Florida finally accepts evolution

I have to admit I was shocked when I read this article:

"TALLAHASSEE, Florida - Florida's State Board of Education has voted to use the term "scientific theory of evolution" in its new science standards, the first time the word "evolution" has been included.

Florida's current standards require the teaching of evolution using code words like "change over time."

Religious conservatives oppose the teaching of evolution or want schools to also teach religious ideas of creationism or intelligent design, which says the universe is so complex that science alone cannot explain the origins of life.

A Gallup poll released in June said America is about evenly split over whether evolution is true, despite decades of overwhelming scientific evidence that it is." --msnbc

It's not like I'm not aware of the large number of Americans who fail to give credence to the theory of evolution despite the scientific evidence. Nevertheless I'm always dismayed and surprised whenever I'm reminded of this fact. Learning that an actual state board of education had been playing word games in refusing to use "evolution" in its science standards was extremely disappointing and depressing.

84% of Americans believe global warming is occurring; despite the scientific evidence behind evolution being even more robust than that behind global warming, only 15% believe humans evolved without divine intervention.

Ugh. We can add that 30% of this year's candidates for the Republican nominee for President of the United States don't believe in evolution, either. Double ugh.