Sarah Palin - , God and Country: separating fact from fiction. Just what does believe and if elected, how will those beliefs impact America and its citizens. 

First of all, does she wants creationism taught in public schools. TRUE

As a candidate for governor, Sarah Palin called for teaching creationism alongside evolution in public schools. But after Alaska voters elected her, Palin, now Republican John McCain’s presidential running mate, kept her campaign pledge to not push the idea in the schools.

She’s in favor of teaching both creationism and evolution in the public schools. "Teach both," she said in a 2006 gubernatorial debate. "Don’t be afraid of information." McCain believes the issue should be decided by individual school districts.

It will be interesting to see what position they ultimately take should they be elected. Palin is called “the Barracuda” in Alaskan politics because she fights for what she believes and does not back down easily.

As for her personal views on evolution, Palin has said, "I believe we have a creator." But she has not made clear whether her belief also allowed her to accept the theory of evolution as fact.

The one thing to note is that a fact is a fact what Sarah Palin believes. One primary distinction between the theory of evolution and the concept of creationism or Intelligent Design is the former is science and the latter is a belief!

"I’m not going to pretend I know how all this came to be," she has been quoted as saying.

McCain said during a debate last year that he believed in evolution when it came to the origin of life.

When asked during a televised debate in 2006 about evolution and creationism, Palin said, according to the Anchorage Daily News: "Teach both. You know, don’t be afraid of information. Healthy debate is so important, and it’s so valuable in our schools. I am a proponent of teaching both."

The Lang Report concurs but is firm on the need to make the distinction that all information is not created equal as there is a difference between science, science fiction, folk lore and religious beliefs, etc.

"It’s OK to let kids know that there are theories out there. They gain information just by being in a discussion."

In other words, I have no problem in reading the “Wizard of Oz” as long as it is made clear that there is no such thing as flying monkeys!

In a subsequent interview with the Daily News, Palin said discussion of alternative views on the origins of life should be allowed in Alaska classrooms. "I don’t think there should be a prohibition against debate if it comes up in class. It doesn’t have to be part of the curriculum," she said.

Creationism is the belief that the Earth and its creatures were created by a deity. It’s an alternative to the origin of life explanation taught in public schools under the theory of evolution, which puts forth that all living organisms descended from a common ancestral gene pool.

Palin said during her 2006 gubernatorial campaign that if she were elected, she would not push the state Board of Education to add creation-based alternatives to the state’s required curriculum, or look for creationism advocates when she appointed board members.

At a GOP presidential debate in May 2007 in Simi Valley, Calif., McCain said he believed in evolution.

"But," he added, "I also believe, when I hike the Grand Canyon and see it at sunset, that the hand of God is there also."

I repeat….evolution has been scientifically accepted while the elation of witnessing a beautiful sunset is a feeling. And FEELINGS ARE NOT FACTS!

Palin’s children attend public schools and Palin has made no push to have creationism taught in them.

Neither have Palin’s socially conservative personal views on issues like abortion and gay marriage been translated into policies during her 20 months as Alaska’s chief executive. It reflects a hands-off attitude toward mixing government and religion by most Alaskans.

"She has basically ignored social issues, period," said Gregg Erickson, an economist and columnist for the Alaska Budget Report.

She called the Iraq war "a task from God." TRUE

Palin told congregants at her evangelical church in Wasilla in June that the Iraq war is "a task that is from God" and part of "God’s plan." She also urged congregants to pray for a $30 billion natural gas pipeline project she wants to build.

She opposes abortion in all cases. FALSE

Palin makes one exception - if the life of the mother is threatened. But she opposes abortion in cases of rape. Asked at the 2006 debate what she’d do if her daughter were raped and became pregnant, she said, "I would choose life." McCain supports a rape exception.

Much controversy has been generated over Sarah Palin’s beliefs and their relevance to the election and her ability to fulfill her duties as Vice President of the United States. Actually, as per our Founding Fathers, one should have no bearing on the other.

And that is as it should be!

AROUND the BLOGOSPHERE:

Sarah Palin: Creationism taught along side in the schools - http://dwb.adn.com/news/politics/elections/story/8347904p-8243554c.html. I wonder what the basis of McCain’s choice? I mean, did he go out and find the most objectionable politician?

Palin Creationism Abortion Sarah - Palin Creationism Abortion Sarah Articles.

Is Palin a creationist? - … back to when Palin was running for governor of that state (hmm, a mere two years ago, talk about experience and being fit to be commander in chief), reports her response to a question during a debate about teaching creationism. …

Karl Rove and the Dung Beetle - Karl Rove has distracted the electorate one more time from the real issues facing America with his team getting McCain to select Sarah Palin. A simple search under "Palin Creationism" or similar combinations of words reveals many …