North Texas Skeptic - Vol 08 No 01 - 1994

Magazine Overview

Title: The Skeptic
Issue: Volume 8 Number 1
Date: January 1994
Publisher: The North Texas Skeptics

This issue of The Skeptic, the newsletter of The North Texas Skeptics, features a range of articles examining various topics through a lens of rational inquiry and skepticism.

Louis L'Amour Frontier Skeptic

By Joe Voelkering, this article explores the works of author Louis L'Amour, challenging the perception of him as merely a 'western' writer. Voelkering argues that L'Amour's books, particularly 'The Walking Drum,' are a 'skeptic's delight,' focusing on 'the frontiers of knowledge' and the pursuit of self-education for its own sake. The author highlights L'Amour's emphasis on logical deductive reasoning and his exploration of complex philosophical points. The article includes several quotes from L'Amour's books that champion questioning, seeking truth, and the importance of learning.

Voelkering notes that L'Amour's library contained approximately 17,000 works, indicating a deep commitment to research. He contrasts L'Amour's approach with that of Stephen Hawking in 'A Brief History Of Time' and Carl Sagan in 'Contact,' suggesting they also employ a 'what if' approach to controversial scientific concepts like parallel universes and time dimensions, though perhaps not with the same level of skepticism.

A.S.K. and Ye Shall Believe

Authored by Larry Sutherland, this piece delves into the persistent questions surrounding the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Despite 30 years having passed, public opinion polls indicate a significant belief in a conspiracy, particularly among younger demographics. The article touches upon the HSCA's findings and the dispute over acoustical evidence. It highlights the Assassination Symposium on Kennedy (A.S.K.) in Dallas, which brought together researchers to discuss various aspects of the assassination, with a predominantly pro-conspiracy focus. Gerald Posner, author of an anti-conspiracy book, faced criticism at the event.

The article then presents specific items of photographic and X-ray evidence that the North Texas Skeptics might investigate. These include a photograph potentially showing someone other than Oswald in the Texas School Book Depository window after the shots, and an X-ray of Kennedy's head wound that researcher Dr. David Mantik claims was faked to support the official narrative. Researcher Jack White's work on possible conspirators and doctored photos is also mentioned, including his contention that a famous photo of Oswald is faked and that Mary Moorman's photograph shows a rifleman on the grassy knoll.

Healthy Skepticism: Chelation Quackery Exposed

By Tim Gorski, M.D., this section critiques Chelation Therapy, a treatment involving EDTA, an organic molecule that binds to positively-charged ions. The article traces the therapy's origins in 1956 as a treatment for atherosclerosis, noting that initial thinking was it might soften atheromatous plaque by binding calcium. However, it was later realized that EDTA binds metallic ions more effectively than calcium and does not remove calcium from plaque. The therapy's use as a food additive to eliminate metallic taste is also mentioned.

The article asserts that chelation therapy has been largely abandoned by medical researchers due to a lack of demonstrated benefit and safety concerns, as EDTA can remove essential trace metals like zinc, magnesium, and iron from the body. Despite this, proponents, particularly the American College of Advancement in Medicine (ACAM), continue to promote it as a cure-all, recommending numerous expensive infusions. The article debunks theoretical arguments used by chelation proponents, such as the idea that lowered blood calcium levels leach plaque and that EDTA blocks free radical production by iron ions. It concludes that scientific studies show no benefits and that even coronary artery bypass grafting is more effective. The DFW Council Against Health Fraud is mentioned as a resource for information on health fraud.

Open Forum: The Third Eye

This section, by Pat Reeder, addresses various media and cultural topics. Reeder responds to mail regarding political correctness (P.C.), defending his stance that it dampens skeptical inquiry. He argues that P.C. is a real movement on campuses and criticizes its impact on language and thought. He uses examples like the University of California at Riverside fraternity mascot incident to illustrate his point.

Reeder also discusses environmental groups, citing a U.S. News and World Report article that criticizes exaggerations by activists. He expresses disapproval of the Animal Liberation Front's actions and PETA's perceived shift towards a more extreme, fantasy-based ideology, contrasting them with The Nature Conservancy as a worthy environmental organization.

He addresses the claim that Gloria Steinem silences critics, citing an experiment by '60 Minutes' that allegedly supports this. He also briefly touches on the MIA cover-up conspiracy theory and the use of euphemisms in language, referencing George Carlin's work.

Reeder also includes a brief commentary on tabloid predictions, noting how psychics consistently miss major news events. He mentions Dr. Raymond Moody's claim about seeing apparitions in mirrors and a study finding Friday the 13th to be unlucky due to increased driver nervousness.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The overarching theme of this issue is the promotion of critical thinking and skepticism in the face of unsubstantiated claims, pseudoscience, and media narratives. The North Texas Skeptics advocate for evidence-based reasoning, questioning authority, and a healthy dose of doubt towards phenomena that lack rigorous scientific support. The articles collectively encourage readers to be discerning consumers of information, whether it pertains to literature, historical events, health treatments, or cultural trends. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of rational inquiry, scientific methodology, and a robust defense against what they perceive as irrationality and misinformation.