97 / Our beloved Monty Python revisited
"The creation of saints is 'pure Monty Python' and the Family First senator Steve Fielding is more stupid than an earthworm", says the evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins. And Robyn Williams, as he comments on Senator Fieldings performance in the ABC 'Qanda' debate, says, "but I think earthworms are useful."
On the Qanda panel Dawkins sat next to Fielding. He was visibly taken-a-back when Fielding said he was a creationist. "What? And you are a senator in the Australian Government?" He twice asked Fielding if he believed the world was created ten thousand years ago. Fielding replied twice with visible discomfort, "well, all sorts of people believe all sorts of things," or something to that effect - but he didn't answer the question; it's probably too painful for the poor fellow to think in a straight line.
I liked Dawkins' comment that believing the earth is ten thousand year old is akin to saying America is eight inches wide! Cool.
Furthermore, Dr. Dawkins told the Global Atheist Convention in Melbourne yesterday, when asked about the support of Kevin Rudd for Mary MacKillop becoming a saint, "I find that very discouraging."
Me too.