Teaching science in science class
I am pleased to read in the Ledger-Enquirer that the Alabama Board of Education unanimously approved the teaching of evolution and climate change in public schools. This is a step forward for the state.
The theory of evolution explains the unity and diversity of life. We need to teach our kids evolution so that they understand the world better and will be able to solve our earthly problems.
The theory of evolution is founded on evidence. Darwin traveled around the world and observed and gathered evidence from different fields and disciplines for 28 years before he proposed his theory in 1859. Since then thousands of scientists from all fields of natural science successfully verified Darwin's theory. The theory has survived more than 155 years.
Climate change is real. Although there are natural causes that contribute to climate change, human activities play a major role. Industrial practices are the main cause for the recent rapid acceleration in drought and global warming. The demands of growing populations have led to deforestation, intensive farming, building of highways and cities, and burning fossil fuels. All these activities produce greenhouse gases that trap heat from the sun.
The recent wildfires in drought-stricken California have grown to 67,000 acres and destroyed more than 750 homes and hundreds of other buildings, forcing 23,000 people to flee. More than 11,000 firefighters battled the blazes statewide. Nationwide, almost 9 million acres have been burned by wildfires. The Forest Service has spent $1.4 billion this year to fight wildfires.
Recently, Pope Francis told 1.2 billion Catholics that we need an 11th Commandment: "You shall cherish the Earth." We need such a respected and unifying voice to carry this message to all people.
Salman Elawad
Phenix City
Grains of sense
I'm one of those voters who associates with a line in movie years ago that went something like this: "I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take it anymore."
Although I disagree with many things Donald Trump has said, at least give him credit for getting voters to think about issues that are important to this country. Millions of people are fed up with the direction (no, a better way to put it, "the lack of direction") our country has been headed in the past few years. Unfortunately, one political party in Congress always votes in lockstep with the President even though it should be obvious to them that it's not always in the best interest of the country.
Of course, what I call the "permanent politicians" and the liberal press will go out if their way to discredit Trump or purposely take his words out of context and in some cases completely falsify his stand on issues. A good, or should I say "bad example" is the next to last paragraph by Charlie Harper in the 16 September issue of the L-E, where he writes " an immigrant who told me not to worry about the fury being whipped up by the GOP's anti-immigration candidate," referring to Trump. It's hard not see and hear Trump on TV practically every day and he is always talking about Illegal, not legal immigrants. I won't be holding my breath expecting a correction by Mr. Harper.
Sebert Trail
Columbus
It's working
It was my pleasure to attend Sheriff Darr's fourth annual Faith and Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon. I was impressed with the quality of both the meal and diversity and number of volunteers. Most of all, I was impressed by the huge reduction in recidivisim as a result of the jail ministry.
A low recidivism rate has a positive impact on the quality of life in our community. In addition, it impacts our city budget.
Most of all, the lives of the human beings who choose to avail themselves of this ministry are changed for the better.
Samuel E. Nelson
Chairman, Chattahoochee Valley Veterans Council
Labour in UK, Bernie in USA
Jeremy Corbyn has just vaulted to the top of UK politics as he embraces a clear response to the disengagement of Britain's electorate by the rightwing lunacy of David Cameron.
He opposes "economic austerity" that enriches banks and the rich while subjugating the poor. He condemns dismantling and privatization of the National Health Service that can only wreak more havoc on the poor. He condemns unaccountable corporations pursuing profits at the expense of public service needs. He condemns the neoliberal agenda of amassing international capital assets against the interests of the environment. He condemns nuclear power as unconscionable avoidance of natural alternatives. He strongly favors international agreements fostering climate protection. He deplores nuclear weaponry development as purposeful mass murder of civilians. He condemns UK involvement in Bush/Cheney atrocities that destroyed Iraq and favors prosecution of Tony Blair for aiding and abetting crimes against humanity in the region.
There is much more to this marvelous man and it echoes precisely what Bernie Sanders advocates in his campaign for the presidency in 2016. Imagine the good that would beset the world if Corbyn became Prime Minister in 2020 and Sanders President by 2016?
There might actually be hope for the masses on both sides of the Atlantic and the lunacy that has beset the UK and the USA since Reagan and Thatcher presided could actually find the dumpsters that both have rightfully earned. Are the Brits brighter than we are? We'll see, but we can only be inspired by Corbyn backers' response to can he win, i.e. "Yes, he bloody well will!" Amen.
Robert John White
Georgetown
This story was originally published September 21, 2015 at 5:23 PM with the headline "Teaching science in science class ."