Thank you for printing two letters that focused on reason on Jan. 30: Jay Fancher’s definition of the difference between scientific theory and religion titled “Theory well-supported,” and John Zeier’s explanation “Reflect on objectives of a republic,” that a republic is an indirect democracy, were spot on.
Then, in the Feb. 3 edition, Lena T. Jones’ rebuttal “Evolution is just a hunch” of Fancher’s letter included the following statement: “Since evolution cannot be seen or duplicated, it is that theory that is ‘a guess or a hunch.'” Actually, that statement is untrue.
For over 50 years, scientists have used short-lived species (think sow bugs and fruit flies) to demonstrate changes in the insects over hundreds of generations. Evolution is being seen and duplicated every day. A theory backed by vast quantities of data is accepted as fact (think gravity); religion is belief-based, not data-based. Believe what you want, but do not attempt to pass it off as fact.
Clarice Schorzman
Vancouver
