To the editor:

In his lecture at Kansas University, Michael Behe said that random mutation and natural selection cannot explain the flagella “motors,” an irreducibly complex system (Journal-World, Dec. 8). But how would he know? At the Kitsmiller v. Dover trial, when asked about studies on the evolution of the immune system (another irreducibly complex system), he testified that: “It would not be fruitful.” When asked about biological mechanisms, Behe testified: “I would not say there was a mechanism. I would say we have an aspect of the history of the structure.” And when asked about different interpretations of data, Behe responded that “intelligent design can live with whatever the results of that different way shows.”

In summary, intelligent design discourages experimentation, says nothing about biological mechanisms and is chameleonlike in its adaptation to any interpretation of data.

Deductive conclusion: Intelligent design is an “empty calorie” approach designed for those who wish to avoid weighty scientific questions.

Kenneth S. Schmitz,

Kansas City, Mo.