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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