Bush approved interfering in the Iraqi elections

Nice long article in our Sunday paper about Bush's administration deciding to interfere in the Iraqi elections. (subscription required) I suspect you can also find it at the New York Times.

Here is the first paragraph:

By Douglas Jehl and David E. Sanger

THE NEW YORK TIMES

Sunday, July 17, 2005

WASHINGTON -- In the months before January's Iraqi elections, President Bush approved a plan to provide covert support to certain candidates and political parties but rescinded the proposal because of congressional opposition, current and former government officials said Saturday.

Seems that once they went to tell Congress about the plan they got lots of negative feedback.

I'd understand if Bush asked for a study to explore the idea.

The fact that He could not reject it as a bad idea without help from Congress shows just what an empty hat he is.

Vatican and Evolution

The Corrente blog has a good one on Cardinal Schoenborn's letter (NYT registration required) about evolution.

Looks to me like the Evangelicals are looking for fellow travelers for intelligent Design.

The actual letter (see link above) is nothing new. It takes the good old God is revealed through the study of Nature line. What is new and interesting is its use by the Discovery Institute to push their intelligent Design foolishness.

So, why would the Vatican want to travel with Evangelicals? Hard to say. This might be an indication of some future change the new Pope wants to make to Catholic teachings.

Or not.

Time may tell.

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Check out the story on evolution of Eyes on The Loom: part one and part two for an excellent discussion of how evolution of complex features really works.

Let me be frank: intelligent Design is just Creationism gussied up in prettier clothes. Creationism is a myth dreamed up by people who love a literal interpretation of the Christian Bible; religion pure and simple.

To teach either intelligent Design or Creationism in a Science class in a public school is simply establishing Christianity as the official religion.