The priorities of a creationist

Anna Falling is running for mayor of Tulsa, Oklahoma. She is also a hardcore bible-thumping creationist.

Now, this is interesting. Obviously, Tulsa is a city of dreams, right? I mean, there can't be any crimes, failing schools, overcrowded hospitals, crumbling roads or tanking finances – either that, or she's one woman with an awesomely screwed-up list of mayoral priorities, when her election promises focus primarily on ... installing creationist exhibits in the Tulsa Zoo. And she's apparently mad that a similar project was dismissed four years ago.

God help Tulsa Zoo.

TULSA, OK -- A mayoral candidate has resurrected a controversy over Creationism at the Tulsa Zoo.

A push to exhibit the Christian story of creation at the Tulsa Zoo failed four years ago. Republican candidate for Tulsa mayor, Anna Falling, is bringing the issue front and center.

It's the same exhibit and the same arguments, but now it is given from the bully pulpit of a candidate running for mayor.

"Some may ask why this issue during a Mayoral campaign? And I say why not?" said candidate Anna Falling.

Maybe because you've probably got some more important things to worry about as a mayoral candidate than installing Creationist bullshit in a zoo? Just a thought.

For Anna Falling, the road to city hall runs through the Tulsa Zoo. She's made her Christianity central to her platform and now the exhibit depicting the Christian story of Creationism is her first campaign promise.

"Today we are announcing that God will be glorified in this city. He shall not be shunned. Upon our election, we hereby commit to honoring Him in all ways that He has been dishonored," said Anna Falling.

... Okay, she's a crackpot. But then, it is Oklahoma ... so she'll be just fine, me reckons.

"I am surprised that has come back up again. It was a bad idea the first time around," said Brian Cross with Friends of Religion and Science.

Haven't you heard? Bad ideas are all the rage these days ...

Her speech was part sermon, part rallying cry. And, it's already winning over some voters.

"I think she stands up very strong for her beliefs. And, I think by doing this she shows that. And, I think that's good. We need a mayor that comes up and is strong about their opinion and is not afraid to express their opinion," said Creationism supporter Angela Childress.

Yes, yes, everyone likes a candidate who is strong in their beliefs and opinions. The problem is, you gotta make sure they're the best and most constructive ones first! (But then, this comes from a Creationism supporter, so we really mustn't expect too much from her in terms of actually making sense.)

There is some moderately good news, though – it appears as though the Zoo has already made up its mind:

A Tulsa Zoo spokesperson said in a statement that the Tulsa Parks Board resolved this issue in 2005, after a very public process involving the entire community.

Seems settled to me. We'll see what this pitiful mayoral candidate can do about it ...

(via Pharyngula)