A Creationist enters the presidential race; and she's no friend to the Polar Bears

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John McCain’s decision to choose an anti-abortion, pro-creationism, death penalty diva as his vice-presidential running mate has stunned the nation. Some creationists are asking why McCain chose unknown Alaska governor Sarah Palin instead of the immensely popular national figure and avowed creationist Mike Huckabee. Besides wanting to drill for oil everywhere, Palin is also not a friend of the Polar Bear.

Sounds too strange to be true? Read on:

Palin is pro-life and a prominent member of Feminists for Life. When she was pregnant with her fifth child, Palin was told the baby had genetic abnormalities consistent with Downs Syndrome, but still chose to go through with the pregnancy. In 2006, while running for governor, Palin was asked what she would do if her own daughter were raped and became pregnant; she responded that she would "choose life" and refuse an abortion. She and her husband stated that they had "faith that every baby is created for a good purpose."

As for that man who hypothetically raped her daughter, Palin would "choose death." She is a staunch supporter of the death penalty. In 2006 she said "If the legislature passed a death penalty law, I would sign it. We have a right to know that someone who rapes and murders a child or kills an innocent person in a drive by shooting will never be able to do that again."

While running for Governor of Alaska and asked about the teaching of creationism in public school science classes, Palin answered: "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."

Since being announced as McCain's running mate, she has shamelessly voiced her belief that global warming is man-made. As Governor, in May 2008, she had threatened to sue the federal government over the decision to list polar bears as a threatened species due to effects of climate change. She questioned the scientific basis for the listing, and warned that it would adversely affect energy development in Alaska. Governor Palin has strongly promoted oil and natural gas resource development in Alaska, including opening the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to drilling.

More on Sarah Palin next week as she becomes the first female Republican candidate for the vice-presidency.

A leading creationist accuses Barack Obama of pushing a fruitcake interpretation of the Constitution

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As Obama broadens his outreach to evangelical voters, one of the movement's biggest names, James Dobson, accuses the likely Democratic presidential nominee of distorting the Bible and the U.S. Constitution. Dobson told millions of his listeners on his weekly radio program, Focus on the Family, that Obama is dragging biblical understanding through the gutter.

McCain delivers keynote speech to Creationism advocacy group

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Senator John McCain spoke last month at the Discovery Institute, an Intelligent Design think tank. Despite his inconsistent support of including Intelligent Design in science education, McCain accepted the group’s invitation to deliver a keynote address. For years, McCain has fluctuated wildly in his advocacy of the religious right think tank, who has been described as a theocratic outfit that advocates the replacement of American civil law with biblical law. [source: Think Progress]


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Sound Off: Science & Faith. Our point/counterpoint regulars Shelley (the voice of science) and Peter (the voice of faith), comment on the story.

The Voice of Science: Shelley Greene, Ph.D., comments:
McCain’s on-again, off-again relationship with the religious right appears to be on again. For years, McCain has held an ambiguous position on teaching Intelligent Design in public schools. In 2005, he said it should be taught. Last year he said it should “probably not” be taught. One cannot help but see this speech as a warming up to the Intelligent Design community who may feel snubbed and confused. Perhaps he’s seeking political reconciliation with the well-funded, well-connected Discovery Institute, which we all know is home to a creationist think tank with a theocratic political agenda. Does McCain think that associating with conservative Christians will help him win in 2008? If he does, he better take a pro-Intelligent Design stance and stick to it once and for all.

The Voice of Faith: Peter Williamson, M.Div., comments:
Any assumption that Senator McCain is paying lip-service to those at the Discovery Institute is either based on dis-information or sheer denial of the facts. This speaking event was a gathering of the Seattle World Affairs Council and the CityClub of Seattle. The nature of the meeting, and of McCain’s speech itself, was discussion of the role of the U.S. in the global community. Intelligent Design and the teaching thereof in public schools was not topic on the group’s agenda.