From the Pit of Hell: Rep. Paul Broun (R-GA) - Crafting the USA's Science & Technology, Natural Resources Policy?

Sorry to start this off with some language that could cause this post to be scrubbed by Texas A & M.

I picked up this morning's copy of The Oregonian and within a few minutes found myself confronted with this AP story on page A7:

Lawmaker calls Big Bang and evolution 'lies'

The online edition version was even more graphic:

Congressman calls evolution lie from 'pit of hell'

It told the story of Rep. Paul Broun (R-GA) and his talk before the Sportsman's Banquet at the Liberty Baptist Church of Hartwell, GA.

 

What surprised me about Broun, who is a medical doctor and a member of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee (like Rep. Todd Akin (R-MO) and Natural Resources Committee, was that he also included embryology in the mix of lies from the 'pit of Hell'. I find it incredible that a scientist (as he says he is) and physician would categorically dismiss embryology (must be something about abortion - maybe Todd Akin can help him out here).

No evolution, eh? Wonder what Dr. Broun would say as to the reason many first generation antibiotics no longer are effective? 

He also proved adept at historical geology, citing the age of Earth at about 9,000 years old - yes, there is a 'lot of scientific data' supporting a young Earth. I thought the official line was that it was created in 4004 BC, so it should be about 6,000 years old. Heresy!

He uses the Bible as the major force in directing the way he votes in DC. How does that work on matters of science and technology? Let me guess...

Rep. Broun is free to believe whatever he chooses when it comes to science, whether it's right or wrong. It's unfortunate he has taken the easy way out, but that is his choice. But I can't believe that he just 'turns off' his religious beliefs when it comes to science-related issues before him as a Congressman. That scares me no end. It also saddens me.

We need members of Congress who can, and are willing to, think critically. 

"All that stuff I was taught about evolution and embryology and Big Bang theory, all that is lies straight from the pit of hell." - Rep. Paul Broun (R-GA)