Conservative Christian Rep. John Fleming (R-LA): Stop Believing Anecdotes Because “That’s How Myths Come About”

Rep. John Fleming (R-LA) is the legislator who, when discussing the possibility of Humanist chaplains in the military, responded by explaining the obvious consequences:

Rep. John Fleming

“This I think would make a mockery of the chaplaincy,” said Rep. John Fleming (R-La.). “The last thing in the world we would want to see was a young soldier who may be dying and they’re at a field hospital and the chaplain is standing over that person saying to them, ‘If you die here, there is no hope for you in the future.’”

He was wrong about that, of course, but the point is this guy is one of those Jesus-lovin’ Republicans that wants to promote his faith through the government. He opposes gay rights and once suggested that a same-sex commitment ceremony undermined our security.

That’s why I had to laugh when I heard what he said in opposition to medical marijuana:

“There is no evidence for marijuana as a treatment for seizures,” Rep. John Fleming, R-Louisiana, a physician, claimed during a congressional hearing last month. “We hear anecdotal stories, and that’s how myths come about.”

Stop believe anecdotal stories, says the Southern Baptist who thinks the Bible is true.

If only he would take his own advice…

By the way, there is reason to believe marijuana can help control seizures, though scientific studies haven’t been published yet. They may be anecdotes, but it’s far from a myth.

(via Reddit)