OK, this is self indulgent but bear with me. I registered recently after spending weeks dipping in and out and reading through some of the threads (I already feel like I know some of the characters on here from previous forums, lol). Anyway, I couldn't really find anywhere else on here where I could just dip in and introduce myself so I thought what the heck. At the risk of getting banned on my first post, here it is!!!
It looks to me like most here are US citizens or at least from the Americas, and have a background or interest in Biology and Chemistry. Well I'm a Limey (English) with a university education in Mechanical Engineering, in addition I have a specific interest in a very specialist field of Metallurgy (I prefer not to divulge the field as it would easily reveal my identity). To be honest, I never really developed any appreciation for Biology or Organic Chemistry in my education (I touched on some fundamental Inorganic Chemistry as a byproduct of my degree). I know from what I have already read that it will be an education for me to have skilled Biologists and Chemists at my fingertips, maybe in some small way I can reciprocate with some Mechanical Engineering or Physics insights.
Anyway, cutting to the chase I have recently developed an interest in Biology and Chemistry primarily for political/social reasons. I want to "arm myself" with knowledge to counteract what I percieve (reiterate that this is a perception only) that religion, and particularly Fundamentalist Christianity, has embarked on what it sees as a fight for the hearts and souls of our children. It also appears to me that this is a battle, not of intellect, but of propoganda. I know you guys want to keep this forum strictly scientific so I will try to avoid this in future, if I fail then I understand the consequences from the forum rules, I just wanted to explain where I am coming from. I realise that my motives are not as pure as some of you guys but I feel my quest to understand the subject jusifies my presence here.
Am I in the right place?
{Added blank linkes between paragraphs. They make message reading easier. - Adminnemooseus}
{Edited for clarity ref message 2 of this thread. - Nicked}
This message has been edited by Adminnemooseus, 04-03-2005 01:37 PM
This message has been edited by Nicked, 04-03-2005 02:18 PM