Rethinking evolution
theory has merit

Copyright © 2006 Blethen Maine Newspapers Inc.

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I am writing in response to Charles Acker's April 23 letter defending the theory of evolution.

Every year murder convictions are overturned on the basis of statistical DNA evidence. An expert testifies in court that the odds are, say, 4 billion to one against the convicted man's DNA being the same as that found at the crime scene. The judge orders the prisoner released. Family members rejoice.

No doubt Acker rejoices as well, with me, that justice has been served.

Now DNA experts also testify that the odds of evolution being the cause of life on earth are ridiculously worse than 4 billion to one. In fact, the odds are so much worse as to be laughable, a mathematical impossibility if ever there was one.

But Acker asserts that no "reasonable doubt" at all has been raised about his pet theory of evolution, that his theory is just plain true and nobody had better examine any of the evidence to the contrary.

He should rethink his position, and at minimum support the admission of opposing evidence, in and out of the classroom, that academic freedom and intellectual justice may be served.

Christopher B. Sample

Gardiner