in a “Creator” is a little overwhelming for a major university.

Why the hysteria over someone who simply has given voice to a theory?  Here’s my amateur hypothesis:  One needs to understand that Darwin’s model is much more than an explanation for our biological origins.  Darwinism supplants God.  Darwin places chance as the only determinant for our origins and as long as life is random, chaotic and without design, only men can give it meaning.  Only men, wise men – like academics - therefore, are capable of serving as God.  

ID, on the other hand, opens the door for the possibility there is a power exclusive of human reason and greater than academia, politics, the arts or social sciences.  It’s not rocket science, folks - the exclusion of ID from the classrooms of higher learning is the equivalent of closing your eyes, putting your hands over your ears and singing.  Most academics won’t even listen to the debate.

And, these are the people leading our kids from adolescence to adulthood.

God help us.

Waxman and Castro - 2 Peas

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Written by DrJonz | 20 February 2009

Right out of the Castro playbook:

Democrat Rep. Henry Waxman: 'Oversight of the Internet is One of His Top Priorities'
Monday, February 16, 2009 | Kristinn

The American Spectator's Prowler column published today has a disturbing report on the plans by the Democratic Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee Henry Waxman to regulate political speech on the Internet.

In addition to details of methods Waxman is considering to rein in conservative talk radio, The Prowler reports on Waxman's desire to use the power of the federal government to investigate amd control political content on the Internet.

The article quotes an unnamed committee staffer as saying of Waxman's power grab:

"Does one heavily trafficked Internet site present one side of an issue and not link to sites that present alternative views? These are some of the questions the chairman is thinking about right now, and we are going to have an FCC that will finally have the people in place to answer them."

"Internet radio is becoming a big deal, and we're seeing that some web sites are able to control traffic and information, while other sites that may be of interest or use to citizens get limited traffic because of the way the people search and look for information. We're at very early stages on this, but the chairman has made it clear that oversight of the Internet is one of his top priorities."

"This isn't just about Limbaugh or a local radio host most of us haven't heard about. The FCC and state and local governments also have oversight over the Internet lines and the cable and telecom companies that operate them. We want to get alternative views on radio and TV, but we also want to makes sure those alternative views are read, heard and seen online, which is becoming increasingly video and audio driven. Thanks to the stimulus package, we've established that broadband networks -- the Internet -- are critical, national infrastructure. We think that gives us an opening to look at what runs over that critical infrastructure."

The article reports that Waxman intends to work with Democratic Party President Barack Hussein Obama's nominee to be chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, Julius Genachowski, who is awaiting confirmation by the Democrat controlled Senate, to investigate and regulate free speech on the Internet.

Don't start the revolution without me!

The Other Side of the Story

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Written by Spike | 22 April 2009

A CLEANER, GREENER EARTH
 
Of the estimated 1 billion people who will observe Earth Day worldwide this year, few will know about the progress that has been made.  The world, especially in developed nations, is a cleaner -- and greener -- place than it was when the environmental movement began, says Investor's Business Daily (IBD).
Every year Steven Hayward, a scholar at the Pacific Research Institute and the American Enterprise Institute, compiles his Index of Leading Environmental Indicators.  And every year, his findings contradict the alarmists' warnings that the world is on the edge of environmental cataclysm.  From evidence "that tropical rain forests may now be expanding faster than they are being cut down" to the improving health of U.S. ocean fisheries to better outdoor air quality in American cities with the worst air pollution, Hayward shows there's more to be optimistic about than there is to be troubled about.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has also published its own Report on the environment.  Last year's report, the most recent, indicates outdoor air quality has improved, there's been a net gain in wetland acreage, public-source drinking-water problems are uncommon and forest land is expanding after declining for a century.
  • Americans are actually generating no more trash per-capita than they were in 1990.
  • Our production of hazardous waste has fallen from 36 million tons in 1999 to 28 million tons in 2005.
  • Lead levels in our blood have shown "a steady decline since the 1980s."
And then there's carbon dioxide, says IBD.  We are pumping out more than ever, but there's no evidence, only speculation, that this weak greenhouse gas is having any effect on the environment.
 
Overall, the health of the U.S. population has continued to improve, the EPA says.  Mortality rates continue to decline, and life expectancy continues to increase.
 
Source: Editorial, "Save Capitalism," Investor's Business Daily, April 22, 2009.


Hat Tip to IBD

Who Owns Your Baby's DNA?

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Written by Derek Brigham | 27 March 2009

If you have not been following HF 1341 and SF 1478, you should know that your baby, or young child's DNA very likely is "out there" and the government has their information stockpiled and already in use for research. No problem to you? Then never mind.

But if you value your child's privacy and the fundamental principles of less government intrusion into private lives, then you should know about the hard work Twila Brase and the CCHC have been doing on your behalf.

Today Jordan Jelinek wrote me this letter she submitted to her representative as an example of what you might say to yours. No need to be rude when writing elected leaders even when they consistently vote against your principles and opinions. I think Jordan strikes just the right tone with this letter.

Dear Legislators,

There is a concern among many constituents in Minnesota over the data privacy of the new born infants. Many of us understand as a matter of fact baby DNA is not state DNA. This is of course true, and the law requires that the DNA database of 820,000 be destroyed. This is not even a dispute between differing ideologies, but a matter of law. I no longer expect my legislators to understand the concerns of state control over baby DNA, however there should be a bare minimum that our legislators understand those concerns do exist.

It is understandable that there are those who want to advance science and to use infants as a vehicle to prove their dedication to such endeavors. Given that the HHS is in violation of the law, and is currently ignoring the law (and there is no evidence to support any other conclusion), the precedent being set here is not one of reasonable men and women. Essentially, supporting HF 1341 and its counterpart 1478 is affirming that science trumps reason. This is doubly troubling to those who have taken a brief look at some of the darker chapters of the history humanity concerning genetic research.

Again, at the bare minimum there is an understanding among many who are aware of the issue that baby DNA is not state DNA. They will grow distrustful of their doctors, and possibly even the medical profession. I implore my legislators to vote against HF 1341 and SF 1478, because I believe unabashedly that all ideologies understand the necessity of the patient/client relationship that is currently in jeopardy. That sacred relationship should not be infringed upon by legislators. We all share the same wonders towards what lies ahead, but lets put our best feet forward.

Sincerely,
    Jordan Jelinek

 
Twila and the CCHS are putting together stories from parents who have had their baby's DNA taken like these below. As she says, "Stories from moms, dads, nurses, grandmothers or anyone who has one would be great. Legislators need to hear what's really going on before they vote on the bill (HF 1341/SF 1478). Be sure to mention in the subject line that you're a constituent so they open it up. Include a comment about the newborn screening bill, HF 1341/SF 1478 so they know this is about something they have to vote on".  If you would like to offer yours or learn more, contact them here: Also, they have a petition New Baby DNA Petition to the Governor you might consider here.

Parent: We have four children. We had no idea that this was being done. The nurses may have brought is some forms for us to sign. If they did, I am sure my wife and I signed them thinking that they were just routine papers when a child is born. Really though, we have no idea if they even had us sign anything. I do know that we were not explained anything about the collection of our children's blood or DNA. I find this very disturbing and outrageous. I want my children's private information back. They are not the state's guinea pigs. They are my wife's and my children, and their blood and DNA is their private genetic information – Taconite, MN


Parent: Our nurses didn't even know we could opt out, or that any collection was going to the government. We kept being redirected as to who to go to to get the right paperwork. Postpartum nurses, nursery nurses, HUCs, no one knew where to find it. Eventually the head nurse got the proper form for us…Everyone was shocked when we told them that the collection was going on…When we got the letter from the government saying that they had destroyed the sample, they didn't spell our child's name correctly. It makes us wonder if they even destroyed our child's sample. – Woodbury, MN 

D-Day Weather And A Look Into Vets

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Written by Derek Brigham | 06 June 2009

Today is the annual observance of the D-Day invasion of Europe. If you still know any vets of the big one, give them a call and thank them. It can never be said enough. I thought about it a bit as I looked up at a seeming full moon late last night and remembered the date from some natural history concerning the Normandy invasion. It was a unique set of natural circumstances they were waiting for to execute that beach invasion.

Only a few days in each month were suitable for launching the operation, because both a full moon and a spring tide were required: the former to illuminate navigational landmarks for the crews of aircraft, gliders and landing craft, and the latter to provide the deepest possible water to help safe navigation over defensive obstacles placed by the Germans in the surf on the seaward approaches to the beaches.


Read on to find out how natural elements like weather and tides played a very big role for both the Germans and the Allies. You could easily spend the rest of the day looking over pages, photos, films, and books learning about the landings and battles of D-Day, without even getting to the rest of the war.

I wanted to switch gears and mention a disturbing (if true) note I got from a friend last night about vets and concealed carry, or simply carry permits as they are known here in Minnesota. This was on my mind because just yesterday, I went down to the Hennepin County Sheriff's office to apply for a permit along with a friend of mine who took the carry permit course with me. Simple process really and we should receive them in about 30 days.

Here is the note I got from a friend who I trust. If you are a vet, you are under the lens of scrutiny but don't be "stressed" about it:


I had a doctors appointment at the local VA clinic yesterday and found something very interesting.

I would like to pass along.. While going through triage before seeing the doctor, I was asked at the end of the exam, three questions.

(1. Did I feel stressed?)

(2. Did I feel threatened?)

(3. Did I feel like doing harm to someone?)

The nurse then informed me, if I had answered yes to any of the questions,  I could have lost my concealed carry permit as it would have gone into my medical records and the VA would have reported it to Homeland Security.

I am a Viet Nam vet and 15 year cc permit holder.  Looks like they are going after us vets."

Be forewarned and be aware.  If you know veterans, you may want to pass this on to them.

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