Bad news in Texas

After all, we wouldn't want experts determining whether the earth orbits the sun or whether acids neutralize bases.

The New York Times wrote this on Monday about recent decisions concerning the teaching of evolution in Texas.

The Texas Board of Education gave grudging support last week to teaching the mainstream theory of evolution without the most troubling encumbrances sought by religious and social conservatives. But the margins on crucial amendments were disturbingly close, typically a single vote on a 15-member board, and compromise language left ample room for the struggle to continue.

The National Center for Science Education is less sanguine.

The board majority amended the Earth and Space Sciences standards as well as the Biology standards (TEKS) with loopholes and language that make it even easier for creationists to attack science textbooks.

Whether you're a relative optimist, like the Times, or a relative pessimist, like NCSE, the new isn't good. The only question is "How bad is it?"