We all come here to discuss and learn about various views, theories and news on the ancient world and its mysteries. A quick scroll of topics here will show discussions of many various views and theories on the ancient worlds.

As we are all just people the discussions of these ideas vary from well thought out and respectful debates to the occasional flame war.

So what happens in the big leagues when someone has a different view? Is it a respectful and well thought out debate of the theory or an open invitation for flames and punishment for daring to propose a different concept?

Recent events at the Smithsonian might give an answer to how it goes in some instances.

Richard von Sternberg recently edited an article titled, "The Origin of Biological Information and the Higher Taxonomic Categories" in a journal called, "The Proceedings of the Biological Society of Washington" which is associated with the Smithsonian.

The article puts forth the views of the Intelligent Design theory. A short version of the theory is that long, long ago "something" gave evolution a bit of a kick in the pants to get it moving. Mind you, Mr. Sternberg was just the editor of the article. He doesn't actually follow the theory himself.

Mr. Sternberg's problems began when his peers at the Smithsonian became aware of the article. The debate and actions that followed was not exactly respectful of the alternative view. In fact, they seemed bound and determined to quash the idea and punish Mr. Sternberg for bringing it to light.

In the following investigation the U.S. Office of Special Counsel determined that the co-workers and managers of the Smithsonian had been damning in their actions.



It goes far deeper than the quote above. Checks into his religious and political views, attempts to get him fired, false allegations. It runs the sad spectrum.

You can read all about it here..

Smithsonian and Sternberg

Kinda makes ya wonder about how well new ideas are *really* considered before being trashed.

This was very interesting. And, unfortunate. But, credibility, turf, and funding all go hand in hand. But, talk about high alert! They run Code Red!

My aunt was visiting there, and went through a Hiroshima exhibit, which roundly
denounced U.S. actions, in so many ways, of course. She spoke with them, to no avail...

And, a local millionaires had given once to the SI. It went well, so she considered a much larger donation. She paid them a visit, and toured around. She went through an area where Lincoln's hat was, and Dorthy's slippers, and more memorabilia. But, none of it was identified. No placards, nothing...

She complained. They said it was another means of avoiding controversy.
They refused to comply. She hit the local news, and PBS national news.
She never gave another dime.

But, I will say that I have found their astronomy department to be an excellent
resource.

One last comment, though. This whole matter could be looked at as a creative adventure. The discovery of perceived patterns can lead to curiosity, and further knowledge. There is also, on the farthest reaches of consideration, the possibility
that an extinction event was dealt with afterwords, by 'intervention'.

I am not saying I know or believe anything, in particular. But, would visitors to this world spare a proverbial gene, or two?