Congressman Rush Holt (D-NJ) rocks!
Yesterday, January 22, Congressman Holt introduced H. Res. 41, a resolution to designate February 12, 2013 as Darwin Day, and recognize Charles Darwin “as a worthy symbol on which to celebrate the achievements of reason, science, and the advancement of human knowledge.”
Here’s the text of the resolution:
113th CONGRESS
1st SessionH. RES. 41
Expressing support for designation of February 12, 2013, as Darwin Day and recognizing the importance of science in the betterment of humanity.IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
January 22, 2013Mr. HOLT submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology
RESOLUTION
Expressing support for designation of February 12, 2013, as Darwin Day and recognizing the importance of science in the betterment of humanity.Whereas Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution by the mechanism of natural selection, together with the monumental amount of scientific evidence he compiled to support it, provides humanity with a logical and intellectually compelling explanation for the diversity of life on Earth;
Whereas the validity of Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection is further strongly supported by the modern understanding of the science of genetics;
Whereas it has been the human curiosity and ingenuity exemplified by Darwin that has promoted new scientific discoveries that have helped humanity solve many problems and improve living conditions;
Whereas the advancement of science must be protected from those unconcerned with the adverse impacts of global warming and climate change;
Whereas the teaching of creationism in some public schools compromises the scientific and academic integrity of the United States education systems;
Whereas Charles Darwin is a worthy symbol of scientific advancement on which to focus and around which to build a global celebration of science and humanity intended to promote a common bond among all of Earth’s peoples; and
Whereas February 12, 2013, is the anniversary of the birth of Charles Darwin in 1809 and would be an appropriate date to designate as Darwin Day: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives–
(1) supports the designation of Darwin Day; and
(2) recognizes Charles Darwin as a worthy symbol on which to celebrate the achievements of reason, science, and the advancement of human knowledge.
9 comments
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jnorris
January 23, 2013 at 7:32 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
To get it passed, there will have to be a companion Creationism Quarter Hour (between Midnight and 1 AM on February 29th) resolution.
Matt G
January 23, 2013 at 11:07 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
The Republicans drove their train off the rails many years ago, and have been punching the accelerator ever since. Still, I wish the Representative luck.
busterggi
January 24, 2013 at 11:31 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
“merkins won’t honor a damned furriner!
=8)-DX
January 25, 2013 at 7:10 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
>>“merkins won’t honor a damned furriner!
The US is a *nation* of immigrants…
Draken
January 25, 2013 at 8:20 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Now go over and tell those self-appointed border vigilantes in New Mexico, DX. I suggest you take a bullet proof vest.
I hope the best for Congressman Holt. This is probably going to be his last term, I’m afraid.
eamick
January 25, 2013 at 10:50 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I’d be amazed if it made it out of committee, let alone passed, and I doubt Holt will go to the trouble of a discharge petition over a resolution.
rthur2013
January 25, 2013 at 12:46 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I fear the Representative will have to start wearing a flak vest himself, as foaming-at-the-mouth Creationists with single-digit IQs reach for their handguns to protect the honour of their non-existent god
sillose
January 26, 2013 at 2:52 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
better than columbus
slc1
February 6, 2013 at 9:49 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Darwin’s birthday, Feb. 12, is already a holiday in many states as it is also the birthday of Abraham Lincoln (they were actually born on the same day, Feb. 12, 1809). How about an Isaac Newton Day on Dec. 25 and and Albert Einstein Day on March 14? Of course, Dec. 25 is already a holiday as the birthday of Yeshua of Nazareth, who was not born on that date.