Once Again, a Darwin Day Resolution Has Been Filed in the House of Representatives January 12, 2017

Once Again, a Darwin Day Resolution Has Been Filed in the House of Representatives

For the past few years, a member of Congress has introduced a resolution in the House to honor Charles Darwin on his birthday. Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA) did it in 2011, Rep. Rush Holt (D-NJ) did it in 2013 and 2014, and Rep. Jim Himes (D-CT) has did it in the years since.

He just did it again yesterday, introducing the resolution, officially known as House Resolution 44. It designates “February 12, 2017, as ‘Darwin Day’ and [recognizes] the importance of science in the betterment of humanity.”

Kd9Qys8

The American Humanist Association appreciates the nod to science at a time when reason and common sense in government are hard to find”

“In our modern political climate, when the very facts and truths revealed by science are under attack, honoring the efforts of scientists, the true heroes of human history, is vitally important,” said Rep. Himes. “By celebrating and commemorating the anniversary of the birth of Charles Darwin, we not only acknowledge his enormous contributions to our better understanding of the origins of life, but send a message that we value education, knowledge and science as our guiding principles.”

“With widespread problems of fake news, climate change denial and anti-vaxxers plaguing American society, now is the time to look to the rationality of Charles Darwin and other scientists who carry on his legacy of curiosity and critical thinking in the pursuit of truth,” said Roy Speckhardt, executive director of the American Humanist Association. “We urge Congress to support the Darwin Day Resolution to uphold science, reason and innovation, values that we need now more than ever.”

As I’ve said before, it’s nice to see a member of Congress honoring science instead of denying it.

The text of the resolution, which is identical to last year’s (except for the year). is as follows:

RESOLUTION

Expressing support for designation of February 12, 2016, 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, 2017, 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.

Considering that this bill requires no money, isn’t changing any laws, and is a straightforward endorsement of science, it ought to pass without a problem. But the last time I said that, Donald Trump wasn’t about to enter the White House.

You can help out by contacting your member of Congress and urging him or her to sign on as a co-sponsor.

(Image via Shutterstock. Large portions of this article were published earlier)

"The way republican politics are going these days, that means the winner is worse than ..."

It’s Moving Day for the Friendly ..."
"It would have been more convincing if he used then rather than than."

It’s Moving Day for the Friendly ..."

Browse Our Archives

What Are Your Thoughts?leave a comment
error: Content is protected !!