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Congress Woman Addresses Students Before The Eclipse
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Congress Woman Addresses Students Before The Eclipse

Representative Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas faced criticism after she made several false statements about the moon during a recent visit to Booker T. Washington High School in Houston. Jackson Lee, who once led the House Science Committee’s space subcommittee, made the statements while speaking to a group of high school students before they watched the solar eclipse on Monday. The representative told the students that the moon is a "planet" made mostly of gases and that humans could potentially live on it. She also claimed that the moon gives off its own light and energy.

In a live video clip posted to her X account, Jackson Lee is seen struggling to put on eclipse glasses as she tells the students not to look at the sun directly. She also tells them that the eclipse is a serious matter and that looking directly at the sun could result in them being walked out while holding their arm. However, her claims about the moon and the eclipse were met with skepticism and confusion from the students and the public.

In the video, Jackson Lee also stated that the moon would be at its closest distance to the Earth in 20 years, which is why the light would be shut off. She explained that there would be complete darkness, which is not the case during a solar eclipse. She also said that the moon is a "manageable" alternative to the sun, which is too hot to go near. These statements were incorrect and caused many to question her knowledge of basic scientific facts. Critics took to social media to express their disbelief and disappointment.

Following the backlash, Jackson Lee took to X to respond to the criticism. She stated that she misspoke and meant to say the sun, but accused Republicans of focusing on "stupid things" instead of important issues such as prenatal care and affordable housing. She also claimed that her focus is on the well-being of children and protecting the rights of women and children, rather than engaging in "senseless dialogue."

This is not the first time Jackson Lee has made questionable and inaccurate statements. In 1997, she famously demanded to see the flag that astronauts planted on Mars during a visit to NASA, only to be told that no human had ever been to Mars because it is too far away. In another instance, while speaking on the House floor, she claimed that the U.S. Constitution was 400 years old when it was actually adopted in 1787. Critics have also accused her of being one of the "meanest" members of Congress to work for, citing instances of her using demeaning language towards her staff.

The controversy surrounding Jackson Lee's statements has raised questions about her qualifications to serve on the House Science Committee's subcommittee on space. Some are calling for her to step down from her position, while others are highlighting the need for elected officials to have a basic understanding of science and facts. For many, this incident only adds to Jackson Lee's history of making remarks that are met with ridicule and scorn.

Despite the criticism, Jackson Lee has supporters who defend her and her passion for issues such as science and space. They point out that her comments were made in front of high school students and that she was simply trying to engage them in the experience of the eclipse. They also maintain that the representative's focus on important issues outweighs any missteps she may have made while speaking to the students.

As the controversy continues, the debate over Jackson Lee's qualifications and her future on the House Science Committee's subcommittee on space is likely to intensify. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of accuracy and fact-checking, particularly when speaking to a vulnerable audience such as high school students. It also highlights the responsibility of elected officials to be well-informed and educated on the issues they are tasked with overseeing. Whether or not Jackson Lee will face consequences for her statements remains to be seen, but the incident has brought attention to the need for accuracy and accountability in public discourse.

Written by Arthur Higgens - April 10, 2024