North Texas Skeptic - Vol 07 No 06 - 1993

Magazine Overview

Title: The Newsletter of The North Texas Skeptics
Issue: Volume 7 Number 6
Date: June 1993
Publisher: The North Texas Skeptics

This issue of The Skeptic newsletter delves into various topics through a lens of critical inquiry and scientific skepticism. It features articles by Pat Reeder and Dr. Tim Gorski, addressing media coverage of pseudoscientific claims, the promotion of alternative medicine, and the debate surrounding environmental issues.

The Third Eye by Pat Reeder

Pat Reeder kicks off the issue by explaining the origin of his column's name, "The Third Eye." Initially chosen for its dual meaning related to media monitoring and the "glass eye" of the TV screen, he later discovered its association with a book about psychic abilities, finding a parallel to his experience watching shows like "Sightings."

Reeder then critiques recent local television coverage of pseudoscientific topics. He commends WFAA (Channel 8) for featuring NTS Technical Advisor Dr. Tim Gorski in a series on alternative medicine. However, he strongly criticizes KDFW (Channel 4) for a two-part investigation of the Travis Walton UFO abduction story, which he labels "Fire In The Sky." Reeder argues that the report lacked journalistic standards, failed to present a skeptical viewpoint, and seemed designed to promote the movie "Fire In The Sky" rather than investigate the claims. He notes that reporter Julia Jackson did not return his calls offering evidence that Walton's story was a hoax. Reeder calls for an on-air correction from KDFW.

Quantum Politics and Abductions

The newsletter also touches upon other pseudoscientific claims. It mentions Maverick Republican Rep. William Bryant's book "Quantum Politics," which Reeder satirizes for its New Age ideas about legislators using "astral projection" for fact-finding. Reeder also discusses a report by "Inside Edition" on a doctor in New York City who claimed to be repeatedly abducted by aliens. He notes that the doctor was found to be delusional by a psychiatrist, yet his medical license was eventually returned, raising concerns about public safety.

Walton's Fire Fantasy: A Skeptic Speaks Up by Pat Reeder

This section contains a letter from Pat Reeder, Vice President of the North Texas Skeptics, to Mr. Mike Sechrist, News Director at KDFW-TV, dated May 10, 1993. Reeder expresses shock at the "complete lack of journalistic standards" in Julia Jackson's "Fire In The Sky" report on Travis Walton's UFO abduction. He asserts that the report was designed to plug a movie and panic the public, while ignoring overwhelming evidence that the story is a hoax. Reeder cites Phil Klass, a leading UFO investigator, and CSICOP as sources of evidence disproving Walton's claims. He details several points ignored by the report:

1. Walton failed his first lie detector test miserably, with the tester assessing "gross deception." A later test, deemed "flawed" and "inconclusive" by its own boss, was the one shown.
2. Scenes from the movie "Fire In The Sky" were presented as illustrations of Walton's story, despite Paramount admitting they were created by a screenwriter.
3. Police did not believe Walton's story because he had previously told his mother he would come home safely if abducted. Police found no physical evidence (burn marks, footprints, blood, threads) at the alleged abduction site.
4. While witnesses were implied to be reputable, Walton has a history of burglary and check forging, and one witness was a convicted felon.
5. Contrary to the implication that Walton made no attempt to market his story, he sold it to the National Enquirer for $5,000, participated in a contest for a $100,000 prize, sold it to a publisher, and appeared on tabloid TV shows.

Reeder concludes that the report was "hysterical, unresearched sensationalism" and that Ms. Jackson ignored his attempts to provide evidence of the hoax. He demands an on-air correction.

Julia Jackson responds in a letter to Mr. Sechrist, dated May 21, 1993. She states that the intent of the piece was merely to present the claims of a man with an amazing story, not to be "willfully misleading and irresponsible." She acknowledges the organization's efforts and notes that she apprised the News Director of the conversation. She also mentions referring Ms. Jackson to CSICOP's Center for Public Inquiry for reporters seeking scientific information.

Letter to the editor: Pat Traynam vs. Pat Reeder on Environmentalism

Pat Traynam of Dallas writes to express skepticism regarding Pat Reeder's previous article on environmental "flapdoodle." Traynam agrees that hyperbole is undesirable but argues that serious environmental degeneration is occurring, citing overpopulation, ozone depletion, and pollution. He criticizes Reeder's article for lacking facts and relying on "form" over "substance," suggesting Reeder is a Republican attacking Al Gore's environmental stance. Traynam quotes Jacques Cousteau and Isaac Asimov on the severity of environmental threats and cites a 1992 statement by the U.S. National Academy of Sciences and the Royal Society of London warning of irreversible degradation and poverty. He believes it is a disservice to present only Reeder's view without acknowledging the concerns of a significant segment of the scientific community.

Pat Reeder replies, clarifying that he attacks Al Gore's pronouncements as "flapdoodle" because he believes Gore is self-taught in "flapdoodle, not science," and wants to alter laws based on pseudoscience. Reeder states he is an "Independent Realist," not a Republican. He defends his critique of Paul Ehrlich as a "discredited futurist," referencing a past review in The Skeptic. Reeder acknowledges that the world faces serious ecological problems but argues that politicized hysteria is used to raise money and power, not to help the environment. He cites studies from "Nature" suggesting ozone depletion might be linked to volcanic eruptions and that climate has naturally warmed and cooled, questioning the urgency of man-made greenhouse gas concerns. He points out the potential risks and high cost of switching to new CFC substitutes. Reeder concludes by stating his opinions are not a conspiracy and that he writes unpaid.

Healthy skepticism by Tim Gorski, M.D.

This is the second part of Dr. Gorski's review of the book "Life Extension" by Durk Pearson and Sandy Shaw. Gorski criticizes the authors for their "awesome misunderstanding of what science is all about." He argues they fail to distinguish between scientific knowledge and reports in scientific literature, and between replicated findings and casual comments. Gorski contends that Pearson and Shaw extrapolate dangerously from small animal studies and ad hoc information to make recommendations for humans. He criticizes their view of the human body as a "giant reaction vessel" and their approach to nutrient intake.

Gorski also attacks their animosity towards FDA regulatory oversight, noting that they themselves make untested claims. He refutes their specific complaints about the FDA, such as their stance on thalidomide and tobacco addiction. He points out their recommendations for patients to demand specific treatments and seek "open-minded doctors" who will prescribe medications based on their book, particularly regarding Hydergine. Gorski labels their thesis of living longer through supplements as having a "cult following" that is unconcerned with the lack of scientific basis. He notes their association with the libertarian movement and the promotion of their "Designer Foods" products. Gorski advises readers interested in "Life Extension" to consult a 1985 article in The New England Journal of Medicine instead of Pearson and Shaw's book. He concludes with practical advice for living long and healthy: a balanced diet, exercise, rest, seatbelts, and moderate alcohol use.

A skeptical cartoon by Laura Ainsworth

The issue concludes with a satirical cartoon by Laura Ainsworth, commenting on William Bryant's "Quantum Politics" and the idea of legislators researching issues by "traveling through space and time."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The North Texas Skeptics, through this newsletter, consistently promotes a stance of critical thinking, scientific inquiry, and skepticism towards pseudoscientific claims, paranormal phenomena, and unsubstantiated health or environmental assertions. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of evidence-based reasoning and against sensationalism, media hype, and what they perceive as politically motivated or unscientific pronouncements. The newsletter actively debunks claims related to UFOs, alternative medicine, and certain environmental narratives, while encouraging a rigorous approach to evaluating information and a healthy dose of skepticism towards extraordinary claims. The publication also engages in public discourse, as seen in the letters to the editor, where it defends its positions and clarifies its critical approach.