Could it have been a surprise that the mailbag this week is loaded with comments on a column about a proposed piece of legislation from State Senator Ronda Storms? This time the topic was teaching evolution and other theories in the classroom.
“In reference to Steve Otto’s article I would like to point out the meaning of the word ‘theory.’ My dictionary defines t heory as “A system of assumptions, speculations, hypothesis or suppositions.’ The Florida School Board itself agreed with Charles Darwin that evolution is only a theory, but the standards they set require evolution to be taught as if it were a proven fact....Had Mr. Otto actually read the Academic Freedom Act. he would see there is nothing in it about teaching ‘other theories.’ Maybe the real message was to show that he himself could be cited as an example of recent macro-evolution because he seems to think with only one cell of his brain. ‘’ - Nathalie Tomczak, Valrico

- “Mr. Otto, Had you just walked out onto the ball field and kicked a sixty-yeard field goal,you wouldn’t be a greater hero at this moment. Your column today was pertinent. Ms. Storms is a scary individual, not because of her ideals and beliefs, but how she goes about trying to implement them.  The public is not too bright. It sees only the word ‘Freedom’ and immediately it assumes it must be good. . Pavlov’s dog wouldn’t react as well.  Remember C, Darrow’s words in “Inherit the Wind’?  Paraphrasing “With flags waving and drums beating, we are marching backwards. ‘ Is she the local drum major?’’ Thanks for a fine article - Norma