Last week we raised some noise when it was called to our attention that Sen. Rubio could not answer the question about the age of the earth. He answered by saying
"I'm not a scientist man." which is the the opposite of Ghostbuster legend Peter Venkmen's (Bill Murray) line "Back off man - I'm a scientist". The GOP - fresh off their electoral losses has been trying to find a way to reform their party. They lost 93% percent of blacks - over 70% Hispanics, and 53% of women voters. They have neglected to have to conversation about the strangle hold religious fundamentalists have on the party. They do not talk about the unseemly influence of the Pat Roberson types, or how attempting to legislate their interpretation of scriptures might turn off voters. If they are going to move forward an continue to be a national party when it is a fact they will have to face.
Bold added by the diarist.
GQ: How old do you think the Earth is?
Marco Rubio: I'm not a scientist, man. I can tell you what recorded history says, I can tell you what the Bible says, but I think that's a dispute amongst theologians and I think it has nothing to do with the gross domestic product or economic growth of the United States. I think the age of the universe has zero to do with how our economy is going to grow. I'm not a scientist. I don't think I'm qualified to answer a question like that. At the end of the day, I think there are multiple theories out there on how the universe was created and I think this is a country where people should have the opportunity to teach them all. I think parents should be able to teach their kids what their faith says, what science says. Whether the Earth was created in 7 days, or 7 actual eras, I'm not sure we'll ever be able to answer that. It's one of the great mysteries.
We can expect such piece-meal answers from a man like Rubio who does not have a reputation for bucking his parties establishment when it comes to their dogma. However one would expect a bit better from NJ Gov. Chris Christie. Fresh off getting accolades for his handling of Hurricane Sandy and working together with President Obama and the federal government we are reminded why this man is not qualified to be president. That while his RNC speech focused mainly on 2016 while ignoring the 2012 race Gov. Christie will not be accepted by the wing of his party that continually dances with the religious right. They will not accept him as one of their own and he does himself an injustice when he attempts to pander to them. Do you want a repeat of 2011? When you enter the GOP primary do you think these people are going to believe that you are sufficiently conservative enough to wear the mantle?
According to NJ.com
Gov. Chris Christie refused to comment when asked if he believes in evolution or the theory of creationism when asked at a press conference earlier today.
“That’s none of your business,” Christie said.
Last week at a town hall in Manalapan, Chistie said he thought the decision to teach creationism in public schools should be made at the local level. He reitereated that position today.
“Evolution is required teaching,” Christie said. “If there’s a certain school district that also wants to teach creationism, that’s not something we should decide in Trenton.”
Gov - Christie. With all due respect that
is something you decide in Trenton. You were elected to serve the people of New Jersey - to uphold the state consistution and to defend people against the infringement of their rights. Often times when talking about religious freedom in America we leave out the part where as Americans we have the right to be free from religion as well.
Christie clarified that this position was not an endorsement of teaching creationism. "That is not to say, as it was interpreted by some that I was advocating for the teaching of creationism," Christie said. "Folks never really have a hard time figuring out when I'm advocating for something."
We sure do have a hard time figuring out what you are advocating for.
The Wall Street Journal took the time to then point out:
For a politician who has built a national reputation for straight talk and not shying from a fight, Christie's demurral on creationism stands out. In the past, he has said people need not wonder where he stands on an issue.
"When you guys ask me questions, I'm going to answer them directly, straightly, bluntly, and nobody in New Jersey is going to have to wonder where I am on an issue," he said a year ago, adding: "I think they've had enough of politicians who make them wonder ... They make them wonder so they got an escape hatch. So they have an escape hatch. And I'm not interested in an escape hatch."
Evolution is real. Creationism is a religious belief.
That would be a "straight talker" answer.
Where is your escape hatch Governor?