| OK, let's be clear here. I completely agree that teachers should check their political perspectives at the classroom door. Especially at the science classroom door. But that's not really what these petitions and "battles" are about, are they?
The goals of people like Rose Pugliese and [unsuccessful Lt. Gov. candidate] Janet Rowland and Marcia Neal (see below) and [u]BEE are to promote particular political perspectives and to eliminate consideration of factual information that might call these ideologies into doubt.
Contrast Real Estate Attorney Rose Pugliese's claim reported in the Denver Post:
"It (global warming) is not a proven scientific theory. There is not evidence to support it."
With the joint conclusions from the National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, Institute of Medicine, and the National Research Council:
The scientific understanding of climate change is now sufficiently clear to begin taking steps to prepare for climate change and to slow it.
Who to believe? Scientists who have long careers built upon rationally evaluating evidence? Or an ideologue? Oooh, will this question be on the CSAP?
But if you want conspiracy theories, the professional climate scientists who are actually studying the issue can't hold a candle to the lawyers and politicians who don't even have a concept of their own ignorance.
Pugliese, who has the backing of Colorado State Board of Education member Marcia Neal, said she hopes to expand her campaign to attack curriculum issues on a larger scale.
"This is just a small battle in a larger battle," Pugliese said. "I really hope this inspires more people to get involved in our schools." [emphasis added]
I'm inspired. Are you?
If you care about the education that your children and children all over Colorado will receive, then it behooves you to keep on alert for the names that were reported in the Denver Post article. Attend your local school board meetings and speak up for rational, evidence-based thought. Please. |
