Louisiana Lawmaker: Remember when scientists used to burn heretics at the stake?

Yeah me neither...

Quote:

A Louisiana state senator recently offered a puzzling rationale for why schools in the state should be allowed to teach creationism. Last month, Louisiana lawmakers considered a measure to repeal the Louisiana Science Education Act, a 2008 law that critics have characterized as a way of giving teachers latitude to introduce creationism and other unscientific theories into state classrooms. In an April 22 hearing, state Sen. Elbert Guillory (R) made it clear that he would vote against the measure, SB 74. In footage uploaded to YouTube last week, he can be seen using a bizarre tactic to support his argument -- namely, citing a nonexistent version of history where scientific truth reigned supreme and dissent invited brutal consequences. “There was a time, sir, when scientists thought that the world was flat. And if you get to the end of it, you’d fall off," Guillory said. "There was another time when scientists thought that the sun revolved around the world. And they always thought to ensure that anyone who disagreed with their science was a heretic. People were burned for not believing that the world was flat. People were really badly treated."

As is typical with far right-wing Republicans, our friend Guillory has mixed up "scientists" with "religious leaders" and has created his own fantasy version of history when Science reigned supreme and people who didn't believe it were burned at the stake for heresy.

If we're allowed to retcon history whenever we want, can I retcon my entire life so I end up disgustingly rich and married to the hottest man on the planet please?

via International Skeptics Forum http://ift.tt/1KEDJxh