There’s been a big hubbub this week on the science blogs about Bush’s recent remark suggesting that ‘intelligent design’ ought to be taught in public schools alongside evolution. What caught me most off-guard about the quote is that other people were so shocked by it. I think it’s my zealous following of any news regarding climate change that has made me so jaded about this administration’s willingness to utterly ignore scientific evidence, even widely acknowledged facts, in favor of political pressure, religious fundamentalism, or good old money.

From a policy perspective I’m not even convinced yet that this is as big of a deal as Bush’s willful ignorance of climate change. Hear me out.

My rudimentary understanding of education policy is that curricula requirements are developed primarily at a state level. I think a major part of this perception is due to the recent state-level controversy about the teaching of ‘intelligent design’ in Kansas. Conversely, Bush has the power to abrogate any international treaty that Congress deigns to make regarding restrictions to carbon emissions specifically or climate change in general.

If I’m right, then while Bush’s opinion about ID is an unpleasant reminder of the current administration’s ideology, it has little weight as far as the direction of education policy in America, especially in light of the fact that Bush’s belief puts him at odds with his own science advisor:

None of the coverage that I could find, however, made a very simple contrast between Bush's remark and prior statements on "intelligent design" by presidential science adviser John Marburger. As I have previously reported, Marburger told a group of science reporters earlier this year that "Intelligent Design is not a scientific theory." Thus, my follow-up question to Bush would have been, "Mr. President, are you aware that your very own science adviser says 'intelligent design' doesn’t qualify as science? Don't you consult with him about these things?"

Anyway, for better informed commentary than mine, as well as a list of the multitudinous other blogs that have dealt with this issue, check out PZ’s coverage at Pharyngula.