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| Image courtesy of Ark Encounter and Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster. |
Now, don't get me wrong. Contrary to what many people think about Atheists, I am not a hateful fuck. I am perfectly supportive of people of all religions, races, sexual orientations, (etc. etc.) getting together and having a place where they can be with people that they can relate with. Yes, even religious people. As long as it's away from me. But who in their right mind thinks that the 24.5 MILLION dollars they are asking to build this stupid boat couldn't be spend on something, you know, more useful? Like feeding the poor, donating it to help research in curing diseases, or even used to keep a struggling school open. Along with a few million other more deserving causes.
But no, just allowing them to build this eyesore of a theme park isn't enough for the good ol' state of Kentucky. They have to throw a TAX INCENTIVE in there too.
The New York Times reports:
the state of Kentucky The state has promised generous tax incentives to a group of entrepreneurs who plan to construct a full-size replica of Noah’s ark, load it with animals and actors, and make it the centerpiece of a Bible-based tourist attraction called Ark Encounter.
Since Gov. Steven L. Beshear announced the plan on Wednesday, some constitutional experts have raised alarms over whether government backing for an enterprise that promotes religion violates the First Amendment’s requirement of separation of church and state. But Mr. Beshear, a Democrat, said the arrangement posed no constitutional problem, and brushed off questions about his stand on creationism.
“The people of Kentucky didn’t elect me governor to debate religion,” he said at a news conference. “They elected me governor to create jobs.”
I understand perfectly well that all have the right to freedom of religion in this country. But it is the law that no American may be compelled to financially support a religious establishment of which he does not approve. Using public tax money to find a religious venture violates this law. It’s that simple.
Why not spend the money finding actual evidence that the ark even existed? Oh yeah, Christians don't believe in factual evidence. Or gravity. That might explain why Ken Ham, the founder of Answers in Genesis and the Creation Museum, thinks that a theme park centered around a replica of the Ark is some kind of proof if the Bible's authenticity and accuracy of the story of Noah. They even claim that they are only using materials and tools that would be available in Noah's time... I guess park attendees will not be allowed in the lower part of the boat, where there will no doubt be steel beams that are needed to hold something of that size together. And what kind of material are they using to hold the boat together? They didn't have iron nails back then, either.I would love to see them cut down the trees themselve's as well, except it is a colossal waste of natural resources as well.
But what about the part where they are going to load the boat with animals? I feel so bad for the animals having to be shoved indoors, in tight quarters, to be poked and prodded by children all day. At least Zoo's have a simulated environment. On the other hand I have this sick desire to see if they can fit 2 of each of the 5,000 species of mammals, 8,000 species of birds, 8200 species of reptiles and 6 million species of insects inside this boat and also provide space for the animals to live, for their food, and for proper environmental control. (which they couldn't do back in Noah's time.)
In short, this entire venture is a huge waste of time, money, and space. Outrageous? Ken Ham doesn't think so. He also thinks that spreading the gospel is more important than feeding the poor.
I think that anyone that really believes in a literal interpretation of the bible needs to pull their head out of their ass.
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