DOUG
I saw tonight's PBS special on the Dover trial, and it was very well done. Two hours of very fair and balanced reporting; to wit, the creationists were exposed as the liars and frauds they are, many details were given, and in all it was a very good production.
See here at the PBS website for clips of the program (I think it is all of the program) and extended interviews and other material. A good resource.
DAR
I am thinking we should show the documentary "A Flock of Do Do's" at the next meeting.
D.
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From Amazon.com:
Editorial Reviews
In a light-hearted take on the culture wars, FLOCK OF DODOS tweaks egos and pokes fun at both sides in the evolution vs. intelligent design debate. Evolutionary biologist and filmmaker Dr. Randy Olson rides along with jargon-impaired scientists and jargon-rebranding intelligent designers as they engage in the comic theatrics that erupt wherever science and religion clash over the origins of life. From the shadowy, well-funded headquarters of the pro-intelligent design Discovery Institute in Seattle to the rarefied talk of Olson s science buddies around a late-night poker table, FLOCK OF DODOS lends a thoughtfully critical ear to the wonderful personalities and passions driving the Darwin wars.
By explaining the quirks of evolution with colorful visual aides while respectfully listening to people of faith, FLOCK OF DODOS is intelligently designed for popular appeal (VARIETY). And if you find it difficult to determine which side of the issue is the bigger flock of dodos, Olson offers up his 83-year-old mother, Muffy Moose, as the ultimate head dodo who provides the Rodney King perspective of can't we all just get along? This enlightened, fun film is a must-see for anyone who cares about the issues of our time.
This Nova special takes viewers beyond the headlines of the court decisions and through interviews with key players in the case, including scientists, Dover parents, teachers, and town officials, it shows how this wasn’t just a court case that would have serious implications for the future of science education in America and the separation of church and state, it literally pitted “friend against friend, and neighbor against neighbor” within the small community that serves as a microcosm of an America still divided over evolution.
Nicely divided in to 12 small chapters, you can watch the entire episode online here.
Molly Ivins (with Lou Dubose) had one last book finished except for the editing when she died. "Bill of Wrongs" has a chapter about the Dover trial in it. The book is at the public library (once I return it), should any of you care to read Molly's last "hair on fire" pissed off chronicaling of what the Bush Administration has been doing to America.
