Ridiculous Debate Evolution Vs Intelligent Design

  So the Bible thumping Republicans and Conservatives in Florida are at it again. Though the adoption of evolution as a fundamental biological principle has long been established and taught in most schools, many right wing religious zealots are still pushing for the inclusion of Intelligent design to be taught as a scientific principle. Despite the overwhelming evidence and support for evolution as a valid process, many chained to their religious books are determined to push for our children to learn what actually amounts to religious philosophy. Personally I believe in an intelligent designer that created evolution, not in one concept to the exclusion of the other. What is key in my learning experience is that a scientist taught me the principles of scientific theory and a pastor taught the principles of religion and theology. If school educations purpose (concerning science specifically) is to teach a relatively uniform curriculum regarding facts based on science, reasoning and practice how can we honestly teach a concept based predominately on faith and conflicting social practice, not actual science or tangible facts? Introducing intelligent design back into science would present a problem as who would be qualified to teach it? A Catholic Priest? A Jewish Rabbi? Which faith dictates the most accepted explanations concerning intelligent design. Couldn't it be easily understood that intelligent design despite its appeal,  lacks the scientific evidence that would allow itself a place in the category of accepted scientific theory? I am not an atheist but can easily acknowledge that the test, retest, reliability and hypothetical requirements of the scientific method cannot be applied to a theory concerning Intelligent design which is primarily based on notions and concepts we cannot measure using current scientific methodologies. Because we cannot prove GOD or the existence of any other intelligent deity via the scientific method, the only method utilized in modern science, how can we truly teach it within the paradigm of science today?
How about the parents of the children chose exactly which faith they wish their children to learn about, just outside of the classroom and leave the teaching of science to scientists.

Nina Davis

*photos courtesy of secondhandconjecture.com

Good ole' Fashioned Capitalism..Gas Prices in Libya vs Oil Prices in US?

 You don't have to be an economist to realize that the exportation of 2% of the worlds oil from Libya or any other middle eastern country has little to nothing to do with the rise in gas prices for the consumer. Oil companies dictate the price of oil which is decided by those with vested interests in the profits. A trillion dollar industry with billions in profits made by a relatively small but powerful group of people determine exactly how much we pay at the pump irregardless of current world issues and tensions. Despite the largest oil spill in US history BP boasted millions in profits a quarter after and is expected to return to its billion dollar status relatively quickly. Shell, Exxon, and others are amongst the most powerful companies within the most profitable industry in the world. The only thing that appears to be clear, is despite oil spills, various civil wars, middle eastern turmoil and changes in technology, oil company profits continue to grow. Many cite the increase of oil in China and other moderate factors increasing demand as the true reason gas prices are constantly on the rise but all I can determine is that the greedy oil companies will always remain the main factor in gas price increases.   

When will people wake up and realize that capitalism is the driver that determines the conditions in which we all live. From food costs to air fair the only real factor that determines how much it costs is the profit margins the major players in the world set. For all you disbelievers in the powers that be, Google gas company greed or corporate schemes and gas industries. You will find little to no information. Nearly all negative information including actual profits reported are impossible to find. An industry that grosses trillions and has and will continue to have immeasurable influence on policy, politicians, the media and therefore the masses will ensure it erases its truth from searchable history. In fact at this very moment the Republicans who receive millions in donations from the oil giants just recently attempted to pass a policy dismantling the EPA, the one government department responsible for protecting the environment. Hmm, this would cost jobs, allow for reckless business practices concerning the environment but the Republicans argue this would help dismantle crippling business policies and regulations. For who you ask? Well the Oil companies silly! But this is just the oil industry, how many other industries gross profits in the billions if not trillions and directly influence the cost and expense to consumers in their favor. A hint? What Senator was caught passing out bonus checks on the Senate Floor? Stay tuned for Good Ole Fashioned Capitalism Part II.

Nina Davis

photos courtesy of and seaserpentproductions and richardbrenneman.wordpress.com 

Libya is No Egypt, Gaddafi proclaims he is the ultimate Gangster

Whenever a country resorts to lethal violence on its own...it has lost control and true power over the people....

As the middle east shakes and quakes with the voices and turbulence of its people, Libya stands unique among its Egyptian and Tunisian counterparts. Whereas the governments in both Egypt and Tunisia fell after international pressure and increasing civil violence, Gaddafi promises to leave in a body bag. You have to respect the ruthlessness of leader, his honesty is somewhat refreshing to the smiling fakeness of the other tyrannical leaders within the middle east region. What should be noted is despite the hundreds of dead shot down in the streets with hollow points the country still screams for freedom. Unlike Egypt, Libya is run under tribal guidelines and various tribes formally loyal to Gaddafi have broken ties to join the revolution. If you caught Gaddafi's speech yesterday in which he referred to the opposition forces as "rats" and assured that his violence against his own would continue you catch a glimpse into what the Libyan people are fighting and dying for. For those of us completely unfamiliar with civil war and systematic dictatorship and oppression we should send our prayers and thoughts to the people asking for the right to live without fear and oppression and the right to choose who leads them to those ultimate goals.


Nina Davis

"Egypt is not ready for democracy" Really well Massah when?

How utterly ridiculous is it that the "Vice President" (recently appointed after a 30yr vacancy in the position) of Egypt has announced before the world that Egypt is not ready for democracy.  When I first heard the report on AM 640 radio I automatically assumed that the reporter had it wrong or was simply paraphrasing what the VP had said. It wasn't until later that evening while watching the news report on Egypt that I realized that I had indeed heard correctly. In 2011 in one of the wealthiest Arab nations in the world, the questionable VP appointee Omar Suleiman has the nerve to tell hundreds of thousands of protesting Egyptians that they were not ready for freedom. Am I the only one completely astounded by such a stupid statement ? Perhaps I am relatively spoiled here in the US where democracy is the only government we know. Perhaps I am naive in believing that any rational argument concerning the rights of men and women would require democratic principles, values and beliefs. By no means do I mean that democracy is the sole means of obtaining personal freedom and choice but thus far its the best method man has seemed to come up with. With the history of dictatorships and tyrannical leaders always leading to mass social injustices, oppression and a collapsed society one would think that in this day an age, the dynastic style governments would be outdated. Perhaps, the Egyptian elite and the powers and money that sustain them are threatened by the ability of the "people" to think and choose for themselves.  Furthermore, anything the VP has to say would obviously be met with scorn for the Egyptian people know exactly who appointed him in the first place. If a people rise up, not hundreds, or merely a few thousand, hundreds of thousands, all screaming Freedom with no compromise why would they accept the appointee of a person they detest and demand to be removed? President Mubarak is only president in name for his country has turned against him. He can appoint the second coming and Egyptians will still reject him and the policies he attempts to bring forth. Speculation on who will take power is irrelevant if the peoples demands are not met. (Sidenote: All you idiot pundits, opinions and personalities should zip it closed regarding a society you just recently learned about. Pallin, Rush and all of you empty headed Republican elitists need to shove it and get off it with your "Oh no we must do it this way, slowly and with our control and guidance, the Islamic extremists are coming". If the Egyptian people elect an Islamic government deal with it. American is hardly the moral police and 1/2 the world is Muslim.  Sorry really hate undisguised racism and hysterical religious fears from our Red White and Blue self appointed Patriots.)
Its obvious that the revolution has just begun, millions are expected to take to the streets and hundreds of thousands have marched. How long will the discarded government continue to assert its will so contradictory to that of the people?

Nina Davis
















*Image courtesy of neontommy.com

Pharoah-Let My People Go

Is it really any surprise that a relatively peaceful demonstration has turned violent? Is anyone truly surprised that once President Mubarek declined the peoples wishes that the masses turned impassioned protests into violent retaliation? How comical it is that a leader refuses to listen to the pleas of the people and most of the democratic world and unleashes his thugs on the masses to subdue them.  CNN News in particular has demonstrated the violent extremes Pro-Mubarek camel riders will go in attempts to force his will. Anyone familiar with the stubborn Pharoah of the Bible who was willing to take on all the curses of God rather than free an enslaved people should reflect on the state of affairs in today's Egypt. Well thousands of years later the scene has returned remarkably close to that of the original parable. Perhaps Mubarek is not familiar with the ending in which his people suffer the most,  he dies of heart break,and his country is eventually left in ruins, his people cursing him for generations.
As Bill Handle stated this morning on 640am radio, how can any supposedly democratic government stand by while other countries people we have "good relations" with suffer under tyranny. Any idiot who finds a "slow transition" necessary to prevent the rise of Islamic extremists are simply voicing personal terror over any country that would support the faith of Islam. Islamic extremists do not rule the world people. They are a very small percentage of the opposition force in Egypt (approx 25% by all accounts) and it is becoming redundant to excuse the behaviors of dictatorial leaders on the basis that its better that the "Muslim" alternative. Half of the world is Muslim, its not really a jump to assume that some of their leaders may be! Our Republican bleeding hearts like John Boehner, McCain are sitting nervously as the tenuous relations we have with Israel and Jordan are tested as Obama asserts his support with the Egyptian people clearly denouncing Mubareks attempt to resign in September. Why would some of the most "patriotic" republicans of our century side with a leadership that was utterly rejected by its constituents? Why would they encourage the Egyptians to hold on a little longer while the President works some things out. Thats like saying lets delay slavery just a little longer, while we get our staffing taken care of.  Hmmm, perhaps this says more about their character than any of their pre scripted debates, commercials and media snip its. Hopefully Egypt is watching the characters in our democratic government and note that absolute power breeds absolute corruption no matter the form of government and that leaders themselves forget they are truly subject to the people.

   

NINA DAVIS

Oh No the Extremists are Coming

Are we really that terrified of any Arab nation having a Muslim government come to power? I am so sick of hearing "Oh we feel for the Egyptian people...BUT what if the extremists take over?"  Are we serious? How about we free the oppressed and cultivate humanity, fair treatment among men and women and worry about the relatively small group of violent psychos that seem to be holding the world and all its armies hostage later.



NINA DAVIS

Egypt on Fire, Millions set to March who will stand for Freedom?

"Foreign governments stop your hypocrisy, stand with the people of Egypt"  Stolen right off the placard of a pleading young Egyptian man televised on CNN just a few minutes ago. Shortly before his plea and army tank had rolled over protesters like mere road bumps in the street. Surrounding governments, in tuned with the struggles of the Egyptian people such as Jordan and Saudi Arabia stand silent and watch the rage in the streets. Obama silently pleads for Mubarek to step down while Mubarek continues his tyrannical raid, shutting down phone, internet and train service, watching the infrastructure of his country crumble. Really, has humanity not really evolved at all? Do world leaders truly stand politely aside where millions are screaming for rescue? America, typically the morality police of the world is no stranger to spreading democracy, but is quite hesitant to speak against those whose stand against it. By all means and measures Mubarek is a dictator, exhibiting unlimited control over millions of suffering. Egypt, home to one of the 7 wonders of the world, is filled with starving, uneducated, unemployed people. Egypt is not a third world country, with war torn interiors and social disruption. Muslims, Christians and extremists alike have lived in relative peace equally exposed to the oppression of its current government. How dare we speculate on who is to come to power? Our speculation should be on how to help those suffering at the hands of a corrupt leader. 75% of young people do not go to school as the unemployment rate is the equivalent of the drop out rate. 50% live below the poverty line in a land filled with gold, tombs and some of the most revered sites in the world. The corruption lies clearly at the top, with a thirty year history of ultimate supremacy and finally the people have risen up. I implore the rest of the world to stand up and take notice and encourage freedom from where ever you stand. Whenever a portion of humanity is oppressed we all are oppressed. The world powers that be stand only because those they supposedly represent support them or oppressed by them. If the people no longer support the government which stands to represent the will of the people, it should be the people's choice to change their government. How can Mubarek justify his refusal to step down when the people he is said to represent are violently demanding it?
Nina Davis