I have no comment on the age of the Grand Canyon, but I certainly do not believe in the "creationist folly." As old as the orogenesis of the Colorado Plateau -- I don't know, but sounds good to me.

You see, I enjoy reading the postings on this website because I find it informative. I have no background in science other than the occasional books and articles I read on the subject; therefore, I make no comments on the earth-science related postings other than a question or two now and again.

However, when I see postings that express uninformed opinions about Bush or monetary issues, my blood boils. I feel that I am extremely well-informed on political and financial issues.

When people make blanket statements blaming Bush for global warming, or for cuts to the USGS, or for not getting a book removed from a Grand Canyon NP bookstore, that infuriates me. This mind-set that everything that one doesn't agree with is all Bush's fault has reached the height of lunacy. (I do hope that none of you believes in the one that 9/11 was Bush's fault -- that he knew about the plot beforehand, but did nothing about it.)

For everyone's information, Bush has only vetoed one bill since he's been in office. ONE BILL! and that was the one that concerned fetal cell research. (Please, no comments on this earthquake-related website about that one -- don't get me started on that unrelated topic.)

In Gerald Ford's 865 days in office, he vetoed 66 bills (12 were over-ridden). (I only bring him up because of his recent passing and his biography in the news.) Tell me, who was the real fiscal conservative? ...certainly not Bush. I wish Bush would find his veto pen a few more times, but he doesn't. How about blaming Congress sometimes for cuts to programs (of which I wish there were more).

It unnerves me to read such uninformed, blanket statements about Bush. I thought scientists were supposed to back up their hypotheses / opinions with facts and figures? All that falls by the wayside, though, when a few posters here want to take a jab at Bush -- such vitriol is unbecoming to all of you.

And that is why I refer to [some of you] as pseudo-scientists. In earthquake-related postings, so much attention is paid to reliable source information, exact measurements, and other details, etc. How about carrying the scientific apporach through to the rest of your life? (BTW, this does not refer to you, Glen. I am addressing this to those who know not of which they speak.)

There's nothing wrong with expressing opinions, but just make sure it's got validity to it and it's not just something you read on one of the many I-hate-Bush websites that you are parroting.

Barbara