Considering the Smithsonian's mission statement, as refined by Secretary
Small, the Smithsonian does not seem to serve itself in any way other than
financially by housing a program on ID unless it results from bona fide
scientific research, peer-reviewed and published in a recognized scientific
journal. Founder Smithson's broad-brush mission statement might be
interpreted to allow such a program, but the same interpretation could also
support programs exploring the existence of an Aryan race and asserting UFO
existence based on eye-witness testimony.
Perusing the Discovery Institute's website gives one the distinct
impression that hocus-pocus can easily masquerade as science with the help
of a slick website.
http://www.si.edu/about/mission.htm
"I then bequeath the whole of my property...to the United States of
America, to found at Washington, under the name of the Smithsonian
Institution, an Establishment for the increase & diffusion of knowledge..."
James Smithson (1765-1829)
"The Smithsonian is committed to enlarging our shared understanding of the
mosaic that is our national identity by providing authoritative experiences
that connect us to our history and our heritage as Americans and to
promoting innovation, research and discovery in science. These commitments
have been central to the Smithsonian since its founding more than 155 years
ago."
Lawrence M. Small, Secretary of the Smithsonian
http://www.discovery.org/
Intelligent design is "simply the argument that certain features of the
natural world—from miniature machines and digital information found in
living cells, to the fine-tuning of physical constants—are best explained
as the result of an intelligent cause." Jay W. Richards
Rebecca Trussell
> [Original Message]
> From: Jay Heuman <[log in to unmask]>
> To: <[log in to unmask]>
> Date: 5/31/2005 1:47:07 PM
> Subject: Re: ID Movie at Smithsonian
>
> I think we all must keep in mind, the Discovery Institute gave a
> contribution of $16,000 to the Smithsonian and, just like any other donor,
> they have been granted permission to use the auditorium to screen their
> movie.
> Whether one is sympathetic with the contents of the movie, the system
> has this 'loophole.' The Discovery Institute is not abusing or misusing
the
> system.
> However, perhaps the system should be changed once we ask ourselves:
Who
> should decide what can be shown in the Smithsonian's facilities following
> such a donation? Do we want Holocaust deniers giving money to the
> Smithsonian for the right to show revisionist propaganda? Do we want the
> KKK donating money so as to conduct a 'White Power' lecture series? I can
> come up with dozens of other scarier thoughts than an intelligent design
> movie.
>
> [Note: I'm not a supporter of the Design Institute, their
> ideas, or their movie. I am a supporter of consistency in
> museum policy.]
>
> Best wishes, sincerely,
>
> Jay Heuman
> Curator of Education
> Salt Lake Art Center
> 20 South West Temple
> Salt Lake City, UT 84101
>
> tel: 801-328-4201 | fax: 801-322-4323
> web: www.slartcenter.org
>
>
>
>
>
> On 5/31/05 11:07 AM, "Mary Rogers" <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> > Hello Everyone,
> > I have been hearing a lot lately about ID...mostly by way of various
groups
> > (radio stations, etc.) making fun of ID believers. Now we have listers
> > calling the showing of this movie at the Smithsonian shameful and
horrifying.
> > Although some would call people who believe in ID narrow-minded, I am
feeling
> > compelled to put that same label on those who are bashing those
believers and
> > also those who are so concerned about this situation.
> > My comments and questions:
> > It sounds to me like no one is going to be FORCED to watch this movie
at the
> > museum. Those who want to watch it may do so.
> > Individuals may choose to believe in whatever they want, no matter how
> > ridiculous I think it sounds.
> > Aren't museums the perfect place for this type of exchange to take
place? If
> > not here, then where? Do we think that because we don't like what
these IDers
> > are saying that we shouldn't let anyone else hear, either? Isn't it our
> > mission and job to present ideas?
> > I tend to be somewhat skeptical, but I think that most big-money donors
to
> > museum have some type of agenda for which they intend to use the museum
to
> > further. Isn't this the way the world works?
> > Thanks. Keep up the good work.
> > Mary Rogers
>
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