Letter to the Editor: Asking about evolution

To the Editors: Have you noticed that at various times during this presidential primary campaign, the Republican candidates have been grilled on whether they believe in evolution? (The Democrats, for some reason, aren' t asked about that). It seems to matter greatly to some people.

I have even heard people say they refuse to vote for anyone who believes the earth is only 6,000 years old. I don't blame them. There are some days when I feel older than that myself.

The question is directed most often at Gov. Mike Huckabee who has waffled somewhat on the issue. "I don' t know. I wasn' t there," he said abut the days of creation during last June's debate at St. Anselm College. The next time I saw him, I advised him to refer such questions to former Sen. Bob Dole, who campaigned for President on the theme: " I was there, I remember! "

An even better response might be an updated version of what Henry Adams said about President Grant. The succession of presidents from George Washington to George W. Bush is a pretty strong argument against the theory of evolution.

Jack Kenny