Eric Hovind is an intriguing blend of willful ignorance and arrogant douchiness. How else would you describe the son of the disgraced creationist who launched the "Dinosaur Adventure Park" and goes around the country prostletizing against science being taught in school.
Thom Hartmann spoke with Hovind on his contention that tax dollars should not be used to teach children science that does not comport with his personal religious beliefs. Raw Story:
“Why would anybody want to do this to their children?” Hartmann asked Hovind. “Because it seems like — it borders on child abuse, to be teaching children science in the context of religion … or for that matter [teaching] religion as a statement of fact, when there are other religions that believe very different things? Or to be teaching kids that Jesus was a political conservative in the modern mold and that liberals are somehow evil people.”
“Obviously,” Hovind replied, “you and I come from opposing views then. Why should we let Christians teach their kids what they believe about Creation and do that in science? We find creation scientists all over the United States. It hasn’t kneecapped or handicapped them whatsoever.”
“Well, I’m sure they can find a few billionaire, right-wing Christians who can fund them,” Hartmann replied. “Particularly those who own big oil companies, who want them to promote a ‘science’ that suggests that global warming isn’t going to screw up the world … but my primary objection is that in 11 states, our tax dollars are paying for this stuff.”
“I’ll tell you what’s even worse,” Hovind shot back. “In all fifty states, tax dollars are going to tell the kids that they’re cousins of bananas, and that they all evolved from rocks. That’s being forced, down the kids’ throats, in all 50 states.”
Lord, save us from your followers who insist on proving their ignorance in the name of faith. Cousin of bananas and evolved from rocks? Where is that being taught?
Hartmann is infinitely more patient with this inanity than I ever could be. Can I just say that I'd rather not fund tax exemptions for these crazy ministries with my own tax dollars?
