What? No magic book? Not even the King James version of the Constitution? Cue the right wing screech machine to label her a Communist and a threat to civilization as soon as they hear about this. /s
With the current trend of swearing in on a stack of bibles, bibles that they probably have no connection with but are notable (Abraham Lincoln’s own Bible), I’m delighted to see something a little more grounded in reality being used.
What Hemant doesn't make clear is if he is using "swear her oath" in a generic sense or if she did actually swear rather than affirm. That to me is much more meaningful than what book she placed her hand on. Though it is nice when a politician bucks a useless tradition.
I read the NASA website every evening before bedtime. It cheers me up after all the religious and political awfulness of the day. It reminds me that my species is at least getting some things right. The other night when I saw that book in the photo, I was elated. I've got hardcover and softcover copies of that excellent book. Very encouraging.
The joy of seeing a NASA official swear her oath on Carl Sagan's "Pale Blue Dot"
What? No magic book? Not even the King James version of the Constitution? Cue the right wing screech machine to label her a Communist and a threat to civilization as soon as they hear about this. /s
OMG! So much xtian oppression and persecution. Why does she hate jesus?
Thank you, Dr. Lystrup. So glad someone chose a book on science and reason and not one filled with myth and superstition.
"There are wonders enough out there without inventing any."
-- Carl Sagan, from "The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark"
OT:
Clarence Thomas’s Billionaire Benefactor Collects Hitler Artifacts
Harlan Crow also reportedly has a garden full of dictator statues.
https://www.washingtonian.com/2023/04/07/clarence-thomass-billionaire-benefactor-collects-hitler-artifacts/
With the current trend of swearing in on a stack of bibles, bibles that they probably have no connection with but are notable (Abraham Lincoln’s own Bible), I’m delighted to see something a little more grounded in reality being used.
Why would you need more than one?
What Hemant doesn't make clear is if he is using "swear her oath" in a generic sense or if she did actually swear rather than affirm. That to me is much more meaningful than what book she placed her hand on. Though it is nice when a politician bucks a useless tradition.
Tradition - peer pressure from dead people.
In Science We Trust!
It's certain that she read the book (maybe more than once), unlike the rag most politicians swear on.
Why do they have to put their hand on a book anyway?
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/b16a5d0500f96d3cf8ee9d49faf0e2f9675becd24a058d28aeceb5d56ae16c5e.jpg
OT:
Don't forget to stock up on air freshener for tomorrow.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CBiSxvQUwAACS1x.png:large
How many people has Jesus sent into space? His own ascension was suborbital.
How long before people are taking their oaths of office with their hands on a DVD or thumb drive?
No one's gonna play it? OK, I will...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wupToqz1e2g
Still powerful after all these years. We miss you, Carl.
I read the NASA website every evening before bedtime. It cheers me up after all the religious and political awfulness of the day. It reminds me that my species is at least getting some things right. The other night when I saw that book in the photo, I was elated. I've got hardcover and softcover copies of that excellent book. Very encouraging.
What a wonderful and meaningful tribute by Dr. Makenzie Lystrup!
In honor of her being the first female director of the GSFC, may I suggest the use of gender neutral terms going forward?
For example, instead of saying "the research laboratory that develops **unmanned** spacecraft,"
we may want to say that the GSFC develops **uncrewed** spacecraft. Just a thought!