'Ignorance on display': Sheila Jackson Lee trolled as she retorts to backlash after saying 'planet' moon is 'made up of mostly gases'

HOUSTON, TEXAS: Texas Representative Sheila Jackson Lee recently garnered widespread criticism after she told a group of Houston high schoolers that the moon is a "planet" that is "made up mostly of gases, as per the New York Post. 

The Democrat, who once led the House Science Committee's space subcommittee, faced severe backlash over remarks she made at Booker T Washington High School ahead of the solar eclipse on Monday, April 8. 

Sheila Jackson Lee makes questionable remarks about the sun and moon ahead of the solar eclipse

Jackson Lee apparently told the students, "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?'"

The congressional representative continued, "The sun is a mighty powerful heat, but it’s almost impossible to go near the sun. The moon is more manageable."

Jackson Lee made further statements that were questionable. In one, she told students the moon not only reflects the sun’s light but also emits "unique light and energy." "You have the energy of the moon at night," added the Texas Rep.

In a video posted on her X (formerly Twitter) account, Jackson Lee was heard saying, "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 also spoke about being able to live and survive on the moon, sharing, "I don’t know about you, I want to be first in line to know how to live and to be able to survive on the moon. That’s another planet which we’re going to see shortly."

After the RNC Research X (formerly Twitter) account shared a clip of her disseminating misinformation to the students, Jackson Lee on Tuesday retorted, "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."

In a subsequent post, she added, "They should be focusing on issues like prenatal care, building more affordable housing, and more reduction of student loan debt as President Joe Biden is."

Jackson Lee later asserted, "Also, I care more about these children who would not have experienced the eclipse in this enthusiastic manner. And, I care more about protecting the rights of women and children than engaging in this kind of senseless dialogue!"

Internet trolls Sheila Jackson Lee for spreading misinformation 

A Facebook user mocked her saying, "The dumbest politician," and another added, "And this woman continues to get elected." 

A person wrote, "She must have been absent on the days in school for each and every grade level when they covered the solar system and the planets." 

"One of the brilliant minds running the nation. We are doomed," said someone else, while one more expressed, "I always thought she was stupid snow she proves it." 

"Ignorance on display. And people actually vote for this," observed a netizen, with one more noting, "There are so many in our government with less than a 5th grade education." 

Another person pointed out, "You very clearly thought the moon was made of gases lmao. Your full sentence would make even less sense if you meant to say sun instead of moon there." 

"But we do still have the energy of the Moon at night, right?" quipped a user, echoing Jackson Lee's remarks. 

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