Gallup - "Majority of Republicans Doubt Theory of Evolution"- Doubt On Evolution and Climate Change!

[TomCADem]

With the current media frenzy over "doubt" and "skepticism" on climate change, we should not forget that there is also wide-spread doubt and skepticism on evolution (especially among Republicans). It is no wonder that Sarah Palin is inspiring so much excitement among those who do not trust scientists. Even on DU, such skeptics are quite vocal.

http://www.gallup.com/poll/27847/Majority-Republicans-Doubt-Theory-Evolution.aspx

PRINCETON, NJ -- The majority of Republicans in the United States do not believe the theory of evolution is true and do not believe that humans evolved over millions of years from less advanced forms of life. This suggests that when three Republican presidential candidates at a May debate stated they did not believe in evolution, they were generally in sync with the bulk of the rank-and-file Republicans whose nomination they are seeking to obtain.

Independents and Democrats are more likely than Republicans to believe in the theory of evolution. But even among non-Republicans there appears to be a significant minority who doubt that evolution adequately explains where humans came from.

The data from several recent Gallup studies suggest that Americans' religious behavior is highly correlated with beliefs about evolution. Those who attend church frequently are much less likely to believe in evolution than are those who seldom or never attend. That Republicans tend to be frequent churchgoers helps explain their doubts about evolution.

###

Republicans Most Likely to Reject Evolution

As noted previously, belief in evolution has been injected into the political debate already this year, with much attention given to the fact three Republican presidential candidates answered a debate question by saying that they did not believe in evolution.

It appears that these candidates are, in some ways, "preaching to the choir" in terms of addressing their own party's constituents -- the group that matters when it comes to the GOP primaries. Republicans are much more likely to be religious and attend church than independents or Democrats in general. Therefore, it comes as no great surprise to find that Republicans are also significantly more likely not to believe in evolution than are independents and Democrats.

[jtrockville]

1. And I bet they're PROUD of their stupidity.

[Bolo Boffin]

11. God told them to be.

There's a very distinct anti-intellectualism in the holy scriptures.

[struggle4progress]

15. Religious Differences on the Question of Evolution (Pew | February 2009)

http://pewforum.org/docs/?DocID=392

<my> summary of the graphic: In order of acceptance of evolution in America: Buddhists (81%) > Hindus (80%) > Jewish (77%) > Religiously Unaffiliated (72%) > Catholics (58%) > Orthodox (54%) > Mainline Protestants (51%) > Americans Overall (48%)

Many major organized religious groupings in the US do not actually have a stand against evolution; see

Religious Groups' Views on Evolution
http://pewforum.org/docs/?DocID=394

[Zoeisright]

2. There is NO 'belief' in science.

You either are educated and you understand it, or you don't get it.

Not surprised that most repukes are stupid and in denial.

[struggle4progress]

16. Most people really don't get a scientific education in our public schools: they learn

to sit down, shut up, do what they're told, and repeat what's said to them. That's not always the fault of the teachers: the textbooks are often pretty poor; the resources allocated for education are often inadequate; the classes are often too big; and so on. A dozen years of typical American education ruins lots of people's minds

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

3. They should ask about autism caused by vaccines.

Or the effects of bombing on the moon's ecosystem.

[tabatha]

4. That is why only 6% of scientists are Republicans.

[parts]

5. correction...

The majority of Republicans in the United States do not UNDERSTAND the theory of evolution is true and do not UNDERSTAND that humans evolved over millions of years from less advanced forms of life. This suggests that when three Republican presidential candidates at a May debate stated they did not UNDERSTAND evolution, they were generally in sync with the bulk of the rank-and-file Republicans whose nomination they are seeking to obtain.



You can believe what you want but no one 'believes' in science, you either understand or you don't

And same goes for climate change

[spanone]

6. you so funny

[ima_sinnic]

19. what does that mean? or is it all too painfully obvious?

:wtf:

[parts]

26. eeh

Well, I'm sorry if I came across as snarky, I'm just sick of having to argue with the arrogance of ignorance

[vixengrl]

7. They are connected--how can you see the issues with fossil

fuels if you don't believe in the fossil evidence?

I've joked before* that they are connected in a religion--but the more I think about it, the less funny I find it, since so many of the same earnest faces (like Palin or Inhofe) who scoff at both, are basically fundamentalist. I've heard actually statements read into the hearings on climate change where, without irony, the notion of the sea rising is scoffed at because the Bible said the God would never bring another flood--and you can hang a rainbow on that, buster! (That was John Shimkus, last seen slinking out on the same Obama speech where Joe Wilson said "You lie!" and Louie Gohmert looked like a tool and a half with a homemade sign asking where the bill--which he presumably should have seen, being in congress--was. Leaving was actually classy in comparison. One could believe he really had to pee or something, but no. He admitted he wasn't hearing anything new. As he wasn't. And I'm sure he had a Bible to get back to.)




I might cook up a whole book of the Petroleum Tree religion, but this is what I have so far:

At the center of the world, which is hollow, is the Petroleum tree, which was planted by God on or about the fifth day. He in his infinite wisdom expected the humans to drill into it someday, which is why he made it before men, and put it underground. Yea, put in in the very firmament, where it sank.

The petroleum tree branches out all under the span of the globe, but the branches are usually located where the hearts of men are hardened, so there shall be wars and rumors of wars, or whatever works. But it's war over God's own Petroleum tree--so it's holy. It also branches out in really inconvenient places, like under the sea. But drilling under the sea for it will be like tapping a keg--because yea verily, the results of the neverending flow will be immediate, for the tree representeth the power and the glory of the wishful-thinking--pretty much, amen.

And lo, the tree is that which makes petroleum as its fruit, so it is renewable. For it is written, "By their fruits shall ye know them" and we have tasted of the fruit of the Petroleum Tree, and found it good.

The heathen will call the fruit of the Petroleum tree "fossil fuel" for they are heathen, and believeth in fossils, and think that the earth was very old, but that the supply of oil be finite. But the true believer knows that the world is young, and the tree is old, and the fuel is forever and ever, heating the mansions in heaven of the faithful, and fueling the furnace of those that disbelieveth in the Petroleum tree. For they are the suckage, and fall into the iniquities of solar and wind-powered heresies. Which are renewable and do not come from God, or a Commodities market. For these renewable enegies speak of independence, and not fealty to the Lord of the Petroleum tree.


For in it's trunk the Petroleum tree burneth, and that with a mighty fire. And out of the burning mouth, it spake thus:

You have been weighed in the balance, and found wanting--that is demand. Although I am everflowing, there is still only so much of me to go around. So I visit you with plagues of high pump prices and home heating costs, for I am Supply. And for those that yield unto me, I will make their cup runneth over with gas cards. And those that serveth me best, will experience record profits. But woe be unto him who purchases a Hybrid. For his car will be ridiculed.

And inflate thee not thy tires, for my name's sake. For every drop of mine is sacred. But all must be consumed.

And though you could conserve--thou shalt not, for mine is the Way, and the Energy, and the thing making your chariot go, m-f'er.

Tired old link to me being that way: http://journals.democraticunderground.com/vixengrl/24


Also--recently I read an article that suggested there was no reason in sight for there to be anything but cheap oil in our future--implying a limitless oil supply. Depending upon the needs of speculators, heresies are sure to spring up. But it's rather like a religion, no?

[NRaleighLiberal]

8. All Republicans should immediately give up all modern conveniences and inventions.

Since they don't believe in science, such inventions as TVs, electric lights, automobiles, medicines....on second thought, they should just dig a hole in the ground or find a cave, do their flat earth thing and get themselves out of our way.

[Odin2005]

9. Translation: "Republicans have lost touch with reality".

[niceypoo]

13. Faerie tales are more palatable to them

Less thinking involved.

[demosincebirth]

10. The earth is flat.

[niceypoo]

12. Breaking: Most republicans are gullible morons

This is news?

[Fly by night]

14. I can believe that. After all, ...

... they look at themselves every morning in the mirror.

[Kablooie]

17. I really don't understand how normal adults can be such utter imbeciles! I'm boggled.

[MineralMan]

18. Perhaps it's time for a new "Know Nothing" party.

The GOOPers could just change their name.

[ima_sinnic]

20. maybe they will "believe in it" the way all dinosaurs do--after they are extinct

morons are incapable of seeing themselves as part of a larger whole. All that matters is their own moment in time and space. The earth is "the way it is" because it fits human needs perfectly, according to them. The atmosphere "is oxygen" (actually, it's mostly nitrogen) because humans breathe oxygen, therefore the world was set up for humans. That is the way their thinking goes.

It never occurs to them that humans, like every other form of life, has evolved to fit these conditions, not the other way around, and that they are still evolving. These morons seem to fit the classic formula for extinction: the inability to adapt to changing conditions. It will be hard when they are gone but SOMEhow I will manage! :D

[Soylent Brice]

21. no shock there. after all, they deny anything with truth, facts, evidence, etc etc etc...

[dgibby]

22. Well, considering how unevolved they are, this should come as no surprise. n/t

[SpiralHawk]

23. GALLUP: Majority of Americans Doubt Republicon Intelligence & Integrity

Majority of Americans recognize Republicons as The Latter Day Pharisees.

[Enthusiast]

24. It's about time.

Now, if we could just get the Democrats straightened up.....

[Better Believe It]

25. The Earth is round? If it's not flat how can we walk? Splain that if you can!

[LeftHander]

27. Conservatives never did evolve - thus no evlolution.

That goop in their head is just primordial stew.