World of Suck

The Oklahoma House of Reps passed a bill. The State senate has not yet passed it. I hope they never do. The gist of this bill is that if a student expresses an answer that is correct in line with his or her religious beliefs, the answer should be considered correct, even if it is not in line with modern scientific theory.

The idea is that a student can bring discussion of religious ideas up in science class and not be penalized for it. They say it's protect a students freedom of religion and expression. Iffy, but understandable.I disagree, but that's me. However, this bill is so poorly written that it goes further.

A school district shall treat a student’s voluntary expression of a religious viewpoint, if any, on an otherwise permissible subject in the same manner the district treats a student’s voluntary expression of a secular or other viewpoint on an otherwise permissible subject and may not discriminate against the student based on a religious viewpoint expressed by the student on an otherwise permissible subject.

That is worded in such a way that test and homework answers can fall under this bill. That means if a student anwsers "How old is the Earth?" with 6000 years old, the teacher is required to accept the answer as correct.

This bill is EXACTLY what I bitch about so much about not allowing religious ideas to be discussed in science class. Science is about details and correctness. We KNOW the earth is over 4 billion years old. If a student claims it's 6000 years, that answer can and must be considered WRONG. Sorry, them's the breaks.

Moreover, it invalids ANY answer as wrong. You can belief in the Flying Spaghetti Monster, and use pasta-farian answers. As long as you "believe" the answer is correct as a result of a religious belief, it must be accepted. Seriously, have you ever met a teenager who couldn't spit out some bullshit belief that supports his wrong answer? Me either.

School is about correct and incorrect. It's about instilling ideas and methodologies to assist the growth of children into adults. This bill throws all of that away in the pursuit of religious ideology. It's everything that's wrong with allowing religion and public education to mix rolled into one bill.

“Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn’t go away.” - Philip K. Dick

If you're not an NFL fan, you may not know or care. But Brett Farve recently announced his retirement. After 15 years with the Packers, and 17 in the NFL, he finally decided to hang it up. He holds most of the major records for quarterbacks, a Super Bowl ring, and an almost certain place in the NFL Hall of Fame. He's considered one of the best quarterbacks to play the game.

So, he held a press conference. Talked to the media, delivered a prepared speech with thank-you's and good-byes. During which, he broke down a little and cried some.

As a man and a fan, I don't have a problem with that. I don't understand why anyone would.

But, considering this is the internet, obviously people have been blasting Farve ever since as a "cry-baby" and a "wuss". That his reputation is tarnished by it. I was a bit more surprised that ESPN Radio led the chorus during their coverage of the story. I mean, those are supposed to be legitimate reporters.

Let's be honest here. Brett Favre lasted 17 years at a pro level in one of the most physically punishing sports in the world. He got hit by very large and strong men. He led his team to victory time and time again. He stood tall and respectful throughout his entire career. And you dipshits think that showing emotion and sadness at leaving that behind somehow makes him less of a man? That somehow his farewell detracts from 17 years of performance?

Honestly, some people need take a minute and put things into perspective. If I was leaving my job after 15 years, I'd be near to tears too. And I can't even imagine how much more intense that feeling would be if you had millions of fans, teammates, coaches and friends who supported you for years and years. And now it's all coming to an end.

Put yourself in his position. If you could hold back the tears, you're a far colder man than me. And frankly, Brett Farve is a better and tougher man than those that are taking pot shots at him now that he's leaving.