There is an interesting debate going on in St. Petersburg where mayoral candidate Bill Foster is being attacked for his belief in creationism. As Florida’s fourth-largest city, St. Petersburg has tried to attract businesses and industry. His critics claim that high-tech companies are going to get the wrong impression if the Mayor believes that the Earth was created in six days and that man walked with dinosaurs.
Foster once objected to his son being taught evolution in school. Pinellas School Board wanted teaching about alternatives to the theory of evolution, such as the Genesis account and repeated the ridiculous claims that Darwin contributed to the rise of Hitler and the Columbine massacre. We have seen this attack on Darwin by people like Ben Stein and others recently.
Foster, a member of Starkey Road Baptist Church in Seminole, has not backed down from his views during this debate. He insists that Genesis says that the Earth was created in six days and that this is literally true. He argues that man and dinosaurs clearly existed together despite the fact that there is a 60 million year gap between the two species. His proof is that “[d]inosaurs are mentioned in Job, so I don’t have any problem believing that dinosaurs roamed the earth.” Job refers to a “behemoth.”
Foster asks a legitimate question: “How does my knowledge of scientific theory impact my ability to rationally govern the city of St. Petersburg? It’s completely irrelevant.”
When do the radical personal views of a politician become relevant? We have seen Obama, Clinton, and other politicians routinely use their religious views as part of their campaigns. If it is appropriate to use religious views as a positive element in a campaign, it opens the door for its use as a negative element. It is not clear, however, that Foster has used his religious views as part of his campaign. For a prior column, click here.
Foster’s extreme views on education and Darwin may be a concern for citizens given the influence of a mayor on school board policies and candidates. Moreover, do extremist views indicate something about a candidate’s intellect or judgment? Would it be appropriate for a voter to oppose a candidate who belonged to a cult or a controversial faith? What do you think?
For the full story, click here.
I have read it and it is beyond the pale of weak…..
lil billy,
It has been stated on this list. Accept what you need and use it, disregard the rest until you need it. You never know when you are going to need.
Give me philosophical and existential “reasons” why a creationist is incapable of being affective in “public office” because they believe in creation…..
Tom, I read your post, this is not even worth discussion or analysis. Please try again…….
I would like the opportunity to analyze your reason for believing that a person seeking public office should be disqualified, due to the fact they are a “creationist”…
Byron
I was not there but I found a reliable source, Think Progress. I don’t equate “limited government and lower taxes and the rule of law” with racism. The 9/12 group does not seem to mind people waving signs wth racist images of our president. Why is that?http://thinkprogress.org/2009/09/12/912-signs/
Foster brought up Hitler and the Nazis. This goes beyond literal belief in the Bible. If he honestly belives that teaching evolution did cause Hitler and the tens of mllions of victms of WWII then I am surprised to see him back away from this. If Foster is mayor I would expect to see a crusade to save us from the coming destruction he says he believes will come if we allow evolution to be taught.
I am not so sure that any of this is real. Florida republicans have used the Bible to win elections for years. They then use their power to privatize government, cut taxes for the few and raise taxs for the rest of us.
Do you subscribe to the notion that a man/woman holding public office, who also believes in “creation” is somehow defective and incapable of being a sound and thoughtful leader? How do you come to this conclusion?
On the flip side, just because you subscribe to evolution or natural selection, dosn’t mean you will be a “smash” when holding public office.
Many “creationists” hold public office. Just because they believe in creation dosn’t mean they are incapable of being good leaders or administrators.
Gyges:
“All creationists are uneducated morons, and they are only qualified to clean toilets.”
I would hazard a guess that this person might prevent a creationist from running for office if given the chance.
Byron,
I’m sorry, but nobody is talking about preventing the guy from running because he’s a Creationist, except you. If you feel I’m wrong, please show me someone who has said so.
Just remember, even idiots can run for office.
Gyges:
“Foster asks a legitimate question: “How does my knowledge of scientific theory impact my ability to rationally govern the city of St. Petersburg? It’s completely irrelevant.””
The question as answered by others on this thread lead me to believe they are questioning his ability to hold office because of his beliefs. I tried to answer that as well.
Gyges:
I think I covered both.
I had the unique opportunity to meet Dr. Goodall, many years ago at the University of Southern California. She is by profession an ethologist and physical anthroplogist and an accomplished writer and conservationist. I possess an undergraduate degree in Physical Anthropology and Psychology and a Masters degree in Management and Psychology. I also had the good fortune to meet Dr. Grover Krantz before his passing in Willow Creek California. He was convinced that the subject on the Patterson film was real and not a hoax. He, along with myself have viewed this piece of footage well over a hundred times and I to am reasonably convinced that the creature on the 16mm print was in fact a species of yet undescribed and unclassified non-human primate.
gyges,
zing!
Billy,
You haven’t been paying very close attention then. The term in question was recently used on this blog by bdaman against Mike Spindell.
And bdaman’s been regretting it ever since. Likely to continue regretting it for some time would be my guess.
Sometimes racism comes up because, duh, some time some people act like racists.
Byron,
You seem to be mixing up “not able to run for office” and “not getting anyone to vote for him.”
My answer is authentically my own. I have never used this statement to express my feelings to the Jews. I have friends who are Jews in Los Angeles. I love to go the Fairfax district, hit Cantor’s deli and have a “corned beef on rye with a doctor browns’ celery tonic”. If a person is mouthing these sentiments, I would probably end my association with that individual, we would probably have little in common…
The term or rather expression, “Jews are Christ killers”, seems rather outdated and antiquated. I have never used this expression or even heard anyone use it, have you? I have heard the expression used in films, usually depicting the atrocities of nazi germany or used in a history book, “to illustrate a point”. I can’t imagine you hear to many people strolling around on mainstreet mouthing these sentiments, unless you live in Orange County and live next door to the Metzger family. And hopefully you don’t!
lil billy,
Run, run for office that was good. Answer the question, with a different answer and perspective altogether. That is good. You are good. Are you sure you have not run a campaign somewhere or are you currently serving someplace and this is your escape?