[mukto-mona] The President and Science: So Much Yet to be Done!!

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Dear Mukto-Mona, President Obama has declared that U.S. science policy will no longer be dictated by myths and beliefs.  I can almost hear the collective cry of "It's about time!" from all of our supporters. The President says science policy is going to be about "ensuring that scientific data is never distorted or concealed to serve a political agenda—and that we make scientific decisions based on facts, not ideology."  I can't begin to express my happiness when I hear that the president has joined our cause.   We need to take hold of this opportunity to promote scientific inquiry and critical thinking in America's classrooms and in its public policy.  But that means we need your help! You might be wondering—is there really that much work to still be done?  A recent Harris Poll (Forbes, March 9, 2009) found that of those Americans surveyed: 31% said they think astrology is "very" or "sort of" scientific 44% believe in ghosts 31% believe in witches 33% said they believe intelligent beings from other planets have visited the United States They also found that "around a quarter of us are superstitious about knocking on wood, 13 percent about a black cat crossing a path, 12 percent about walking under a ladder, 11 percent about breaking a mirror, 9 percent about the number 13—and 9 percent of respondents believed that speaking ill of a person makes it come true."  These statistics may seem ludicrous, even comical, to us; but unexamined belief in pseudoscience, fantastic claims, and irrational superstitions can cause larger systemic problems in society. In another survey, Gallup (Digital Journal, Feb 12, 2009) asked Americans "Do you, personally, believe in the theory of evolution, do you not believe in evolution, or don’t you have an opinion either way?" 39% responded they believe in evolution 36% responded they have no opinion on the subject 25% responded they do not believe in evolution Why should we be concerned if other people believe in astrology, ghosts, or intelligent design?  Many of the people holding these beliefs are powerful leaders in our culture.  These leaders influence the educational and cultural standards for everyone else.  Statistics like these—and what they portend for the future of our society—make the work of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry more important than ever.  We need to support the work of the president and help foster a commitment to science that will last for many generations to come.   We can't win this fight on our own.  We need your support.  The Committee for Skeptical Inquiry receives no government funding.  We rely on contributions from supporters like you who know that it takes a lot of money and work to raise the voice of reason above the voices of the credulous mob. Please show your support by making a donation today. Contributors who donate $100 or more in response to this email will receive a limited edition Skeptical Inquirer "I Doubt It!" t-shirt, as modeled above by one of our research fellows. Best, Barry Karr P.S. To stay up to date with the latest on paranormal investigation, you can follow us on Twitter or join our Cause or Fan Page on Facebook using the links below. The Committee for Skeptical Inquiry is a recognized 501(c)(3) organization.  Contributions are fully tax deductible as provided by law.     Visit the web address below to tell your friends about this.  Tell-a-friend! If you received this message from a friend, you can sign up for Committee for Skeptical Inquiry. If you would like to unsubscribe from email communications sent by Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal, or update your account settings, please click here or respond to this email with "REMOVE" as the subject line.

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Mukto Mona plans for a Grand Darwin Day Celebration: 
Call For Articles:

http://mukto-mona.com/wordpress/?p=68

http://mukto-mona.com/banga_blog/?p=585

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"I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it".
               -Beatrice Hall [pseudonym: S.G. Tallentyre], 190

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