America's endless argument

Most Europeans look with amazement as Americans continue to argue year after year about whether or not the world was shaped by evolution. Scientists have accepted Darwin's century-old theory of evolution, which has been refined and amplified over the years, as the basis of modern biology. Not so in Texas! Some Americans are convinced that the world was created less than 10,000 years ago and has remained without change ever since. These arguments wouldn't bother people if the believers in creationism didn't insist their beliefs should be taught in schools. The battleground for this year is Texas, where the Board of Education has been trying to mandate the inclusion in all biology textbooks of language questioning the validity of evolutionary theory. This change would affect not only students in Texas but throughout the country because textbook publishers like their books to adoptable in all states. It saves them a lot of money even though it may shortchange students. Although the creationists on the Texas Board of Education did not get their suggestion passed at this week's meeting, it was defeated by a margin of one vote. Science teachers, librarians and will have to be watchful to be sure that changes don't creep into the books sooner or later. We will go on providing comedy for educated people in other countries for as long as the endless battle continues.