Jun 14, 2008

Letters

Mideast conflict

Dear Editor: The journal Science on June 6 reported how David Mumford (one of three winners of the '08 Israel-based Wolf Foundation Prize in Mathematics) "is donating his share of the $100,000 award to Palestinian causes - half to Bir Zeit University in the West Bank and half to the Tel Aviv-based human rights organization Gisha, which works for freedom of movement of Palestinians in Gaza." Sari Bashi, director of Gisha, notes the particular difficulty science students in Gaza have because they are "trapped there and can't reach their studies."

Mumford stresses his intent is not to criticize Israel, but rather notes that "educated Palestinians can be better partners for peace. ..."

Unfortunately, the media in the U.S. usually reports events in the area such that one would never know that Palestinian science students even existed, much less needed help.

Gilwee Walker,

Palo Alto



'Expelled Exposed'

Dear Editor: Concerning the [June 11] letter by James Quinn about the "Expelled" movie.

It's not that challenging evolution isn't "politically correct," it's that intelligent design is not scientifically correct. It would help if he could state the "scientific theory of intelligent design."

It exited the theaters because it was a demand problem; viewership was low. The reviews were scathing of the movie's dishonest approach.

Evolution is not how the world came to be, that's abiogenesis. Evolution seeks to explain what happened after we got here.

There was, in fact, no blackout in theaters for "Expelled." There is a lawsuit they've become entangled in for not getting use permission from Harvard.

The movie also dishonestly garnered interviews from various scientists using a bait-and-switch approach.

For more on the movie and its dishonesty, check the "Expelled Exposed" Web site, which will do more to educate the public on "Expelled" than conspiracy theories.

Mark Peterson,

Redwood City



Impeachment

Dear Editor: The Democrats will not get one penny from me until they do their constitutional duty and vote to impeach the president and the vice president. They can't seem to get any civil rights, consumer protection or war-ending legislation passed. I don't know why they continue to waste time doing nothing. Many of us knew that the president and vice president lied and are liars and yet the Democrats continue with a nod and a wink the policies of the men who stole not only one election but two.

Gloria Linda Maldonado,

Redwood City

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