Mess With Texas, ‘Cause Texas is a Mess

New Jersey was the first state to abolish the death penalty ["It’s not a penalty. You’re out of the game.”] in what we hope is a long line of states following in our foot steps. The world has recognized the extraordinary first step, as have other states now that we were number one.

But not Texas. They still lead the nation in capital punishment ---, and will probably still be number one in the future.

So it’s not strange at all that the University of Texas Longhorns (and former governors of Texas') cry at their football games is “Hook’em!”, with the strange Satanic hand gesture---it’s what they would do to those on death row, given the chance.

So, it comes as no surprise that Texas continues its march in to the dark ages with a nod towards creationism, too: A Texas higher education panel has recommended allowing a Bible-based group called the Institute for Creation Research to offer online master’s degrees in science education.

So, it’s ironic in a way that this state that puts that much stock in creation-ism balances it out with that much death-ism, too.

Texas Creationism facts:

Last month, the Texas Education Agency’s director of science, was fired for “displaying bias against creationism” and failing to be “neutral” over the teaching of evolution. Will these people ever look at their calendar and see what century we’re in?

Henry Morris III, the chief executive of the Institute for Creation Research, said “Where the difference is, we provide both sides of the story,” Mr. Morris said. On its Web site, the institute declares, “All things in the universe were created and made by God in the six literal days of the creation week” and says it “equips believers with evidences of the Bible’s accuracy and authority through scientific research, educational programs, and media presentations, all conducted within a thoroughly biblical framework.”

And this what Texas will provide as an education in science.

They also say “the harmful consequences of evolutionary thinking on families and society includes abortion, promiscuity, drug abuse, and homosexuality."

Glad the fine folks from Texas have cleared all that up for us.

And glad I live in New Jersey.