The volatile issue of teaching creation science, better known as creationism, in public schools became an issue in the Alaska governor’s race when Republican said she thinks should be taught alongside evolution in the state’s public classrooms.

She also stated that, if elected, she would not push the state Board of Education to add such creation-based alternatives to the state’s required curriculum She might not have to because members of the state school board, which sets minimum requirements, are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Legislature which demonstrates that she has the smarts to know that there are more politically correct ways to achieve her objectives. Not too shabby, eh?

To her credit she publicly added, "I won’t have religion as a litmus test, or anybody’s personal opinion on evolution or creationism," which is a statement of suspect for two primary reasons.. One, she is a militant supporter of those issues embraced by the religious right, and two, she has proven many times that she is not one to cower from that which she believes in her heart.

So when she says that she will let the chips fall where they may when it comes to her core issues….I ain’t buying it! 

Now, just so we are clear and on the same page let’s agree on just what creationism means.

Creationism is the Catholic doctrine that each individual human soul is created by God and that the origin of things is due to an event or process of creation brought about by the deliberate act of any divine entity such as god or a creator.  

Creationists also believe in the literal interpretation of the biblical account of the creation of the universe and all living things as told in the Bible. It is the core belief of Judaism, Christianity or Islam.  

So far Sarah Palin has gone on the record concerning her religious beliefs and where she stands on the division of church and state. But how do the various factions of the religious right feel about her? Let’s take a look…..

•  Janice Shaw Crouse, director and senior fellow of Concerned Women for America said: “It is particularly significant that a conservative woman was nominated for the nation’s second highest office. For years the feminist movement has acknowledged for leadership only those women who embrace a radical agenda…..Sarah Palin is pro-life, pro-marriage and pro-family……” 

•  Liberty Alliance Action President Tony Perkins says: “Senator McCain made an outstanding pick from the choices that were on the table. Governor Sarah Palin is an outspoken advocate for pro-family policies that energize social conservatives….” 

When asked if she is offended by the phrase “Under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance? Why or why not? Governor Palin answered, “Not on your life. If it was good enough for the founding fathers, its good enough for me and I’ll fight in defense of our Pledge of Allegiance.”.  

Sounds good, doesn’t it? Of course, anyone who has done 10 seconds of research into the matter knows that “Under God” was not added to the Pledge until 1954 in reaction to those “Godless Communists.”  

It good to see that Sarah Palin is just like any other stereotypical Republican politician who does not let the facts get in the way of her political agenda.  

The fact is that the original Pledge wasn’t written until the late 1800s, long after our Founding Fathers were buried. Decide for yourself what all of this means…..and then DO SOMETHING!

AROUND the BLOGOSPHERE:

Sarah Palin: Creationism as Science? - From the Boston Globe (8/30/08): Earlier this year, she [Palin] told the newspaper that schools should not fear teaching creationism alongside evolution. “Teach both. You know, don’t be afraid of information. …

Palin and Creationism - One charge that’s rapidly making the rounds among Palin critics is that she’s a supporter of creationism and wants it taught in public schools. From what I’ve been able to find, however, this is not quite true. As detailed here, Gov. …

Creationism of a Hurricane by Palin Spinning - The creation of mighty hurricanes in the Gulf this month has been caused by all the right-wing spinning of Gov Palin’s qualifications and experience in my opinion. Talk about hot air and global warming cause and effect. Ha! …

Teaching Evolution to Creationists and Politicians - So what does it matter what Sarah Palin thinks about creationism? Frankly, if she understood evolution and could explain why, I’d be surprised — especially given that she’sa Christian conservative and BOTH POLEMICAL SIDES of the …

An Open Response to an Ignorant Reader - By Googling Palin and Creationism you probably got Wired’s story about a comment she made a while back, ignoring completely that the decided to leave a few things out. I will like little green footballs fill you in… …

PALIN EMBRACES CREATIONISM: DENIES EVOLUTION - Sarah Palin, McCain’s latest adventure down the political rabbit hole, denies evolution in favor of creationism. As governor of Alaska she demanded that schools teach the religious myth as an alternative to real science. .