US Rep Sheila Jackson Lee calls the Moon a ‘planet made up mostly of gases’
Sheila Jackson Lee
United States Representative Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Texas, told a group of high school students in Houston that the Moon is a "planet" that is "made up mostly of gases."
While addressing the Booker T Washington High School students on the sports field ahead of Monday's solar eclipse, Jackson Lee said, "You've heard the word 'full moon.' Sometimes, you need to take the opportunity just to come out and see a full moon is that complete-rounded circle, which is made up mostly of gases. And that's why the question is: Why or how could we as humans live on the Moon? Are the gases such that we could do that?"
She made several false statements that shocked the teenagers, Fox News reported. She added, "The Sun is a mighty powerful heat, but it's almost impossible to go near the sun. The Moon is more manageable."
In another statement, Jackson Lee misinformed the students about solar eclipses. She said, "What you will see today will be the closest distance that the Moon has ever been in the last 20 years, which means that's why they will shut the light down because they will be close to the Earth, which is an amazing experience. You will be able to tell because there will be complete darkness." She posted the video clip of her speech onher X account.
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As the students moved to the sports field to watch the astronomical spectacle, Jackson Lee struggled to put the eclipse glasses on her face. She also expressed the desire to be one of the first people to live and survive on the Moon.
On Tuesday, the US representative turned to X after RNC Research shared her video. She wrote, "Obviously, I misspoke and meant to say the sun, but as usual, Republicans are focused on stupid things instead of stuff that really matters. What can I say though, foolish thinkers lust for stupidity."
Jackson Lee said Republicans should focus on prenatal care, affordable housing and reducing student loan debt.
"Also, I care more about these children who would not have experienced the eclipse in this enthusiastic manner," she added. "And I care more about protecting the rights of women and children than engaging in this kind of senseless dialogue."
(With inputs from agencies)