Darwin Day
February 15, 2007
On February 15th, CFI’s Office of Public Policy and Washington D.C. branch office hit the halls of Congress and the greater D.C. community with a tribute to Charles Darwin’s 198th birthday. Evolutionary biologist and filmmaker Randy Olson joined CFI for the D.C. debut of his movie Flock of Dodos: The Evolution-Intelligent Design Circus.
Highlights included the Office of Public Policy’s first Congressional briefing, cosponsored by Rep. Lynn Woolsey (D-CA), member of the House Science and Technology Committee. “Evolution and Intelligent Design: Who’s Winning the Debate?” was well attended by legislative staffers, science and environmental organizations, and CFI members.
Later, nearly 300 people--mostly supporters of evolution, judging from the Q & A session afterward—attended the public screening. Reviews were great, and attendees eagerly threw out questions to the guest panel: Olson, CFI Director of Research and Legal Affairs Dr. Ronald A. Lindsay, Dr. Barbara Forrest, an expert witness in the Kitzmiller v. Dover School Board trial, and writer and intelligent design advocate Jack Cashill—featured in the film.
The night ended too early (11:00 p.m.) for some, who surrounded the panelists for one-on-one conversation after the formal discussion closed. The evening finished up with a slice of Darwin’s birthday cake for all!
If you missed the fun, you have one more chance. Tuesday March, 27th 7:00 p.m. at the Center For Inquiry/DC office. Please RSVP to edaerr@cfidc.org.
Filmmaker Dr. Randy Olson and Dave Hoffman
Dr. Barbara Forrest, guest, Dr. Ron Lindsay
Congressional briefing in the House Science and Technology Committee hearing room
Toni Van Pelt discussing CFI’s work to ensure Intelligent Design is kept out of science curriculum
Forrest describing the public relations campaign to promote ID
Ronald Lindsay addressing the ID movement’s “teach the controversy” strategy.
Journalist Rick Docksai
Panel discussion at the Avalon Theatre. Lindsay, ID proponent Jack Cashill, Forrest, and Olson
Q & A after the movie with Olson
Forrest surrounded by questioners
Lindsay taking questions
Cashill discussing the ID perspective
