"Is it Live or is it Memorex?"

Older people will remember this advertising campaign slogan for Memorex audiotape. Now many years later, I wonder about "intelligent design." Is it science? Or is it politics and religion hiding out as science?

Indeed, the notion of intelligent design -- a view of creation that challenges established scientific thinking and promotes the idea that an unseen force is behind the development of humanity -- has been promulgated for a very long time.

Over 50 years ago, while defending America during and after the Korean Police action (or war), I was a radio maintenance instructor at Scott Air Force Base in Belleville Illinois. I also presented a demonstration of electrical phenomena to all incoming students. As part of this activity, I was told about a lecture given by the Moody Institute called "Sermons From Science."

I went to see it in Chicago. In summary, they were attempting to demonstrate that the wonders of the universe could not have been an accident, but rather were created and organized by a "higher power."

I did not believe it then, nor do I believe it now. On the other hand, if anyone wants to subscribe to that theory, why not? You can promulgate it in church, books, newspapers, television and radio. You can stand on street corners and tell it to anyone interested in hearing it.

President Bush has said that schoolchildren should be taught about intelligent design. I don't question his beliefs, yet why should his beliefs be taught in public school?

I would hope that he would accept that intelligent design should be taught in Sunday school where it belongs, and not in public school?

I would like to ask the President: Do you believe in intelligent design as a Christian or as a scientist?

And why does he turn his back on our constitution? I found the following:

During the 1810's, President James Madison wrote an essay titled "Monopolies" which refers to the importance of church-state separation. He stated in part:

"Strongly guarded as is the separation between religion and government in the Constitution of the United States, the danger of encroachment by Ecclesiastical Bodies may be illustrated by precedents already furnished in their short history."

Mr. President, I do understand the political value of your position, yet, as an American I cannot understand what you are doing.

Norman Horowitz, American
Former Agnostic
Now A Full Time Atheist

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