| Subject: Fwd: Hey, your atheist guys would like this |
| From: Barrett Brown <barriticus@gmail.com> |
| Date: 2/10/11, 14:50 |
| To: Ellen Johnson <EllJhns8@aol.com> |
For Immediate Release
(Washington, D.C., February 10, 2011) The American Humanist Association (AHA) is proud to announce Representative Pete Starks (D-CA) proposal of H. Res. 81 calling for the designation of February 11, 2011 as Darwin Day. The resolution is the culmination of collaboration between Representative Stark, the 2008 Humanist of the Year, and the American Humanist Association.
Darwins birthday is a good time for us to reflect on the important role of science in our society, commented Representative Stark. It is also a time to redouble our efforts to ensure that children are being taught scientific facts, not religious dogma, and to fight back against those who seek to undermine the science of climate change for political ends.
Representative Starks Darwin Day resolution is a thrilling step forward for the secular movement, said Roy Speckhardt, executive director of the American Humanist Association. Not only is this an opportunity to bring the scientific impact of Charles Darwin to the forefront, but this also signifies the potential for greater respect for scientific reasoning on Capitol Hill. The American Humanist Association appreciates the work done by Rep. Starks offices, and their efforts in sponsoring this bill
The American Humanist Association is mobilizing its 20,000 members and supporters to contact their Representatives in support of this resolution.
The resolution points out how "human curiosity and ingenuity exemplified by Darwin" has given rise to new scientific discoveries that expand our knowledge of the world and improve living conditions. It continues to explain how Darwins theory of evolution provides humanity with a logical and intellectually compelling explanation for the diversity of life on Earth and that the teaching of creationism in some public schools compromises the scientific and academic integrity of the United States education systems. To read the text of the resolution in its entirety, click here.
Thirteen percent of our public schools still advocate creationism as the primary cause of life on this planet," said Speckhardt. For Congress to step forward and propose a resolution in honor of Darwin sends a clear message scientific discovery is invaluable to our nation, and our nations future.
The International Darwin Day Foundation, a project of the American Humanist Association, promotes the celebration of Darwin Day every February 12the birth date of Charles Darwinand provides resources and publicity for individuals, groups, museums, universities, and other institutions around the world celebrating the life and legacy of Darwin at www.darwinday.org. Over 400 Darwin Day events for 2011 are registered so far.
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The American Humanist Association (www.americanhumanist.org) advocates for the rights and viewpoints of humanists. Founded in 1941 and headquartered in Washington D.C., its work is extended through more than 100 local chapters and affiliates across America.
Humanism is a progressive philosophy of life that, without theism, affirms our responsibility to lead ethical lives of value to self and humanity.
For More Information Please Contact:
Sarah Ameigh
Policy and Communications Assistant
American Humanist Association
202-238-9088
1777 T Street NW Washington DC 20009