wow, it's getting *extra* weird up north

[rmd]

more from new hampshire:
HB1457:

Require science teachers to instruct pupils that proper scientific inquire results from not committing to any one theory or hypothesis, no matter how firmly it appears to be established, and that scientific and technological innovations based on new evidence can challenge accepted scientific theories or modes.

what the fuck, people. "no matter how firmly it appears to be established".
PERIODIC TABLE OF ELEMENTS? TOTALLY A THEORY! EARTH AIR FIRE AND WATER! ALSO A VALID THEORY!
teach the controversy!

ETA: I mean, saying "new evidence can overthrow old theories" is totally an important part of science education. But the "not committing to any theory no matter what" is what strikes me as sketchy and evolution-hating.

Comments

[adb-jaeger.livejournal.com]

So I'm getting the sense that there are plenty of NH legislators that will happily introduce or co-sponsor any piece of wingnut twaddle some random yahoo sticks in front of them.

Pretty sure that's not limited to NH.

[jim-p.livejournal.com]

No, but NH has the largest state legislature in the country (400 representatives, 24 senators), with a constituent:legislator ratio of about 3000:1. Thus (a) plenty of opportunities for wingnut twaddle to be introduced, and (b) a fairly low bar to clear to get one's legislator's attention.

[clauclauclaudia]

There's a degree to which it is their job. In Massachusetts it's explicitly so. Courtesy of the Massachusetts Bar Association:

Under the state Constitution any citizen may file a proposed piece of legislation with the General Court through his or her representation or senator.  This “right of free petition” is unique to Massachusetts.  In addition, there is no prohibition upon an individual’s right to continually refile a bill year after year.

I don't know what NH procedures are like, but each bill could represent literally one crazy here in the Commonwealth.