Missing Link vs Religion

Potentially big news in the “science vs religion” world today, scientists have discovered what is believed to be one of the significant evolutionary steps between animals and humans. If you haven’t heard, you’re probably even more sheltered then I am, which is tough and my hat is off to you, but today you just go to Google and click in the logo, which links you to a search entitled Missing Link Found.

Here’s what I don’t get: The creationist viewpoint does not, as I understand it, inherently exclude evolution. It seems to me that religion is pushing an “us vs them” war with science, when a better approach might be to complement science by adding perspective and spiritual understanding. Conversely, from the other point of view, I don’t really see anyone in the scientific community going out of their way to discredit religion, as much as hypothesize as new evidence is discovered.

Put another way, if I decide to believe in a just and loving god that made everything just the way he wanted, isn’t it reasonable to suggest that he might have big-banged, started that initial spark/seed of life that science can’t explain, thereby creating humanity by way of creating our ancestral evolutionary steps?

Heck of a job Bushie

For those who think eight years of Bush is enough, well, you’re clearly not paying attention:

See, Bush might have been president for eight calendar years, but between raising the debt by $4.9 trillion (with a “T”), $18,617 each and every second (yes, even that leap second), overseeing 4,228 US military deaths in Iraq and 634 US military deaths in Afghanistan (that’s almost two thousand more then died on 9/11 in the attacks), he also found time for 977 days (1 year, 362 days) of vacation at Camp David and his ranch, so really, Bush has only spent six years in office.

Damn man, couldn’t you have snuck in three more days and made it a round 2 years? And who the hell takes one in four YEARS off?

Heck of a job Bushie, heck of a job.

(All numbers taken from President Bush By The Numbers)

Do politicians lie? Maybe not

What makes you think your politicians lie to you? Sometimes it’s just easier to tell the truth:

Judy Wallman, a professional genealogical researcher, discovered that Stephen Dion the leader of Canada’s Liberal Party great-great uncle, Robert Dion, was hanged for horse stealing and train robbery in Quebec in 1889. The only known photograph of Dion shows him standing on the gallows. On the back of the picture is this inscription:

“Robert Dion; horse thief, sent to Quebec Provincial Prison 1883, escaped 1887, robbed the Canadian Pacific Railway six times. Caught by Pinkerton detectives, convicted, and hanged in 1889.”

Judy e-mailed Stephen Dion for comments. Dion’s staff sent back the following biographical sketch:

“Robert Dion was a famous horseman in Quebec. His business empire grew to include acquisition of valuable equestrian assets and intimate dealings with the Canadian Pacific Railroad. Beginning in 1883, he devoted several years of his life to service at a government facility, finally taking leave in 1887 to resume his dealings with the railroad. Subsequently, he was a key player in a vital investigation run by the renowned Pinkerton Detective Agency. In 1889, Dion passed away during an important civic function held in his honour, when the platform on which he was standing collapsed.”

No, this doesn’t appear to be a true story, but it’s still funny — Thanks to dad for sharing it with me.