Dear editor:
Recently, some comments were made regarding a letter I wrote advocating knowledge of science. The writer was contending that the Bible does not contradict science findings. The Bible has far more information that is anti-science, and their story of creation, as well as everything else, is simple "God did it" or "God controls it."
It is rather unfortunate that because of gerrymandering we have a considerable number of Christian congressmen and women who insist on bringing religion into our national discussion. It illustrates the continuing inability of Americans to deal with religious issues in a reasonable and rational manner. It seems that we are doomed to rehash the same petty battles over the Bible, prayer and religious expression.
There are some who just do not understand the need to balance the rights and freedoms of all Americans. They may proclaim their faith, but they spend more time complaining about the poor than they do in working to alleviate the problem. If a poor person manages to win a few bucks at Oaklawn or the lottery, they advocate confiscating their winnings. If they had their way, they would prevent the poor from having an occasional good meal while they barely subsist on a rather dreary diet. They would prevent them from trying to win a few bucks to supplement their income. There is far less abuse of food stamps, and such assistance than there is of tax breaks for the wealthy.
They have become members of what could be called a cult of ignorance -- a strain of anti-intellectualism that has permeated our political and cultural life nurtured by the false notion that democracy means that "my ignorance is as good as your knowledge." When one looks at the current crop of Republican candidates for president, it appears that many of them would be happy to install a Christian theocracy, thereby displaying their inability to understand the vision of the future formulated by the Founding Fathers.
I would again quote my favorite scientist Neil deGrasse Tyson -- "The problem in society is not kids not knowing science. The problem is adults not knowing science. They outnumber kids 5 to 1, they wield power, they write legislation. When you have scientifically illiterate adults, you have undermined the very fabric of what makes a nation wealthy and strong."
Mike Nunn
Hot Springs
Editorial on 05/21/2015