American fundamentalist Christians are notorious for trying to force their religious beliefs upon public schools. Even our fundamentalist president tries his best to force his beliefs upon the public by vetoing bills that offend his personal morals and by controlling what can be published by government scientists. In an odd case of role reversal an Irish elected official is now the one promoting creationism and an American Congresswoman is actually attacking the religious right.

Irish Education Committee chair Mervyn Storey, a Democratic Unionist Party MLA, wants young earth creationism to be taught in Irish science classrooms. In Mr. Storey's ideal world evolution would not be taught at all. In my ideal world ignorant twits would not get elected or be allowed on education committees. Unlike the American creationists who cover up their religious motivation by using the words "intelligent design," Mr. Storey blatantly believes young earth creationism is a religious view but should be taught as science in public schools anyway. If you want more information about this story check out News Letter

On the American side Colorado Rep. Diana DeGette has a new book, “Sex, Science and Stem Cells: Inside the Right Wing Assault on Reason.” In it she attacks the Bush administration for trying to block a wide range of legislation on sex and reproduction: the plan B "morning after" birth control pill, the human papillomavirus vaccine and even sex education. Let’s hope that our future elected officials realize that sound science is vital not only in research institutes but in politics.