Knowledge?

A recent survey indicated that over 40% of registered voters did not know how long it took for the earth to rotate around the sun. Even more frightening was the reported findings that almost half or 19% of those registered voters were convinced that the sun rotated around the earth. What does that say about our education systems? That, alone should be sufficient support for more funding for schools and less funding for defense. One cannot also wonder how those so lacking in basic knowledge can possibly be a positive influence on their children. Finally, ask yourself this; do I want the election of my President, Governor, Mayor, or even dog catcher to be determined by people with this understanding of the world around them? If they believe that the earth revolves around the sun, how could they possibly determine if a politician is going to represent their best interests or the best interests of the city/county/state/country. I do not know how you may feel about this, but to me it is very scary! If that does not bother you, consider this, as reported in the Nashville Scene, Tennessee Legislator, Rep. Richard Floyd (R-Chattanooga) told a radio host that the AIDS virus originated from “one guy screwing a monkey” and he also claimed that HIV cannot be transmitted through heterosexual intercourse in spite of evidence that shows 95% pf HIV transmissions world wide are the result of unprotected heterosexual intercourse. This is the level of knowledge that determines what is being taught in Tennessee schools! What is even more frightening is the very real possibility that there are members of Congress who may hold these views or there could be an individual who thinks he or she should be President of The United States who may think along these lines. There is a difference between fact and fiction, truth and superstition. There are times when that difference can become blurred, but that time should not be on government time.