Saturday, March 07, 2009

Some Oklahomans attempt to ban what they cannot refute

H/T to Pharyngula:

LINK: Richard Dawkins: banned in Oklahoma?

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE 1ST SESSION OF THE 52ND OKLAHOMA LEGISLATURE:

THAT the Oklahoma House of Representative strongly opposes the invitation to speak on the campus of the University of Oklahoma to Richard Dawkins of Oxford University, whose published statements on the theory of evolution and opinion about those who do not believe in the theory are contrary and offensive to the views and opinions of most citizens of Oklahoma.

THAT the Oklahoma House of Representatives encourages the University of Oklahoma to engage in an open, dignified, and fair discussion of the Darwinian theory of evolution and all other scientific theories which is the approach that a public institution should be engaged in and which represents the desire and interest of the citizens of Oklahoma.

In other words, some Oklahomans say they are all for "open and fair discussion" as long as it's within the guidelines of what the citizens of that state will allow according to their own personal religious beliefs. Yeah, that's fair (snark).

LINK: How did Dawkins react to the news that the Oklahoma legislature wanted to outlaw him?

PZ Myers responds "With humor, of course. Here's the opening of his talk at the University of Oklahoma last night."

2 comments:

Fun Key 44 42 said...

You may wish to tone back on your statements about how terrible Oklahomans are. As Dawkins rightly points out in the video clip, there are plenty of Oklahomans who are in favor of science and rational thought. You should not let your justifiable offense at the willful ignorance and intolerance of a particular Oklahoma legislator color your statements regarding Oklahomans at large. After all, Dawkins did not show up in Oklahoma by accident. He did not throw a dart at a world map and decide to travel here on his own. He was invited here. By Oklahomans.

Stardust said...

Fun Key, I see your point. I will edit my post to add the word "some" which will make a big difference. Thanks for bringing that to my attention. Thank goodness for rational thinkers in the state of Oklahoma!