This is the fundamental problem with the whole IDcreationism movement; it is not about science as long as it only uses ridicule and vilification of science to make its case.

IM3R

Help me understand this…. Ms. Comer used state resources and tax dollars in an inappropriate way, was called on the carpet about it and the SHE QUIT/RESIGNED. Not sure where she thinks the inappropriate termination occured….

Some of us are not fooled, regardless of where we are on the politics of the issue…

What I always find fascinating about scientists is that they seem to think — because they work in science — that their logic on all issues is infallible. As if, somehow dipped in the sweet spring of biology or chemisty or physics, they can’t possibly be wrong on non-science topics, too. They are superior to all of us. Bow down and worship.

Science may stand, yes, but the logic of scientists has led to such great accomplishments as the explosion of the Challenger and Columbia; the failure of the Hubble telescope; and a slew of public health assumptions throughout recent decades that have subsequently been proven false with additional research.

Far be it for me to question such tremendous accomplishments, which I assume can be mastered in even better ways by simply never questioning key scientific principles.

Nor do these scientists appear especially expert in either building critical thinking skills among school children or in employee rights under state law. And that’s okay. That’s why the rest of us exist, to explore those issues from all sides in a non-judgmental way and simply sun ourselves in the light of the extreme intelligence of these scientific minds, thrilled we can be in the presence of such stellar and superior intellect that reigns before us.

Roll of the eyes. Many of us are just as bright, capable, logical and educated as the best scientist in town. Hard to believe, I know.

Looking at the personnel and talking to a variety of people, it would appear Comer was not fired over her belief in creationism or evolution. (Sorry, conspiracy theorists…. ) She was fired due to a variety of circumstances and situations during her agency tenure that had nothing to do with anyone’s religious agenda.

I do think it is an important, and relevant, discussion to talk about whether staff at any agency should be neutral on controversial issues. That might be an interesting discussion, although I suspect the answer would be the same whether you were at the GLO or the AG or TEA. You keep your mouth shut.

On this point, I certainly have some sympathetic pangs for Comer. It is tough to be told to keep your mouth shut at any job.

So can a case about an employee’s termination turn into a case about creationism? Especially if that case is poorly documented? Is there even a written policy at the agency on neutrality?

I’d be more interested in hearing a response from an employment lawyer than from the scientists in the crowd. It would be more relevant to my original intent and this original post.

Personnel files of people paid by taxpayer money are public information. I do think they now make exceptions for teachers, per a recent AG decision. I requested Comer’s file to determine whether her claims were valid, ie was there a pattern of discrimination due to Comer speaking out on evolution? Was she fired because of her belief in evolution?

I don’t fear putting creationism on the table and discussing it. I don’t fear putting evolution on the table and criticizing it. Neither diminish science.

I’m not sure how many of you criticize religious zealots and then write, “Believe it. Don’t question it,” with a straight face. You are the same.

Kimmy, you better get a lawyer. You have no business reading a personnel file.

For those not from the government side of things, the file was written so that the religio-wackies could fire her. 80 days out of about 200 is miniscule for a state official with her tasks. Removing professional discretion from an official at her level is done to make it easier to punish her…god, how the religious love to punish…especially when you have little recourse…torture much? The paper trail will allege that the person is incompetent. Unless you have multitudes of citizens, professional organizations, and other positives to add, you will be fired..with prejudice.

Kimmy, believing in Creationism is pretty much branding you as barely educable. Take a hint from the many scientists that understand science and still worship their god(s).