Bush: Intelligent
Design Should Be Taught
By AP from the
NYTimes on the Web, August 2, 2005
WASHINGTON -- President Bush
said Monday he believes schools should discuss ''intelligent design'' alongside
evolution when teaching students about the creation of life.
During a round-table interview with reporters from five Texas newspapers, Bush
declined to go into detail on his personal views of the origin of life.
But he said students should learn about both theories, Knight Ridder Newspapers
reported.
''I think that part of education is to expose people to different schools of
thought,'' Bush said. ''You're asking me whether or not people ought to be
exposed to different ideas, the answer is yes.''
The theory of intelligent design says life on earth is too complex to have
developed through evolution, implying that a higher power must have had a hand
in creation.
Christian conservatives -- a substantial part of Bush's voting base -- have been
pushing for the teaching of intelligent design in public schools.
Scientists have rejected the theory as an attempt to force religion into science
education.
On other topics during the group interview, the president:
--Refused to discuss the investigation into whether political aide Karl Rove or
any other White House official leaked a CIA officer's identity, but he stood
behind Rove. ''Karl's got my complete confidence. He's a valuable
member of my team,'' Bush said.
--Said he did not ask Supreme Court nominee John Roberts about his views on Roe
v. Wade, the 1973 decision that legalized abortion.
--Said he hopes to work with Congress to pass an immigration reform bill this
fall, including provisions for guest workers and enhanced security along the
U.S.-Mexico border.
Bush spoke with reporters from the San Antonio Express-News, the Houston
Chronicle, The Dallas Morning News, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram and The Austin
American-Statesman.
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