Will Democracy Survive

Evolution vs. Young Earth Creationism

Jessica was in town visiting Anni. Jessica mentioned that Trump was on Fox and Friends saying he was ready to serve time under house arrest, but the public wouldn't stand for it (Rioting?) When asked about his previous calls to "lock up" Hillary Clinton, he claims to have never said that.  It was his supporters that said it not him.  He added that he could have locked her up but decided against it. Jessica said, "How can anyone believe that when there are so many videos of him chanting 'lock her up'?" Anni replied, "Father Dunkin and I talked about this the other day. Fox News and Newsmax are never going to show those videos, and his core followers have short memories."

Just then, Anni received a text. She told Jessica, "The superintendent of schools wants me to call her. Let me see what's up." When Anni finished her call, she told Jessica that the school district was fighting with a group demanding that evolution no longer be taught in public schools, and that young earth creationism be taught instead. Jessica responded, "Are those the people who say the Earth is only 6,000 years old?" Anni replied, "Yes, and some of them even think the Earth is flat and covered by a dome. The superintendent would like to hold a debate. I've agreed to represent the district and can invite two experts to be on my team. The creationists can invite two of their own experts."

Anni and Jessica visited Father Dunkin, who was happy to assist in picking a team. Father Dunkin, who closely follows the latest scientific developments, suggested Professor Peter B. Reich, a leading expert on evolution. Jessica suggested Bill Nye the Science Guy. "I like it," Father Dunkin said. "I saw him debate Ken Ham from the Creation Museum. I thought he did an excellent job."

Meanwhile, Gertrude, the leader of the Parents for the Inclusion of Young Earth Creationist Teachings, decided on Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene and Eric Hovind, President and Founder of Creation Today. The debate would be held in the school auditorium, and the date was set.

Anni prepared for the debate by watching videos of Eric Hovind's past debates. She thought Representative Greene would be no problem, but Eric was a different matter, and she needed to be careful not to fall into one of his traps. Anni found several helpful videos and sites to study.

On the day of the debate, the auditorium buzzed with anticipation as the community gathered for the public debate between proponents of evolution and young earth creationism. The stage was set, and the participants were ready. Anni, alongside Bill Nye and Professor Peter B. Reich, faced off against Gertrude Jones, Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, and Eric Hovind, representing the young earth creationist perspective.

The moderator introduced Dr. Annabelle (Anni) Juliet MacGregor, Bill Nye, and Professor Peter B. Reich, representing the science of evolution.  The moderator then introduced Gertrude Jones, Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, and Eric Hovind, representing young earth creationism.

Representative Greene shouted out, "That woman is not a doctor; she's a fraud and a criminal who is trying to undermine the rightful return of our duly elected president, not comrade Biden the illegally elected  dictator now in office. I refuse to call her doctor."

The moderator started to reprimand Greene, but Anni interjected, "I'm okay with being called Anni, but you will refer to Peter Reich as Professor."

With the conclusion of that interaction, the debate began.

Opening Statements

Anni's Team:

Anni began, "Good evening, everyone. We're here to discuss the validity of evolutionary theory versus young earth creationism. Evolution, supported by a vast body of scientific evidence, explains the diversity of life on Earth through processes like natural selection and genetic mutation. We'll demonstrate why evolution is a robust scientific theory and why young earth creationism doesn't hold up to scrutiny."