Perception is reality

The documentary "Flock of Dodos", by former Evolutionary Ecologist Dr. Randy Olson, covers the Intelligent Design /Evolution debate. Its backdrop is the recent Dover School Board decision to have teachers read two paragraphs to all classrooms:

Because Darwin's Theory is a theory, it is still being tested as new evidence is discovered. The Theory is not a fact. Gaps in the Theory exist for which there is no evidence. A theory is defined as a well-tested explanation that unifies a broad range of observations.
Intelligent design is an explanation of the origin of ife that differs from Darwin's view. The reference book, Of Pandas and People is available for students to see if they would like to explore this view in an effort to gain an understanding of what intelligent design actually involves. As is true with any theory, students are encouraged to keep an open mind.

Teachers refused, forcing the administration to order janitors and other staff to mechanically read the statement to the students. These did so reluctantly, refusing to answer any questions. Teachers stood outside, in protest. I transcribe the paragraphs so that one might see that beyond simply being a statement for Intelligent Design as a scientific alternative, it is frought with confusion as to the meaning of 'theory'.
Some very heroic teachers, including Kitmiller, filed a case against the School Board (see the complete complaint here). And the conservative judge's ruling was a resounding condemnation of ID.
I saw the documentary, appropriately at the recent annual meeting of the Society for the Study of Evolution. Its really informative and entertaining. And it goes beyond the ID/evolution debate to tackle to general problem of communication in the modern era, which favors those that have simple messages and are out to evangelize their worldview rather than pursue the truth. This affects not only scientists trying to educate the general public and facing IDers with catchy slogans ("Teach the controversy"), but also Democrats who have had difficulties challenging the Republican PR machine.
Randy Olson was present at the showing of his film, and really pushed the notion that public debates are now won by those whose discourse is clear and sharp. If it spreads and infects quickly and marks our perception of reality, then it becomes reality. Facts be damned. If necessary, address not the core issues, but the trimmings, what Olson called Trivia Tackling: find fault with a classic example of evolution, and the whole house of cards will collapse; or attack Democratic candidate John Kerry's war record with the Swift-boat ad.
These ideas, as applied to the political sphere, are spelled out by George Lakoff in his book Don't Think of an Elephant: Know Your Values and Frame the Debate--The Essential Guide for Progressives. Read the first chapter here.

What is this gigantic construction site? The future US embassy in Baghdad, Iraque, due to be operational in June 2006.

How big is it? 104 hectares, the size of Vatican City, containing 21 buildings, including six blocks, with 619 one-bedroom flats, a recreation building, a beauty salon, gym, swimming pool, a school, its own water treatment plant and electrical generator.

What about security? Its surounded by five-metre-thick walls and ringed by military guards.

How much will it cost to build? President Bush requested $1.3 billion for the embassy in the 2005 "emergency supplemental". Presently, 3,500 workers are constructing the complex, 24hours a day.

For how much did Iraq sell the real estate to the US? $0

(cit The Age
also see the Congressional Research Service April 2005 report)

With enlistment rates down and the Reserves and National Guard stretched to the breaking point, how long do you think it will take before President Bush brings back the draft?

Draft FAQs