TurboFool (Neither, really)

Found this on Pharyngula. In case you’re unfamiliar, one of the common arguments against evolution is that so-called “micro evolution” exists (tiny changes between generations), but that there’s no such thing as “macro evolution” (massive changes that lead to new species). Those who have any remote understanding of evolution, and aren’t blinded by ideology, can clearly see that millions of tiny changes lead to something one could consider a massive change if you ignore all the steps in between. For those who have no imagination, though, this video fills in those blanks visually by taking five skulls from throughout the history of our evolution and computer generates the countless generations that came between. Powerful, compelling stuff. Sadly, the true believers will surely ignore it or make up whatever contradictions they can think of to further convince themselves that their ancient book knows better than reality and evidence.

Apparently the followers of a group known as the “Creation Science [sic] Evangelism Ministries,” led by currently imprisoned tax evasionist Kent Hovind, have been sending false DMCA copyright takedown requests to YouTube on any and all videos that dare to suggest that creationism is anything but non-scientific garbage. Due to a loophole in the system, YouTube essentially just automatically deletes these videos with little or no effort to verify the claims.

Brian Sapient, of Rational Response Squad fame (I forgot to add them to my links section sooner, which I’ll do now), posted a video on YouTube about this issue and his account and video were promptly suspended by YouTube.

What gives, YouTube? Your entire business exists because of your community, and lately this debate has been a heavy part of it. You’ve now drawn lines and taken sides by accepting the false claims of the creationist movement that these videos somehow violate copyrights of their founder (the people in the videos in question refer to quotes of Ken Hovind’s, but quoting a person’s opinions has never been a violation of copyright). And you’re owned by Google, whose motto, I thought, was “Don’t be evil.” Are we meant to take this as a sign of who you do or not think is evil now?

Below I’ve posted a video, which clearly states it’s perfectly legal to do so, and which is NOT hosted on YouTube, which details the RRS’s issues and request. They are considering suing Creation Science [sic] Evangelism Ministries, and they have my full support. The Atheist community (as scattered as it is) has never tried to forcefully remove any of their claims for the internet via spurious methods such as these. We’ve merely used the tried and true methods of proving their claims are bullshit. It’s worked well throughout history, and although it’s a touch slower than other less honest methods, it generally has a longer-lasting effect.