Discovery Institute Pays for Propaganda

ScienceOctober 2009 • Views: 2,155

Just like the Council on American Islamic Relations, the dishonest creationists at the Discovery Institute are now reduced to paying PRNewsWire to disseminate their propaganda: Leading Darwinist Richard Dawkins Dodges Debates, Refuses to Defend Evolution.

This is a good sign; it means these atavistic dissemblers are having trouble finding reputable news outlets to pimp their nonsense — and it means that Richard Dawkins’ new book is scaring them. As it should, because it’s devastating to groups like the Discovery Institute.

Jump to bottom

91 comments

Sharmuta Tue, Oct 6, 2009 7:50:15pm

First Harun Yahya, and now PRNewsWire. Bringing creationists and islamists together. Hooray!

Randall Gross Tue, Oct 6, 2009 7:50:31pm

Of course they pay, Ben Stein didn’t lie for them for zero dollars.

Dancing along the light of day Tue, Oct 6, 2009 7:51:33pm

Shocka!
///

BignJames Tue, Oct 6, 2009 7:52:05pm

Darwinist I guess I’m supposed to equate that w/Islamist…terrorist…racist…Dentist…etc…ets.

Basho Tue, Oct 6, 2009 7:52:15pm

C’mon Dawkins. Why won’t you answer the question? Where are the missing links? Huh??

Owned…

The Sanity Inspector Tue, Oct 6, 2009 7:55:08pm

Wonder if their PR releases are peer-reviewed.

/collapses in hysterics at own joke.

Achilles Tang Tue, Oct 6, 2009 7:55:15pm

Hey Basho, were have you been hiding?

Dark_Falcon Tue, Oct 6, 2009 7:55:42pm

I’m glad Dawkins refused. To debate these goons is to give them legitimacy. Answer their points in print if needed, but don’t share a stage with a bunch of liars.

Basho Tue, Oct 6, 2009 7:55:49pm

If this Meyer guy has evidence the first living things were designed then I’m sure it’s published in a scientific journal where others can review the data…

avanti Tue, Oct 6, 2009 7:56:34pm

re: #2 Thanos

Of course they pay, Ben Stein didn’t lie for them for zero dollars.

I think Stein is a true creationist and does it out of misdirected belief that his faith requires it.

Basho Tue, Oct 6, 2009 7:57:46pm

re: #7 Naso Tang

Hey Basho, were have you been hiding?

Had some mental issues. Was avoiding the group forums on the internet and people in real life. Today is my first real time back here in a year. :) Thanks for asking!

iceweasel Tue, Oct 6, 2009 7:57:47pm

re: #8 Dark_Falcon

I’m glad Dawkins refused. To debate these goons is to give them legitimacy. Answer their points in print if needed, but don’t share a stage with a bunch of liars.

Totally agree DF. *waves*

Randall Gross Tue, Oct 6, 2009 7:57:54pm

re: #10 avanti

I think Stein is a true creationist and does it out of misdirected belief that his faith requires it.

You may be right, but smart money says they didn’t pay him zero dollars.

Charles Johnson Tue, Oct 6, 2009 7:58:57pm

re: #13 Thanos

You may be right, but smart money says they didn’t pay him zero dollars.

Ben Stein doesn’t do anything without being paid.

Basho Tue, Oct 6, 2009 7:59:41pm

re: #11 Basho

Wow I exaggerate. Since April of this year. Feels longer to me heh

Mad Prophet Ludwig Tue, Oct 6, 2009 8:00:30pm

Wait Charles you mean to tell me that right wing anti-science groups will spend millions to create fake science papers presented by fake scientists and then turn around and try to smear real scientists with a smear that it is all about grant money?

Say it ain’t so!

///

Dark_Falcon Tue, Oct 6, 2009 8:00:39pm

re: #14 Charles

Ben Stein doesn’t do anything without being paid.

I would suspect not. He should stick to credit reporting commercials where he won’t make an ass of himself.

karmic_inquisitor Tue, Oct 6, 2009 8:00:55pm

Intelligent Design is real!

How else do you explain Reese Peanut Butter Cups?

/ A Colbert classic

Achilles Tang Tue, Oct 6, 2009 8:01:21pm

re: #11 Basho

Had some mental issues. Was avoiding the group forums on the internet and people in real life. Today is my first real time back here in a year. :) Thanks for asking!

A year! Good grief, I’m losing my sense of time. I thought I hadn’t seen you for a few months.

Welcome back, but don’t strain yourself at first.

;=>

Dar ul Harbarian Tue, Oct 6, 2009 8:01:43pm

I hope this works out

Mad Prophet Ludwig Tue, Oct 6, 2009 8:02:04pm

re: #4 BignJames

Darwinist I guess I’m supposed to equate that w/Islamist…terrorist…racist…Dentist…etc…ets.

Actually, it is properly equated with,

rationalist, realist, legitimate scientist.

Ohh and I used the letter I a bunch of times! I am clearly an Obama agent!

Walter L. Newton Tue, Oct 6, 2009 8:02:06pm

re: #16 LudwigVanQuixote

Wait Charles you mean to tell me that right wing anti-science groups will spend millions to create fake science papers presented by fake scientists and then turn around and try to smear real scientists with a smear that it is all about grant money?

Say it ain’t so!

///

Well, it is so, and Dawkins was probably correct in not pandering to these people. It’s not like there isn’t years and years of existing debate and science that they can use.

The Sanity Inspector Tue, Oct 6, 2009 8:02:53pm

re: #11 Basho

Had some mental issues. Was avoiding the group forums on the internet and people in real life. Today is my first real time back here in a year. :) Thanks for asking!

Welcome back. You can pop one of my Xanaxes if need be.

swamprat Tue, Oct 6, 2009 8:02:56pm

What would be great is if Dawkins would deign to answer the challenge.
No preapproved questions, no fillibusters. Both mikes on timed switches with a countdown clock.
no over speaking, one mike on at a time
no excuses

Jack Burton Tue, Oct 6, 2009 8:03:11pm

re: #4 BignJames

Darwinist I guess I’m supposed to equate that w/Islamist…terrorist…racist…Dentist…etc…ets.

Beware Radial Dentism!

Chip Designer Tue, Oct 6, 2009 8:03:14pm

What’s wrong with using prwire? My company uses them regularly. It’s just a service. They charge a reasonable fee, and distribute press releases to the desired distribution lists.

Charles Johnson Tue, Oct 6, 2009 8:04:34pm

re: #26 Chip Designer

What’s wrong with using prwire? My company uses them regularly. It’s just a service. They charge a reasonable fee, and distribute press releases to the desired distribution lists.

When was the last time you saw a scientist pay PRNewsWire to attack a critic?

Jack Burton Tue, Oct 6, 2009 8:04:34pm

re: #25 ArchangelMichael

Radical Dentism

PIMF

Walter L. Newton Tue, Oct 6, 2009 8:05:43pm

re: #26 Chip Designer

What’s wrong with using prwire? My company uses them regularly. It’s just a service. They charge a reasonable fee, and distribute press releases to the desired distribution lists.

These people are scientist, not rock stars. Why do you need PR firm to make your point?

Achilles Tang Tue, Oct 6, 2009 8:05:59pm

re: #20 Dar ul Harbarian

I hope this works out

Is that the Bussard of the Bussard Ramjet?

karmic_inquisitor Tue, Oct 6, 2009 8:06:02pm

re: #20 Dar ul Harbarian

I hope this works out

With helium as the only waste product? That is something in short supply, actually.

Chip Designer Tue, Oct 6, 2009 8:06:21pm

I agree that DI is full of scumbags. PrNewsWire is just a common carrier, doing a job.

Dark_Falcon Tue, Oct 6, 2009 8:06:30pm

re: #29 Walter L. Newton

These people are scientist, not rock stars. Why do you need PR firm to make your point?

Because they have no point, just lies and evasions.

BignJames Tue, Oct 6, 2009 8:07:29pm

re: #25 ArchangelMichael

Beware Radial Dentism!

I’ve been subjected to Radical Dentism…it wasn’t as bad as I’d imagined it would be…thanks to Mr. Novocaine.

Sharmuta Tue, Oct 6, 2009 8:08:31pm

Richard Dawkins, the world’s leading public spokesman for Darwinian evolution and an advocate of the “new atheism,” has refused to debate Dr. Stephen C. Meyer, a prominent advocate of intelligent design and the author of the acclaimed Signature in the Cell: DNA and the Evidence for Intelligent Design, according to the Discovery Institute.

Perhaps if Dr. Meyer were to come to the debate with some actual science, maybe even a testable, falsifiable hypothesis, he and his peers might find scientists more willing to engage them in a scientific debate. They really shouldn’t be surprised scientists are unwilling to debate theology, but I guess it makes for good spin in their victimhood department: mean scientists won’t even listen! What are they afraid of? They’re not afraid of anything, they simply don’t want to grant frauds the air of legitimacy.

swamprat Tue, Oct 6, 2009 8:09:30pm

re: #34 BignJames

I’ve been subjected to Radical Dentism…it wasn’t as bad as I’d imagined it would be…thanks to Mr. Novocaine.

Youtube Video

Chip Designer Tue, Oct 6, 2009 8:10:06pm

re: #29 Walter L. Newton

These people are scientist, not rock stars. Why do you need PR firm to make your point?

I’m not defending DI. They are scum.

I guess I am defending PrNewsWire, though on re-reading Charles statement, he is not really attacking them.

Randall Gross Tue, Oct 6, 2009 8:10:45pm

The reason DI is using PR wire is simple: They are all PR, and zero science. That should be clear to anyone who’s examined their claims in detail.

karmic_inquisitor Tue, Oct 6, 2009 8:12:26pm

re: #14 Charles

Ben Stein doesn’t do anything without being paid.

Ben Stein should call up RS McCain and learn how to get in on the “I won’t tell the story that exonerates me unless someone pays me to” racket. Then there is the “collect money for an investigative journalism junket and hit on lesbians” racket too.

A cornucopia of opportunities!

What, me worry? Tue, Oct 6, 2009 8:12:50pm

We watched a Nova PBS program this evening, but it’s online too, “Darwin’s Darkest Hour”

This sums up the film:

Capturing Darwin’s Dilemma: The Scriptwriter’s Story

In crafting a film about Charles Darwin’s great dilemma—whether or not to go public with his incendiary theory of evolution—scriptwriter John Goldsmith faced some quandaries of his own: How do you offer a fresh portrayal of one of the world’s most iconic figures? Can you convey the essence of Darwin’s scientific ideas in the context of a compelling drama? What’s more, how do you avoid the “gotchas” of countless Darwin experts apt to catch any tiny inaccuracy? In this interview, Goldsmith, who years ago traced part of Darwin’s Beagle voyage to better understand the man, explains his fascination with both Darwin and his wife Emma, and the extraordinary research he did to get the details right.

The Sanity Inspector Tue, Oct 6, 2009 8:14:06pm

re: #26 Chip Designer

What’s wrong with using prwire? My company uses them regularly. It’s just a service. They charge a reasonable fee, and distribute press releases to the desired distribution lists.

Nothing wrong with prwire; it just isn’t the right outlet for scientific communications.

Capitalist Tool Tue, Oct 6, 2009 8:15:24pm

re: #31 karmic_inquisitor

With helium as the only waste product? That is something in short supply, actually.

A friend’s father retired some years ago from a lifetime job in the Oklahoma panhandle in some Gov’t scheme which captured He leaking through the earth’s crust and re-injecting it into deeper wells in less leaky areas.
Not sure if they made real headway, or not

Basho Tue, Oct 6, 2009 8:16:56pm

re: #19 Naso Tang

A year! Good grief, I’m losing my sense of time. I thought I hadn’t seen you for a few months.

Welcome back, but don’t strain yourself at first.

;=>

Actually since April of this year. I knew I would be back when I made a quick comment yesterday and was looking forward to follow it up today.

karmic_inquisitor Tue, Oct 6, 2009 8:19:24pm

The thing about PR Wire - you use it in hopes (usually vain hopes) that some news outlet may actually pick up the story and call the PR person you hired and included in the wire for a story.

Which means that this shocking scientific announcement was not picked up by anyone with a science beat.

In the old days (~20 years ago) you could simply put together a distribution list yourself (which was easy to do if you had a library card) and mailed/faxed your press releases. And you’d get calls.

Achilles Tang Tue, Oct 6, 2009 8:20:24pm

re: #20 Dar ul Harbarian

I hope this works out

Watching that now. He is amazing and fascinating, and I can even understand.

Gus Tue, Oct 6, 2009 8:21:01pm

More Disco Institute propaganda at PR Newswire.

Surabaya Stew Tue, Oct 6, 2009 8:22:22pm

re: #42 Capitalist Tool

A friend’s father retired some years ago from a lifetime job in the Oklahoma panhandle in some Gov’t scheme which captured He leaking through the earth’s crust and re-injecting it into deeper wells in less leaky areas.
Not sure if they made real headway, or not

Isn’t this the same government scheme which first stored 100 years capacity of He, stopped doing so under belated congressional pressure, then discoved that doing nothing was causing the remaining He to dissipate into the atmosphere at an accelerated rate? I recall this being important due to the fact that Texas and Oklahoma have over 95% of the worlds He reserves…

Sharmuta Tue, Oct 6, 2009 8:22:32pm

“Dawkins’ response is disingenuous,” said Meyer. “Creationists believe the earth is 10,000 years old and use the Bible as the basis for their views on the origins of life. I don’t think the earth is 10,000 years old and my case for intelligent design is based on scientific evidence.”

Which is where, Steve? Where is the evidence? What’s the working hypothesis to test for design and to detect “a designing intelligence”?

The truth is you have no evidence, just some books and a lot of hot air.

Dark_Falcon Tue, Oct 6, 2009 8:25:28pm

re: #46 Gus 802

More Disco Institute propaganda at PR Newswire.

They can spread their lies, but the truth will survive, as will I:

Youtube Video

Chip Designer Tue, Oct 6, 2009 8:26:37pm

re: #44 karmic_inquisitor

The thing about PR Wire - you use it in hopes (usually vain hopes) that some news outlet may actually pick up the story and call the PR person you hired and included in the wire for a story.

There are a lot of web sites, including news organizations, that re-publish the news wires. My experience is that within a few days of a release, I’ll have several hundred sites posting it. That has a measurable effect on Google searches for the topic.

Randall Gross Tue, Oct 6, 2009 8:26:58pm

re: #46 Gus 802

Wow, Why am I not surprised that they were freaking out about Y2K way back when?

[Link: www2.prnewswire.com…]

(hint: Microsoft is one of their donors…)

Our Precious Bodily Fluids Tue, Oct 6, 2009 8:27:00pm

re: #26 Chip Designer

What’s wrong with using prwire? My company uses them regularly. It’s just a service. They charge a reasonable fee, and distribute press releases to the desired distribution lists.

My only gripe against PRWire is that everything I have seen credited to them was specifically tailored to read like your typical AP / Reuters / etc. “news wire” story. It’s more than a little disingenuous.

Gus Tue, Oct 6, 2009 8:27:12pm

re: #49 Dark_Falcon

They can spread their lies, but the truth will survive, as will I:

Gloria Gaynor?

Chip Designer Tue, Oct 6, 2009 8:29:38pm

re: #52 negativ

My only gripe against PRWire is that everything I have seen credited to them was specifically tailored to read like your typical AP / Reuters / etc. “news wire” story. It’s more than a little disingenuous.

Can I twist your comment to say that the AP tries to write their stories like a press release to improve their credibility?

Gus Tue, Oct 6, 2009 8:29:44pm

re: #51 Thanos

Wow, Why am I not surprised that they were freaking out about Y2K way back when?

[Link: www2.prnewswire.com…]

(hint: Microsoft is one of their donors…)

Came across that a couple of minutes ago. That crackpot, Steve Forbes, was involved in that too. Forbes magazine seems to be open to the intelligent design theory of magic.

Dark_Falcon Tue, Oct 6, 2009 8:33:56pm

re: #53 Gus 802

Gloria Gaynor?

Yes. If we’re going to be talking about the Disco Institute, we need some disco for the soundtrack. Here’s something from the same time period, though its much better than disco. Albusteve will surely agree:

Miss You (No Embedding, sorry)

Capitalist Tool Tue, Oct 6, 2009 8:34:38pm

re: #47 Surabaya Stew

Probably- I think it was in the early 80’s… seems like the Gov’t stopped the program and my friend’s dad retired and was saddened by the foolishness. I’m affected by swiss- cheese memory, so…

Dr. Shalit Tue, Oct 6, 2009 8:38:42pm

Evolution is a Fact - the question is - who, what, when, where, why - started it - from the void of Nothing.
My vote is for G-d. One wise or humorous enough to let it happen.

-S-

Capitalist Tool Tue, Oct 6, 2009 8:41:32pm

re: #55 Gus 802

…That crackpot, Steve Forbes…

If he’d only not involved himself in politics… oh, well. He was perfectly credible as his father’s successor until he started speaking incoherently about everything. Wasn’t he also the one who hired Caspar Weinberger, rather than Malcolm S.?

Gus Tue, Oct 6, 2009 8:42:41pm

re: #56 Dark_Falcon

Yes. If we’re going to be talking about the Disco Institute, we need some disco for the soundtrack. Here’s something from the same time period, though its much better than disco. Albusteve will surely agree:

Miss You (No Embedding, sorry)

Ah, in that case…

ABBA - Dancing Queen

Youtube Video

SeaMonkey Tue, Oct 6, 2009 8:43:35pm

PRNewswire may be good for turning up in Google searches, and getting picked up by blogs hungry for content, but it’s pretty much on the level of junk faxes (“You may qualify for an electric wheelchair!”) There is so much noise in our “democratic” internet, and so much false equivalency. Witness, uh, Newsmax (rhymes with “two snacks.”)

Gus Tue, Oct 6, 2009 8:44:22pm

re: #59 Capitalist Tool

If he’d only not involved himself in politics… oh, well. He was perfectly credible as his father’s successor until he started speaking incoherently about everything. Wasn’t he also the one who hired Caspar Weinberger, rather than Malcolm S.?

I only remember when he ran in the primaries many years ago. He was so incoherent and eccentric (in a bad way).

Dr. Shalit Tue, Oct 6, 2009 8:49:00pm

re: #60 Gus 802

Gus 302 -

Go To youtube.com - and watch “The Banking Queen” - courtesy of Paul Shanklin. Thanks.

-S-

Kosh's Shadow Tue, Oct 6, 2009 8:50:06pm

re: #60 Gus 802

Ah, in that case…

ABBA - Dancing Queen

[Video]

Frank Zappa, Dancing Fool

Youtube Video

Dark_Falcon Tue, Oct 6, 2009 8:51:14pm

re: #60 Gus 802

Ah, in that case…

ABBA - Dancing Queen

[Video]

Good song.

Dr. Shalit Tue, Oct 6, 2009 8:54:04pm

re: #64 Kosh’s Shadow

Kosh’s Shadow -

Go To youtube - the who, sister disco, 1979.

-S-

Fat Bastard Vegetarian Tue, Oct 6, 2009 8:56:37pm

For my friends Tom and Kim…

First daughter, born just tonight…

Capitalist Tool Tue, Oct 6, 2009 8:56:50pm

re: #62 Gus 802

I only remember when he ran in the primaries many years ago. He was so incoherent and eccentric (in a bad way).

Right. That and his perpetual lobbying for no tax on the rich- he never called it that, but that’s what his scheme amounted to- playing to his Magazine’s audience, perhaps.
And in that vein, Weinberger once wrote an editorial in Forbes magazine about how the poor shouldn’t be given any tax advantages since “they were the kind of people who wouldn’t save any money, anyway.” (paraphrased)

Fat Bastard Vegetarian Tue, Oct 6, 2009 8:57:13pm

re: #67 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

Totally effed that one up.

Try again…

Surabaya Stew Tue, Oct 6, 2009 8:58:08pm

re: #57 Capitalist Tool

Probably- I think it was in the early 80’s… seems like the Gov’t stopped the program and my friend’s dad retired and was saddened by the foolishness. I’m affected by swiss- cheese memory, so…

Ah, thanks for filling me in; good to know I’m not the only one who remembers this..

SummerSong Tue, Oct 6, 2009 8:59:40pm

re: #60 Gus 802

Ah, in that case…
ABBA -

ABBA? Freaking ABBA? Nothing deserves that kind of punishment!

Mich-again Tue, Oct 6, 2009 8:59:54pm

The Disco Institute is all up in arms over this snip they quoted from his book,

Dawkins calls Darwin critics “history-deniers” and dwells on the comparison, even remarking that “The evidence for evolution is at least as strong as the evidence for the Holocaust, even allowing for eye witnesses to the Holocaust.”

If that quote is accurate, I don’t think he needed to go there to make that point.

Charles Johnson Tue, Oct 6, 2009 9:01:21pm

re: #72 Mich-again

The Disco Institute is all up in arms over this snip they quoted from his book,

If that quote is accurate, I don’t think he needed to go there to make that point.

Come on. Don’t you know by now that you can’t trust quotes from the Discovery Institute?

That quote is blatantly out of context, and deliberately so.

Charles Johnson Tue, Oct 6, 2009 9:04:20pm

The quote is pulled out of the introduction to Dawkins’ book. Here’s the rest of it with the full context of the point he was making:

[Link: entertainment.timesonline.co.uk…]

Dark_Falcon Tue, Oct 6, 2009 9:05:47pm

re: #73 Charles

It looks like “rouge puppy” might have been another TFK sockpuppet, judging by the way TFK has been talking over there after his opening poetry rant. Ludwig, I temporarily retract my objection to mocking. Please feel free to mock TFK’s use of sockpuppets.

Gus Tue, Oct 6, 2009 9:06:48pm

re: #71 SummerSong

ABBA? Freaking ABBA? Nothing deserves that kind of punishment!

Yeah, well, I grew out of hating disco. I used to be one of those “I hate disco” people at the time but after living through rap and hip-hop I’ve come to appreciate it as form of popular music. Besides that the context was disco.

Irenicum Tue, Oct 6, 2009 9:09:42pm

TFK: channeling Hank Hill, That boy ain’t right.

iceweasel Tue, Oct 6, 2009 9:17:02pm

re: #49 Dark_Falcon

They can spread their lies, but the truth will survive, as will I:

[Video]

ha!

Youtube Video

Jack Burton Tue, Oct 6, 2009 9:18:52pm

“We didn’t have a prom. Dancing wasn’t allowed…What’s Footloose?…That’s the plot of the movie? That sounds like a pile of shit.” - Justin’s Dad

Van Helsing Tue, Oct 6, 2009 9:19:25pm

re: #30 Naso Tang

Is that the Bussard of the Bussard Ramjet?

Yes, it is. The late Dr. Bussard…Legacy

Mich-again Tue, Oct 6, 2009 9:20:09pm

re: #74 Charles

Here is the context..

If my fantasy of the Latin teacher seems too wayward, here’s a more realistic example. Imagine you are a teacher of more recent history, and your lessons on 20th-century Europe are boycotted, heckled or otherwise disrupted by well-organised, well-financed and politically muscular groups of Holocaust-deniers. Unlike my hypothetical Rome-deniers, Holocaustdeniers really exist. They are vocal, superficially plausible and adept at seeming learned. They are supported by the president of at least one currently powerful state, and they include at least one bishop of the Roman Catholic Church. Imagine that, as a teacher of European history, you are continually faced with belligerent demands to “teach the controversy”, and to give “equal time” to the “alternative theory” that the Holocaust never happened but was invented by a bunch of Zionist fabricators.
Fashionably relativist intellectuals chime in to insist that there is no absolute truth: whether the Holocaust happened is a matter of personal belief; all points of view are equally valid and should be equally “respected”.

I get his point.

Jack Burton Tue, Oct 6, 2009 9:20:15pm

Doh! Walk away for a little bit and 2 new threads.

Irenicum Tue, Oct 6, 2009 9:21:54pm

And as far as the Disco Institute selling its anti-scientific (as in not just un-scientific, but intentionally anti) nonsense through a PR firm. It just kinda makes sense actually. Since they don’t believe in the scientific enterprise, they’re not going to abide by any of the rules that apply to scientific knowledge, so a PR firm is as good as any other form. It is interesting that they finally felt the need to go there and sell their opinion through this means. It means they’ve exhausted other options. That’s a good thing. These no-nothings deserve no hearing from any legitimate source.

Irenicum Tue, Oct 6, 2009 9:24:02pm

re: #81 Mich-again

Nicely done!

Mad Prophet Ludwig Tue, Oct 6, 2009 9:24:25pm

re: #75 Dark_Falcon

It looks like “rouge puppy” might have been another TFK sockpuppet, judging by the way TFK has been talking over there after his opening poetry rant. Ludwig, I temporarily retract my objection to mocking. Please feel free to mock TFK’s use of sockpuppets.

Ohh I do… You actually made me feel a pang of serious Jewish guilt. I shouldn’t pick on the mentally deficient.

However, he claims to have a whole bunch of them.

So TFK ummm here is a poem just for you…

You called me ludwig von quack quack,
I was taken a-back back
My esteem rests on your notice of me
Couldn’t you refer more insultingly?
Whatever must I do?
Surely I have earned a Haiku?

austin_blue Tue, Oct 6, 2009 10:10:25pm

re: #77 Irenicum

TFK: channeling Hank Hill, That boy ain’t right.

Now let’s be honest. Tax Free Killer posted on this board for years. He was always as crazy as a run-over turkey (as a fellow Texan, I feel feel comfortable using the euphemism). I referred to him as Gabby Johnson, because his western gibberish was authentic.

Sadly, his politics were aligned more with the Republic of Texas than the US. And his fixation with John Kerry was just creepy.

Well, let’s move on. Similar stories can be posted for other departed.

SixDegrees Wed, Oct 7, 2009 12:48:44am

re: #8 Dark_Falcon

I’m glad Dawkins refused. To debate these goons is to give them legitimacy. Answer their points in print if needed, but don’t share a stage with a bunch of liars.

It’s worse than that. Their idea of a “debate” is equivalent to a lynch mob. They typically pack the venue with supporters who then shout down those supporting science, turning it into a rally. This has happened time and time again, and those who take up the argument for science know it all too well. Such “debates” are worthless publicity forums for the creationists, at best; at worst, they can easily spin off into outright violence, depending on how the crowd has been primed.

Where rules of civil behavior are strictly enforced - courts, for example - such debates play out very much in favor of science. But that is an environment which heavily favors facts and logical presentation over emotion - a good forum for scientists, not so much for irrational creationists. And you will never get them to agree to a properly moderated debate where they don’t get to stack the deck except under such circumstances.

Brit in Japan Wed, Oct 7, 2009 2:32:03am

You know, I read the Timesonline article and I think he did make IDers comparable to Holocaust deniers.

But in this case, I actually think he’s right. With the double significance that they don’t deny it due to evidence, but because they just don’t WANT to believe it.

You can call people who do actually behave like real Nazis “Nazis”, and not automatically lose the debate, right?

BiJ.

Yashmak Wed, Oct 7, 2009 7:15:01am

On MSNBC’s Cosmic Log today, they’ve got an article about an upcoming show on Darwin’s life. Based solely on the description from the article, it sounds pretty good. Wish I could watch (no cable TV).

In other news, sorry I’ve been away for a while fellow Lizards, I was busy welcoming my first child, Wyatt, into the world. 7 1/2 lb, 18 1/2”. Born on 9/11.

gregmw Wed, Oct 7, 2009 8:01:58am

You’ve gotta love the press release…the cell is “chock full of digital code” that proves it’s design? Wha??? Digitial code is ones and zeroes. How DNA and RNA turn into digital code is beyond me.

Mr Secul Wed, Oct 7, 2009 11:07:24am

There are only four different nucleotides so DNA could be considered to be a digital storage medium.

Alleles remain discrete and don’t blend (a requirement for preserving variation) so they could be considered digital. Its either there or its not.

The genetic code itself is digital, though there is redundancy. It takes three codons to specify a single amino acid.

So there are a few ways that you could consider the genome to be digital.

But it is a false analogy to compare the genome with computer programs and to conclude that because both share the property of being digital that they also share the property of being designed.

Spy Mode Auto

This article has been archived.
Comments are closed.

Jump to top

Discovery Institute Pays for Propaganda

► LGF Headlines

► Top 10 Comments

► Bottom Comments

► Recent Comments

► Tools/Info

► Tag Cloud