Charles Darwin Challenges Rep. Paul Broun, from the Grave
A University of Georgia scientist has mounted a write-in campaign on behalf of the famous evolutionary scientist. Who will you pick?
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Charles Darwin, the father of the science of evolution, can't speak for himself or run for Congress because he's not alive (and not an American citizen). But a University of Georgia scientist hopes supporting Darwin in a write-in campaign can help get U.S. Rep. Paul Broun, R-GA, booted from his position on the House Science, Space and Technology Committee.
UGA plant biologist Jim Leebens-Mack has started a Facebook page promoting Darwin as a fantasy alternative to Broun, who was recorded last month dismissing evolution and the Big Bang theory as "lies straight from the pit of hell."
Leebens-Mack told the Associated Press that the write-in campaign isn't serious, but the AP reports people behind the movement hope enough support could goad Congressional leaders to reduce Broun's influence over science policy. (There's also a petition seeking to accomplish the same thing.)
Broun is running unopposed in Georgia's 10th Congressional District after defeating a Republican challenger in the July 31 primary.
The AP story also quotes conservative radio host Neal Boortz saying that Broun's commentary "makes Republicans look like knee-dragging, still-tending, tobacco-spitting Neanderthals."
What do you think? Take the poll and tell us in the comments below.
Feisty Boy
6:58 pm on Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Voted early today, and delighted to write in our friend Charles Darwin. Had been considering that guy "McCommunist" but felt that Darwin is the stronger candidate!
David Brown
10:22 pm on Wednesday, October 17, 2012
I normally disagree with Paul Broun on about eight out of ten issues. This is one of those rare times when I agree with him. He's right this time.
Cernunnos Green
3:40 am on Thursday, October 18, 2012
Are you really that uneducated?
Dave Emanuel
11:11 pm on Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Some food for thought-- from a scientific perspective, Darwin's theory of evolution is difficult to dispute. From a religious perspective, the theory that God created the universe. Are the two theories really mutually exclusive?
lee kellogg
6:17 am on Thursday, October 18, 2012
There is no theory that God created anything. There is a theology that makes that claim. Several theologies make the claim, but struggle to agree in practice. Theories are testable, and falsifiable. Theologies are neither. Theologies are at best sacred narratives, but more accurately, fictions.
Is it interesting that people lacking the ability to understand natural selection back up Mr. Etch-o-Sketch?
Dave Emanuel
9:01 am on Thursday, October 18, 2012
Since we have apparently embarked upon a crusade to separate the fly poop from the pepper, perhaps I should rephrase my question. "From a religious perspective, the belief that God created the universe is difficult to dispute". Are the two mutually exclusive and do we need an Etch-a-Sketch to have that discussion?
Racer X
8:04 am on Thursday, October 18, 2012
I thought Donald Trump created the universe and he started with a roll of nickels.
Seriously though, I don't think the two theories are mutually exclusive.
Mr. Broun's argument is as short sighted as mr. kellogg's argument.
Dave Emanuel
9:05 am on Thursday, October 18, 2012
Donald Trump didn't create the whole universe, only a portion of it. And oddly enough, he created his master plan with an Etch-a-Sketch. It's all documented on Google, although the Huffington Post has a different take on the genesis of the world.
lee kellogg
8:21 am on Thursday, October 18, 2012
If Neal Boortz describes you as a neanderthal, you are. Or, if you were ready to vote for Trump, you are not yet a neanderthal. And we can be pretty sure you were for Trump when you thought Romney was a Massachusetts liberal cult member. Etch meet Sketch.
Racer X
8:37 am on Thursday, October 18, 2012
I was kidding about Trump. Where is your sense of humor little fella?
Lisa Mende
10:50 am on Thursday, October 18, 2012
Dayum! I wrote in Mickey Mouse when i could have written Darwin!
Jon Lester
5:12 pm on Thursday, October 18, 2012
I happen to be a real and living US citizen who's also running a write-in protest candidacy.
Feisty Boy
6:29 pm on Thursday, October 18, 2012
Breaking News from the Flagpole! Pete McCommunist has dropped out of the race and has thrown his support behind write-in rival Charles Darwin! Way to go Pete!
http://flagpole.com/news/2012/oct/17/pub-notes/