has McCain ever been to a planetarium?
Chicago's Adler Planetarium has issued a statement (PDF) about McCain's "overhead projector" remark last night (h/t: Josh Marshall at TPM). Here is part of it:
The Adler's Zeiss Mark VI projector - not an overhead projector - is the instrument that re-creates the night sky in a dome theater, the quintessential planetarium experience. The Adler's projector is nearly 40 years old and is no longer supported with parts or service by the manufacturer. It is only the second planetarium projector in the Adler's 78 years of operation.Science literacy is an urgent issue in the United States. To remain competitive and ensure national security, it is vital that we educate and inspire the next generation of explorers to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math.
Senator McCain's statements about the Adler Planetarium's request for federal support do not accurately reflect the museum's legislative history or relationship with Senator Obama.
McCain asked the debate audience, "My friends, do we need to spend that kind of money?"
Yes, Johnny Maverick, we do...although I don't really expect you or your creationist buddies to understand why. You may prefer to ignore the larger implications of astronomy, but it's essential to modern science education.
Any student who doesn't spend some time in a planetarium is being deprived of the awe and wonder that they can no longer experience in their own backyard; if it doesn't happen in a planetarium, it may not happen at all.