unpolarized Moderator of Catacones's blog: "Fighting The Darkness"

sadly I live in a state where too many people can't seem to grasp that religion has no place in science classes, not matter what label you try and disguise it under. Call it "Intelligent Design", or "Creationism" it is still religion, has no basis in science, scientific theory, process, and not one scientist, or creditable scientific group approves of it's inclusion into science classes as an alternative to evolution. Evolution is real science. It is based on scientific method, and while there is some dissension within the scientific community over small details of things, it is not disputed as a valid theory. One reason people seem to bge confused about all this, is due to a general lack of understanding of terminology. A theory in scientific terms is not the same thing as a theory in common usage. A Theory, or theorum, in science, such as the Theory of evolution, refers to a hypothesis which has been proven true based on observation, and/or testing. The data gathered from testing, or observation is subjected to analysis, and the results are then published, and subjected to peer review. A valid theory can predict the result of future testing, or observation. A theory is no less valid than a law, just unable to be proven by th specific methods of testing needed to consider a theory, a law. While you can call Intelligent design a reasonable hypothesis, it does not meet any of the required standards to be considered a valid scientific theory. There is absolutely no evidence to back the hypothesis, no testing, or experimentation possible to provide results, and thus it fails the minimum stadards to be considered science. Thus it has no place in a science class, unless it is mentioned in the context of being a non-scientific alternate belief to the theory of evolution.

So what is the deal with people who insist on taking insult at things said in comments, especially to mumms, when in fact they were not insulted, directly, or inderectly. If a statement is made concerning a type of behavior which is clearly pointed out as being contrary toa religious belief, or pure hypocrasy of some sort, generally politically, how is this a personal attack on this third part, who was not addressed in the comment. I can't decide if these people are being willfully stupid, and insistent on demonstrating that fact to as many people as possible, or if they are simply illiterate, or misreading things, and not bothering to check what was really said before going on a diatribe against what they thought was said. Either way, it seems that some of them ought to be embarrassed at the least for pulling an Emily Litella, and the rest should get a clue, and hire someone to think for them, and then write out their alleged position clearly. They also should grasp the difference between leveling an insult at behavior in general, and leveling a personal attack.

I am a bit, ok a lot disappointed in the number of people who seemed blase, or indeifferent, in facy anything but outraged over the nasty mind games played by two adults on a 13 year old girl, resulting in her death. Anyone who read about this, heard the details, and isn't apalled by that supposed grown-ups, parents could do something like that, and then be un any way surprised by the outcome is either lacking in anything resembl maturity, compassion, or too self-involved. Either that, or cruel, stupid, or evil. Their behaviour is unacceptable under any circustances. There are no excuses for it, and no valid way they can claim that they had no idea what their actions could result in. They can never undo the harm they caused, and the only possible action they can take to attone would be to make the most public possible sicere apology, claim full responsibility, and then devote their lives to educating others on why never to act in a like manner. I'm sure many of you think I am making a big deal over nothing much. You think the girl should have been able to just shrug off what happened. You think that words can only hurt you, if you let them. Well you are wrong, and so wrong, that if you can't understand why, you meed to think, study, or do whatever it takes until you understand. Words are weapons when used hurtfully. They cut deeper than a blade, and leave lasting scars. No one, except true sociopaths are immune to hrtful words. Even the best adjusted, and those with high self-esteem still feel some pain when on the receiving end of cruelty, and ridicule. Thos with low self-esteem, especialy chiuldren, and teens feel the pain deeply, and often carry that pain for years. Those who inflict those words are bullies at best, and the ones whop do so for their own pleasure are little better than parists, or molesters. They are guilty of violating their victims, and while many act this way from be treated similarly in the past, are no less guilty. If you hate yourself, have a huge hole inside, you will never fill it by causing pain, no matter how hard you try. I pity you, butdon't forgive your actions. If you witniss this behaviour, speak out. I always have, and will. Some things are worth causing a scene, risking embarrassment, or even getting attacked to stop. If you don't try and stop it, then you are condoning it, and in fact are guilty too. No moral person should accept, or condone cruelty. Closing your eyes will not make it stop. Onl;y refusing to allow it continue wiil make it stop.

The darkness presses in on me from all around. Insided and out. My true enemy, seeking my my surrender or destruction. Relentless, merciless, cruel, and resourceful, everything can be used as a weapon to hurt me. I can never win, only survive. If I lose, I lose everything. No score is kept, and most will never know this battle rages, or how critical it is I never give up. The darkness is everywher, it hides in plain site, though shows itself to me to try and strip me of hope. I see it even if my eyes are closed, as it is filled me with images the will never fade. It speaks in millions of voices, creams in madness, and rage. Whispers lies, and violates the meaning of every word. It's goal is to consume the light, and light is the only defense against it. I am weary, yet still burm, dim, but still flickr, and at times find the strength to blaze like the sun. I know there are other lights struggling against the darkness, they give me hope, and mourn the loss each time one gutters out.