Georgia Skeptics - Vol 04 No 05

Magazine Overview

This issue of the Electronic Newsletter of the Georgia Skeptics, Volume 4, Number 5, from September/October 1991, focuses on skeptical investigations of paranormal claims, particularly crop circles and conspiracy theories.

Contents

The table of contents lists several articles, including "CROP CIRCLES APPEAR IN ATLANTA GEORGIA!", "CIRCULAR REASONING: NO RING OF TRUTH IN GRAIN PATTERNS" by Mike Sullivan, "JOE NICKELL ADDRESSES GEORGIA SKEPTICS", "SKEPTICS BEHOLD WILLIAM COOPER" by Larry F. Johnson, "THE DOLMEN MYSTERY" by Hugh Trotti, an update on the "GELLER vs. RANDI LAWSUIT", a "STEINER STATEMENT", "STRIEBER BIDS UNKIND FAREWELL TO UFOLOGY", "ASTRONOMY VS. ASTROLOGY ON ECLIPSE DAY", "NEW AGE IN COLLEGE" by William E. Gordon, Jr., and a "MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT: CROP CIRCLES - A SKEPTICAL PERSPECTIVE".

Georgia Skeptics Organization

The Georgia Skeptics is described as a non-profit local group that shares a common philosophy with the national organization CSICOP (Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal). Their goal is to promote critical thinking and scientific inquiry. They encourage the investigation of paranormal and fringe-science claims from a responsible, scientific viewpoint and help disseminate the results. Material from the newsletter can be used with attribution, and opinions expressed are those of the authors, not necessarily the organization. Further information can be obtained through the Astronomical Society of the Atlantic BBS or by contacting Becky Long, President, at her Tucker, Georgia address. Membership dues are $17.50 for individuals, $21.00 for families, and $12.50 for full-time students.

Crop Circles Appear in Atlanta, Georgia!

This article details the appearance of three crop circles in Atlanta, Georgia, on August 17, 1991, near Inman Park, aligned with a radio tower. The circles had diameters of approximately 24 feet, 48 feet, and a third with a ring. A team of Georgia Skeptics investigators examined the circles and found features considered hallmarks of genuine circles, such as uncanny precision, bent stalks not broken, and plants swirled in a spiral. Notably, there were no footprints or tram lines, which are often associated with hoaxes. An unusual element was the carcass of a large bird found near one circle, mutilated in a way reminiscent of cattle mutilation phenomena, and a piece of a circuit board from unknown electrical equipment. Larry Johnson observed that the plants remained bent despite rain and continued to grow in that configuration. The field was cut before further testing, such as soil resistivity or organism levels, could be performed. The article also notes that the area was previously a campground for "The Gathering of the Tribes" during the Harmonic Convergence, suggesting a possible connection to New Age beliefs.

Circular Reasoning: No Ring of Truth in Grain Patterns

This article, by Mike Sullivan of North Texas Skeptics, critiques a lecture given by George Wingfield and the "Earl of Haddington" of the "Center for Crop Circle Studies" (CCCS) in Northpark, Texas. The lecture, hosted by MUFON, drew approximately 2000 people. Sullivan describes Wingfield's presentation, which relied heavily on 35mm slides, and questions Wingfield's academic credentials and the "Earl's" royal title. The article explains that crop circles are typically found in mature, cultivated fields with tractor ruts, and that patterns often align with these ruts. Wingfield reportedly had no photos of U.S. crop circles and had heard of only one in Texas that he had not documented. Sullivan points out that Wingfield did not offer a conclusion or theory on the cause of the circles, instead suggesting connections to religious symbolism, UFOs, and New Age concepts. Wingfield's arguments against hoaxes are questioned, with Sullivan noting that Wingfield himself admitted the circles were "almost impossible to hoax" rather than impossible. The article highlights Wingfield's reliance on dowsing and channeling as evidence, citing a dowser's designation of two-circle patterns as "Ying and Yang" and Wingfield's claim that channeling provided "evidence of intelligence." Wingfield's account of spending a night in a crop circle with a medium, Rita Gould, and hearing a "trilling noise" is presented as anecdotal. The author criticizes Wingfield's lack of scientific measurements, interviews, or physical evidence, relying instead on "snapshots of squashed crops." The article also mentions a BBC film crew that reportedly hoaxed a crop circle by shuffling their feet. Wingfield's presentation is characterized as an attempt to convince the audience that hoaxes are impossible, while still believing in some form of "intelligence" behind the circles. The lecture tour is described as a business, with MUFON profiting from admissions and merchandise.

Joe Nickell Addresses Georgia Skeptics

This section reports on a talk given by CSICOP Fellow Dr. Joe Nickell on July 20, 1991, at the Chamblee Civic Center. Dr. Nickell, a former private investigator and stage magician, is known for his scientific analyses of supernatural phenomena. He discussed his investigative techniques used to solve cases such as the haunted stairs at Mackenzie House and the Shroud of Turin, explaining how extraordinary claims can be demystified through duplication. The article mentions that members had the opportunity to meet Dr. Nickell at a pot-luck supper and other times. It also notes that Dr. Nickell, along with Rick Moen, Larry Johnson, and Becky Long, visited the Atlanta Police Homicide Division to investigate an appearance of human blood in an elderly couple's home in 1987. Appreciation is extended to various individuals who contributed to the success of Dr. Nickell's visit.

Skeptics Behold William Cooper

This article, by Larry F. Johnson, introduces William Cooper and his lecture attended by skeptical individuals on June 22, 1991. Cooper presented theories about a secret world government, including the Bilderbergers, Council on Foreign Relations, Jesuits, and Trilateral Commission, ruling the nation. Evidence cited included UFOs flying over Groom Lake, a photo of a mile-long UFO, and claims about military bases on the Moon and Mars with atmospheres. Cooper also discussed the JFK assassination and alleged government involvement in cattle mutilations for UFO research. The author found Cooper's lecture to be "bizarre theater," noting that Cooper appeared bored until Johnson identified himself as a skeptic, at which point Cooper became animated and profane. The article contrasts Cooper's claims with those of other UFOlogists like Linda Moulton Howe and John Lear. Johnson reflects that Cooper's appeal lies in offering comforting answers and a sense of possessing elite information. He also discusses the nature of skepticism, emphasizing the need for an initial filtering process for claims that deviate significantly from established models. The author concludes that Cooper's presentation was theatrical, drawing parallels to Berthold Brecht's theories.

The article further details the evolution of conspiracy theories in the "UFOlogy" community, mentioning figures like Moore, Shandera, Bennewitz, and Lear. It highlights William Moore's contribution with the Roswell Crash and MJ-12, and John Lear's tales of genetic experiments and abductions. Milton William Cooper emerged in December 1988, initially verifying Lear's stories and claiming to have seen documents proving government-alien contact. By May 1989, Cooper's claims became more elaborate, including a secret world government controlled by the Bilderbergers, the assassination of James Forrestal, Nazi scientists, the Kennedy assassination, and secret bases on the Moon and Mars. The author states that Cooper's story is on the "outer edge of the fringe" and that he engages in polemical warfare with other UFOlogists.

Johnson found Cooper's talk useful for reinforcing the idea that the validity of a claim is secondary to its ability to attract followers. He notes that credulity seems natural, while skepticism requires effort. Cooper's appeal is attributed to providing hope for a better world and a feeling of possessing exclusive information. Johnson also reinforces the idea that skepticism involves an initial filtering process, where claims far removed from the standard model are recognized as unlikely. He describes Cooper's lecture as "bizarre theater," comparing it to the work of Berthold Brecht.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are skepticism towards paranormal claims, critical examination of UFOlogy and conspiracy theories, and the promotion of scientific inquiry. The Georgia Skeptics organization, aligned with CSICOP, actively debunks sensational claims and encourages evidence-based reasoning. The editorial stance is clearly one of promoting rationalism and scientific investigation over unsubstantiated beliefs, as demonstrated by the critical reviews of crop circle explanations and William Cooper's lecture.

This issue of "The Georgia Skeptic," dated July 1991, is a 9-page publication from the Georgia Skeptics organization. It features a collection of articles that critically examine various phenomena, including ancient mysteries, legal disputes within the skeptical community, criticisms of ufology, and the intersection of New Age practices with education.

The Dolmen Mystery

The issue opens with an article by Hugh H. Trotti of Georgia Skeptics titled "THE DOLMEN MYSTERY." Trotti addresses the enigmatic nature of dolmens, which are ancient megalithic structures often attributed to peculiar causes by "true believers." He proposes a straightforward, albeit complex, method for their construction, challenging the notion that ancient peoples were less intelligent than modern humans. Trotti suggests that dolmens, typically consisting of a massive capstone supported by smaller stones, could have been built by first piling a mound of earth, hauling the capstone to the top, and then carefully excavating tunnels to place the supporting stones. He argues that erosion would naturally cover these structures, especially if they were used as tribal burial sites, and that the removal of soil would be a feasible task for early peoples, particularly if the site was on an elevated location. He dismisses the idea that such constructions are beyond the capabilities of ancient civilizations, citing examples of other large earthworks and stone structures from history.

Update on Geller vs. Randi Lawsuit

Another significant section details the "UPDATE ON GELLER VS. RANDI LAWSUIT." It reports that on May 11, 1991, James "The Amazing" Randi informed the skeptical community that he was being sued by Uri Geller for $15 million. Randi believed the lawsuit was frivolous and intended to silence him. At the time of the open letter, Randi's legal expenses had reached $155,000, and he had exhausted his personal savings. The article highlights Randi's prominent role in the skeptical movement, including his founding of CSICOP and his receipt of a MacArthur Foundation "Genius" Grant. The lawsuit stemmed from Randi's statements to a reporter, suggesting Geller had fooled scientists and used common tricks. CSICOP was also named in the suit, as Randi was considered their agent. The article also mentions a separate lawsuit filed by Eldon Byrd against Randi and CSICOP in June 1989, which remained pending. It notes that CSICOP's insurer denied Randi coverage, and CSICOP itself denied that Randi was speaking on their behalf, leading Randi to resign from the organization. The issue also includes a statement from Robert A. Steiner, National President (1988-1989) of the Society of American Magicians, who asserted that Uri Geller performs magic tricks and lacks validated evidence of supernatural abilities.

Strieber Bids Unkind Farewell to UFOLOGY

Whitley Strieber, author of UFO abduction best-sellers like "Communion" and "Transformation," is featured in an article detailing his "UNKIND FAREWELL TO UFOLOGY." Strieber expressed anger and shock among ufologists due to his recent statements on national television and in his "Communion Letter." He criticized the media for portraying him as a self-proclaimed alien abductee, despite his books making such claims. Strieber declared that "UFO-ologists" are "cruellest, nastiest and craziest people," and that their interpretations of the visitor experience and abduction reports are "rubbish," being artifacts of hypnosis and cultural conditioning. He stated he was not a UFO researcher and did not wish to endure the media attacks associated with the field, despite having made over 250 media appearances for "Communion" alone. Strieber believes the press and the UFO community hinder progress, and that organizations like MUFON and CUFOS need to disintegrate or be discredited. He concluded with a mystical thought, suggesting that aliens might be found within our own minds rather than in the sky.

Astronomy vs. Astrology on Eclipse Day

An article titled "ASTRONOMY VS. ASTROLOGY ON ECLIPSE DAY" recounts an event from July 1991. Astronomer Eric Greene, representing the Astronomical Society of the Atlantic and sysop of the Georgia Skeptics' BBS, appeared on WKLS radio with an astrologer during a solar eclipse. Greene provided scientific information about the event, while the astrologer offered advice and predictions based on zodiac signs. Greene noted the contrast between his scientific perspective and the astrologer's pronouncements, particularly enjoying a caller who urged him to "debunk that other guy."

New Age in College

The final major article, "NEW AGE IN COLLEGE" by William E. Gordon, Jr., Th.D., reviews Kay Leigh Hagan's book "Internal Affairs: A Journalkeeping Workbook for Self-Intimacy." Gordon, writing as a theologian, expresses concern that the book's exercises, which include meditation, lighting candles, using tarot cards, oracles (like I Ching and Rune stones), and shrines, are religious in nature. He argues that a state school should not encourage students to use these activities, which he believes are rooted in occult divination and spiritual transformation, potentially violating the separation of church and state. Gordon cites J. Gordon Melton's New Age Encyclopedia to support his claim that the New Age movement is inherently religious, even if practitioners prefer the term "spiritual."

Meeting Announcement: Crop Circles - A Skeptic Perspective

The issue concludes with a meeting announcement for the Georgia Skeptics, scheduled for Sunday, September 15, 1991, at the Steak and Ale Restaurant in Atlanta, Ga. Larry F. Johnson, a freelance writer and skeptic, was slated to speak on crop circles, referring to them as "agrarian graffitti."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly reflects the skeptical and critical stance of The Georgia Skeptic. Recurring themes include the debunking of pseudoscientific claims, the examination of alleged mysteries through rational and scientific lenses, and the critique of New Age beliefs and practices. The publication actively engages with legal disputes within the skeptical community, highlighting the challenges faced by prominent figures like James Randi. The editorial stance is clearly against unsubstantiated claims, promoting critical thinking and the scientific method as the primary tools for understanding the world. The articles consistently aim to provide evidence-based explanations or to expose the lack of credible evidence for extraordinary claims.