KansasMorons.com

(By the way, lest you think this parody is excessive, compare this to a real newsletter Connie sent out this June)

ROFLMAO !!!!!!!

Wonderful. :>

The real letter is just amazing. How do you mock something like that?

It's also a study in how to look stupid by capitalizing, underlining, and boldfacing every other sentence.

I am just glad that Kansas is there to take the heat off of us Kentuckians for backwardness. Now maybe people will stop putting tucky and the end of what might be considered a backwards city and start using ansas as in Taylortucky can now be called Tayloransas.

(By the way, lest you think this parody is excessive, compare this to a real newsletter Connie sent out this June)

No kidding! She only left out the part where the world was ending and the government is controlling our thought. Hand her a tin (aluminum) foil hat, someone!

• The Narcissistic And Borderline Disorders: An Integrated Developmental Approach
• Borderline Personality Disorder Demystified
• Stop Walking on Eggshells; Coping When Someone You Care about Has Borderline Personality Disorder
• Why Is It Always About You? : Saving Yourself from the Narcissists in Your Life

Sue Gamble is most continually disruptive and rude as she repeatedly ignores statements made moments before as she's vexed for ways to entangle a discussion or make it about religion and in her view -- therefore a fowl.

Actually, NBPD makes an interesting point. There was a biographical story regarding Mrs. Morris' teenage years not too long ago that mentioned LSD use, I believe, in the context of the "sins" that led her to find religion. If I am remembering this incorrectly, please forgive me and go ahead and delete this post, I'd hate to actually say this if it weren't true.

Anyways, while LSD use does not, in and of itself, cause any kind of psychiatric disorder, it does often exacerbate existing underlying psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar, and borderline personality disorders. If Mrs. Morris did have such an underlying psychiatric disorder, and this biography is true, then it could easily explain these symptoms.

(By the way, lest you think this parody is excessive, compare this to a real newsletter Connie sent out this June)

I'm flabbergasted by the fact that a state official can get away with sending out a blatantly pro-religion newsletter like that.

I'm a federal employee, and if I sent out something like that, you can bet there would be a nice juicy letter of reprimand waiting for me.

What a harrowing read. It seems to me, Jack, that if you want to win in Kansas, a fine place to start would be making that document as widely available as possible.

It's also a study in how to look stupid by capitalizing, underlining, and boldfacing every other sentence.

Stunning. In two paragraphs she openly declares the method and the motive. The lawyers will have a field day with this.

Method: Take over biology class via controversy.

Motive: Bring back 1950's style education scare tactics.

I'm flabbergasted by the fact that a state official can get away with sending out a blatantly pro-religion newsletter like that.

Another example of the truth of the adage: "It's funny because it's true."

It is a pity this [bowel] movement of CrIntelligentDesignism isn't impotent enough to allow us to laugh entirely freely.

Connie Morris's actually letter was...depressing. I expect to see such ridiculous arguments and horrendous formatting on creationist websites. But from an elected official? In my country? I don't have the words. The lunatics truly are running the asylum.

I think my favorite line in the real newsletter is "The media loved the mania and often cooperated by grossly reporting a true picture of the pivotal event." (emphasis mine)

Wow. After reading Connie Morris's newsletter all I can say is that she should be kept as far away from deciding education policy as possible.

OK, someone on the street who hasn't given 5 minutes' thought can be excused, but how does Connie Morris, who has been following anti-evolution arguments for years, say that she "subscribe[s] to the literal depiction of the origin of life as detailed in Genesis" without:

1. Stating unequivocally which of the mutually contradictory "literal" interpretations she subscribes to, and why she thinks that the others are wrong.

2. Explaining why she is more interested in having students learn a phony "critical analysis" of evolution, one that has repeatedly shown to be faulty and misleading, instead of positive evidence to support the alternative account that she conveniently forgets to detail.

3. Demanding the lesson includes a "critical analysis" of the mutually contradictory alternatives, including the one she subscribes to.

Ignorance or dishonesty?: You decide.

Connie Morris: Ignorant
William Dembski: Dishonest

Jebeezus! I have to say that, as a work of humour, the satire is badly outclassed by the original.

"By the way, lest you think this parody is excessive, compare this to a real newsletter Connie sent out this June."

The scariest part? She was a teacher.

In her book she claims that her reason for entering politics is NOT to bring glory to herself or her nation, but to bring more people into the Kingdom of Heaven.

My favorite line in the newsletter is (original emphasis): "In fact, we want MORE science by CRITICALLY ANALIZING the evidence."

I think 'analizing the evidence' (that does sound painful) has joined 'ID scientits' as my favorite creationist typo to date.

Sorry, have to agree with outeast. The parody isn't a patch on the original.

We have worked together like a well oiled machine under the leadership of Dr. Abrams.

My favorite line was also the line mentioned by MP:

"The media loved the mania and often cooperated by grossly reporting a true picture of the pivotal event."

I loved Connie's letter. What a great parody, way better than the other parody. This is just wishing but she would seal her fate if she ever sent out a newsletter like that. If only a board member were stupid enough to reveal their utter- - (huh?) -- (what??) -- (seriously??!!) --

I'm truly flubbergusted.

I think Connie Morris's newsletter again shows the influence that the major young earth creationist groups like AIG and ICR are having on the mindset of the public towards science. OK so she's a politician and probably should know better, but this is how a lot of Christians think now.

It's also starting to happen here in the U.K. With the advent of Christian broadcasting stations like TBN, The God Channel, Daystar, and Revelation TV etc. Young Earth Creationists now have a platform to spread their message. This week I've heard two YEC's (John Mckay and Roger Oakland) saying very much the same thing as Connie Morris. To someone who has no background in science their ideas on things like flood geology etc. would sound very plausible. Why believe real scientists when these educated Christians have theories and facts that prove evolution is wrong and that the Earth is no more than a few thousand years old ?

I wonder how long it will be before a similar situation arises in here in the UK

Hey Discovery Institute, how's that ID-is-not-religion strategy working out? Hahaha! Did you really think the rubes like Buckingham and Morris would be able to stick to your script?

Wow. I struggle to find the right words to describe the feelings I had while reading that newsletter. Yikes.

My son is in the 5th grade in a self contained gifted program and loves science so I e mailed my school board members to ascertain their collective or personal positions on the prospect of ID and our schools curriculum. Their response, "This issue has not been raised in Scottsdale to date. I believe in letting parents teach their children about their personal religious beliefs. I do not believe that "Intelligent design" belongs in a science curriculum." Yea Scottsdale.

I wonder how long it will be before a similar situation arises in here in the UK

One thing that just kills me when I hear the rhetoric from IDiots & religious loonies is the "teach the alternative" crap.

When the hell are "alternatives " taught in other fields of learning?

Let's teach students how to "square the circle" or trisect an angle with a compass: let the students decide if the old mathematical dogma is correct.

Let's teach students the "alternative" theories that the Holocaust never happened, or that the Apollo moon missions were Hollywood fakes. C'mon, let's challenge the old historical fairy tales!

How about teaching alternative thermodynamics with a discussion of perpetual motion machines? After all, how many visionary, young inventors have been "crushed" by the prevailing dogma of thermodynamics?

In physiology classes, let's include a chapter on where to find the "soul". Or the chakras, or the aura.

The list goes on and on. We'll be so busy teaching alternatives, everyone will learn nothing.

"In physiology classes, let's include a chapter on where to find the "soul"." It's in the pineal gland, I thought everybody knew that. Yours truly, René

Posted by Peter Henderson on November 18, 2005 09:41 AM (e) (s)... It's also starting to happen here in the U.K. With the advent of Christian broadcasting stations like TBN, The God Channel, Daystar, and Revelation TV etc. Young Earth Creationists now have a platform to spread their message...

Pineal gland, shmineal gland!

Isn't there a Bible passage that says that the seat of the soul is the stomach? Thought I heard that somewhere....

Teach the controversy!

I mentioned it an another thread, but if the fundies really want to teach the controversy they should be lobbying for comparitive religion classes (as if!).

I'm just waiting for AIG or some other creationist web site to claim that the recent discovery that dinosaurs ate grass (previously thought to have evolved after they became extinct)proves that there were no carnivores before Noah's Flood.

Creation's original diet and the changes at the Fall

Wow. My first concern is that Ms. Morris may really be battling mental illness. I agree that her behavior is bound to result in an ugly court case somewhere down the line. Someone who's sending out creationist tirades on State Board of Education stationery has the potential of costing the state of Kansas a lot of money. What a waste of resources.

I hope that both Ms. Morris and the Kansas Board of Ed get the professional help they need.

Is that her "home" phone number and address listed at the top of the newsletter?

Far be it for me to suggest anything unethical, like MASSIVE orders placed at local pizzerias. That wouldnt be nice.

I can't say I have noticed this. Do you know of any council schools that are teaching students the controversy?

Unfortunately it is happening here too, though it tends to stay below the radar. I know from Private Eye that some millionaire bankrolls some evangelical schools in the North (although I think that they're still obliged to teach the National Curriculum, so they can't skip or dismiss evolution entirely). There's also a few UK websites I've come across that promote ID/creationism, and even a small creationist museum in Portsmouth

Narcissistic Personality Disorder (5 or more of the following)

1. has a grandiose sense of self-importance (e.g., exaggerates achievements and talents, expects to be recognized as superior without commensurate achievements)
2. is preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or ideal love
3. believes that he or she is "special" and unique and can only be understood by, or should associate with, other special or high-status people (or institutions)
4. requires excessive admiration
5. has a sense of entitlement, i.e., unreasonable expectations of especially favorable treatment or automatic compliance with his or her expectations
6. is interpersonally exploitative, i.e., takes advantage of others to achieve his or her own ends
7. lacks empathy: is unwilling to recognize or identify with the feelings and needs of others
8. is often envious of others or believes that others are envious of him or her
9. shows arrogant, haughty behaviors or attitudes

Borderline Personality Disorder (5 or more of the following)

1. frantic efforts to avoid real or imagined abandonment. Note: Do not include suicidal or self-mutilating behavior covered in Criterion 5.
2. a pattern of unstable and intense interpersonal relationships characterized by alternating between extremes of idealization and devaluation
3. identity disturbance: markedly and persistently unstable self-image or sense of self
4. impulsivity in at least two areas that are potentially self-damaging (e.g., spending, sex, substance abuse, reckless driving, binge eating). Note: Do not include suicidal or self-mutilating behavior covered in Criterion 5.
5. recurrent suicidal behavior, gestures, or threats, or self-mutilating behavior
6. affective instability due to a marked reactivity of mood (e.g., intense episodic dysphoria, irritability, or anxiety usually lasting a few hours and only rarely more than a few days)
7. chronic feelings of emptiness
8. inappropriate, intense anger or difficulty controlling anger (e.g., frequent displays of temper, constant anger, recurrent physical fights)
9. transient, stress-related paranoid ideation or severe dissociative symptoms

Posted by NBPD on November 18, 2005 02:01 PM (e) (s) Here are the characteristics of the Narcissistic and Borderline Personality Disorders from the DSM-IV. Diagnosis of these disorders must be made by a qualified professional;

Here are the characteristics of the Narcissistic and Borderline Personality Disorders from the DSM-IV. Diagnosis of these disorders must be made by a qualified professional;

It would be consistent for an NPD to declare after a conflict with his colleagues that "they have met their Waterloo."

I would respond more thoughtfully to Connie Morris' newsletter, but since I am an evolutionist I am in panic mode and can't think straight.

Re alternatives: The alliterative to uniformaterianism is catastrofism (in YEC eyes flood geology). Even though this was discredited 150 years ago they still seem to think that this should be taught in schools as conventional geology. Roger Oakland plugged away at this last night.

I am also amazed at the number of times I have heard YEC's claim that real scientists are aware of the facts about creation but that they just don't reveal them to the wider public. ( they seem to think there is some sort of conspiracy among evolutionists to withhold the information )

Don Quixote is visibly crazy to most people. He believes ordinary inns to be enchanted castles, and their peasant girls to be beautiful princesses. He mistakes windmills for oppressive giants sent by evil enchanters. He imagines a neighboring peasant to be Dulcinea del Toboso, the beautiful maiden to whom he has pledged love and fidelity. Sancho Panza, his simple squire, believes his master to be a bit crazy, in particular he knows that there is "really" no Dulcinea, but he plays along, hoping to get rich. He and Quixote agree for instance that because Dulcinea is not as pretty nor does she smell as good as she should, she "must have been enchanted", and from that point on the mission is to disenchant her. Both master and squire undergo complex change and development throughout the story, and each character takes on attributes of the other as the novel goes on. At the end of the second book, Quixote decides on his deathbed that his actions have been madness. Sancho begs him not to give up, but to no avail. Master and squire have numerous adventures, often causing more harm than good in spite of their noble intentions. They meet criminals sent to the galleys, and are victims of an elaborate prank by a pair of Dukes, when Sancho is made "governor" of the nonexistent Barataria.

http://news.scotsman.com/scitech.cfm?id=2258662005 "Dinosaur dung overthrows ... evolution" Interesting what you can do with a little creative editing. I should write for the DIscovery Institute.

Have you read the changes? I was a little surprised when I first read them. They are a non issue. Our science advisory board LAUGHED when they read them over the fact that they were causing such controversey. They are a non issue. There are going to be NO material changes regarding how evolution will be taught. In reality, the argument for the change was won not by the creationists, but by a bunch of palentologists from Kstate who pointed out that the definiton that the school board was currently using essentailly ruled out Punctuated Equilibria (evolutionary leaps), despite the fact that the theory is better supported by the fossil record than the traditional evolutionary theory (slow changes over a long period of time).

There isn't any. As I said, I don't believe in Intelligent Design. Intelligent desing is not AT ALL mentioned in the new standards, and intelligent design cannot be taught in Kansas in any event because it is a terminable offence for a teacher in kansas to discuss religon or their religous beliefs in tha classroom outside of a purely academic discussion (we can still have comparative religon classes and such).

That is EXACTLY my point. Kansas is now using the same definition of "science" as 36 other states. That is another one that was NOT penned by the ID folks, it is widely used. The way that evolution has been taught in kansas has not materially changed, or if it has, it has changed for the better bceuase our teacghers are now allowed to teach things like the possibility of puncuated equilibrium or multiple origins of life (i.e life not all originating from 1 single strain). Both of these theories have as strong or stronger evidence than the "little change over long time" theory in many regards because we actually have concrete physical evidence for it. Also, under the old definition, "psychology" could not be considered science. I'm telling you guys, this is just a case of a bunch of chicken littles running around yelling "the sky is falling...they are teaching creationism in schools!!!". That simply is not correct. It is not even CLOSE to correct. Too many people forming opinions without consideration of the facts, and too much media looking for a sensational story where there is none.

BWE,

I just saw your blog. You have too much time on your hands.

Oddly enough, I had a test in my Abnormal Psycology test today on personality disorders...

BTW,

I'm sure everyone noticed the Connie Morris newsletter. At the top of the first page is screams: "DID ANYONE SAY EVOLUTION?"

Then the top of the next page it screams about evolutionists: "THE Evolutionists are in Panic Mode."

Creationists really kill me. In one breath they say they are for "science", like intellignet design, but then turn around and say crap like they believe in the literal reading of Genesis. Or ID people start defending YEC positions.

It's easy. Try it. Get into a debate with someone who says they are for ID. It's very easy to get them to defend YEC positions even though ID "theory" doesn't say everything is a result of special creation, only some things, at least those that are "irreducible complex." Hell, you can get Demski to do it as long as he's not on TV.

I doubt you'd catch Behe that way, but he gets caught up so many other ways.

For one, I thought that ID was supposed to compliment evolution, but the DI looks at it as a new form of total creationism.

You just can't nail these people down.

In 1992, Kelly and Connie moved to Kansas to take over Kelly's parents' farm in St. Francis. Still, Connie was hurting. At a church service in Goodland, a speaker had asked parishioners to write down what they wanted most from God. Connie wrote, "I wish I had never been abused and raped." Then, she writes, the spirit of the Lord whispered to her, "I want you to thank me that you were abused." She was taken aback. "Had He been a human I might have slapped Him!" she writes. "How dare He make such a request! ... But I knew the moment was mine to grab, if only I had the nerve." Out of sight from the rest of her family, she sneaked to the back of the church, where two women prayed for her soul. Connie felt pain rip through her belly. "The Lord pulled away heartache after heartache, until I finally screamed in agony," she writes. Now, she writes, "I thank God I was abused ... So I could become who I am and write this for you."

"Please someone tell me if this guy is right or wrong! Based on the standard that he gives, there is nothing for the ID folks to munch on. It does look like the same standard as 40 other states. It does look like the media is just using this for a story.

But the Morris newsletter makes me realize that there must be more to it than that."

I would like more info too. If there is nothing there, why did NSTA and AAAS withdraw their support?

JESUS APPEARS TO THOUSANDS IN VENEZUELA-APPOLOGIZES

href="http://brainwashedgod.blogspot.com/2005/11/jesus-appears-to-thousands-in.html#links

Cute

I first read the Connie Morris newsletter last night and couldn't believe my eyes; came back and read it again this evening. Then I did a quick google on "Connie Morris" - such pure ignorance must have surfaced before. One finds evidence of a truly ugly person, but sad to say, no other 'newsletters'.

Small wonder George Will is feeling a little edgy about the Republican coallition. Seems he just woke up and saw the ogre's face on the next pillow.

"THE Evolutionists are in Panic Mode."

Why should I panic? These people don't represent a threat to anything.

Mike Walker linked to The Unmasking of Connie Morris

Please someone tell me if this guy is right or wrong! Based on the standard that he gives, there is nothing for the ID folks to munch on. It does look like the same standard as 40 other states. It does look like the media is just using this for a story.

Science is a systematic method of continuing investigation that uses observations, hypothesis testing, measurement, experimentation, logical argument and theory building to lead to more adequate explanations of natural phenomena. Science does so while maintaining strict empirical standards and healthy skepticism. Scientific explanations are built on observations, hypotheses, and theories. A hypothesis is a testable statement about the natural world that can be used to build more complex inferences and explanations. A theory is a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world that can incorporate observations, inferences, and tested hypotheses.

I'll spot Connie Morris the benefit of the doubt and assume she's telling the truth about her early years and her eventual decision to give up drugs and poor sexual choices. If her religion really gave her the strength to give up self-destructive behavior, more power to her --- building one's own personal integrity is one of the activities that religion can support, and does for many people.

Comment #58756 Posted by Stephen Elliott on November 18, 2005 06:59 PM (e) (s) Why should I panic? These people don't represent a threat to anything.

Forgive me, but after reading Connie Morris's brief Bio "book is Connie's story of recovery through Christ from incest, rape, domestic violence, substance abuse, and poverty during her early years in the Appalachian Mountains region.", I was unable to get dueling banjos out of my head for three days.