Creationism Could Be in Science Textbooks in Texas

Credit: Dreamstime

TEXAS - Some members of the panel responsible for reviewing proposals from publishers want to information about evolution and climatic changes be removed from the books of Biology. Furthermore, these members want to information about creationism be added.

“As an educator, parent, and grandparent, I feel very firmly that 'creation science' based on Biblical principles should be incorporated into every Biology book that is up for adoption,” 

said Karen Beathard, a panelist who works in the Department of Nutrition and Food Science at Texas A&M University, in an interview with the Huffington Post.

Students must have access to both the Theory of Evolution and creationism. By knowing different points of view, they will be able to form their own opinions.

The book revision panel is formed by members nominated by the State Board of Education, parents, educators and the candidates themselves.

“Utterly unqualified partisan politicians will look at what utterly unqualified citizens have said about a textbook and decide whether it meets the requirements of a textbook,” 

said Kathy Miller,  president of the Texas Freedom Network, in an interview with the New York Times.

Judge Orders That Legislators Must Be Paid

Governator Pat Quinn. Credit: Seth Perlman/Associated Press

CHICAGO - The order given by Governor Pat Quinn to withhold the salaries of state legislators is unconstitutional according to Neil Cohen, a judge of Cook County. The judge ordered the State Comptroller to immediately pay legislators wages, plus interest.

The constitution of Illinois contends that the salaries of state legislators should not be changed during the period in which they were elected. Quinn will appeal the decision. He said that until there is a plan for comprehensive pension reform, he will not accept a salary.

The argument against Quinn is reasonable. He should have scored some points with taxpayers. Although this is not the best solution to the problem, something needs to be done about Illinois’s pension crisis.

"Illinois's pension crisis is costing taxpayers millions of dollars a day, robbing our children of the education and public safety services. They desperately need, and holding our economy back from real recovery," 

said Quinn in a interview with the New York Times.

Dogs Can Have Roaming Areas Reduced

Credit: Jim Wilson/The New York Times

SAN FRANCISCO - The areas where dogs can walk could be limited soon if a proposal is passed. According to The New York Times, dogs will be allowed to walk, run and play only in 7 of 22 areas where they are currently allowed to be off-leash. In some of these areas, they may not even be on leash. The proposal is being debated by population since September 6th.

Many families in the city own a dog. Actually, there are more dogs than children in San Francisco, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. Dog owners are upset with this situation. On the other hand, those who support the proposal say that dogs scare the local wildlife and trample the grass.

“I think the National Park Service, at least in its upper management, is anti-dog,” 

Martha Walters, a spokeswoman for the Crissy Field Dog Group, said in interview with the New York Times.

Revenge Porn Could Be a Crime

Should Revenge Porn Be a Crime! Cortesy by The Young Turks.

CALIFORNIA - California politicians are discussing a law that would make revenge porn a crime. Revenge porn sites are webpages where exes post pictures or videos of former partners in revenge after the end of a relationship. According to Senator Anthony Cannella, the current law is not able to fight revenge porn. If the bill is passed, the posting of pornographic images can result in a fine of up to $ 2000 and a month of detention.

“Sometimes I want to get into a fetal position and cry,” 

said Marianna Taschinger, 23, in an interview with the New York Times. Taschinger has had her photos posted in one of these websites without her permission. Her words show how harmful being exposed to this behavior can be. Becoming depressed, losing their friends and jobs are just some of the many problems that victims may face.

“Unfortunately it is a growing trend and there are a lot of victims out there, a lot more than I ever imagined. It's destroying people's lives,” 

said Senator Anthony Cannella in interview with the Huffington Post.