North Texas Skeptic - Vol 08 No 02 - 1994

Magazine Overview

Title: The Newsletter of The North Texas Skeptics
Issue: Volume 8 Number 2
Date: February 1994

This issue of The North Texas Skeptics features a range of articles examining various phenomena through a skeptical lens, from legal standards of evidence to the claims of alternative medicine and UFO reports.

Legalized Skepticism by Joe Voelkering

Joe Voelkering draws a parallel between the scientific method and legal standards of proof, arguing that both acknowledge the inherent difficulty in determining absolute certainty. He outlines the different legal standards: 'preponderance of the evidence' (more likely than not), 'clear and convincing proof' (highly probable), and 'proof beyond a reasonable doubt' (the highest standard, used in criminal cases). Voelkering notes that even the Supreme Court often makes decisions by a narrow majority, demonstrating that uncertainty is a recognized factor in high-level decision-making.

Healthy Skepticism by Tim Gorski, M.D.

Dr. Tim Gorski addresses the rise of 'Complementary Medicine,' which he views as a rebranding of quackery. He criticizes promoters of homeopathy, 'health' foods, and other alternative therapies for selectively presenting biased information, using scare tactics (e.g., about psychotropic drugs or breast cancer treatments), and portraying their methods as compatible with science. Gorski points out that these promoters often avoid offering treatments for life-threatening conditions, focusing instead on chronic ailments where medical science has not yet found definitive cures. He contrasts this with the scientific approach, which does not rely on faith or the pronouncements of individuals with credentials but on reason and evidence.

Letters to the Editor and Dr. Gorski's Response

A letter from Joe Voelkering questions Dr. Gorski's stance on FDA proposals regarding vitamins and supplements, suggesting the FDA's aim is more than just labeling regulation and expressing skepticism about the FDA's motives. Voelkering also notes that L-tryptophan deaths were traced to a contaminant from a single supplier, not necessarily non-FDA approved L-tryptophan itself. He advocates for personal health decisions based on trusted sources rather than FDA mandates.

Dr. Gorski responds by clarifying that while the FDA's initial proposal for intake limits was dropped, the ultimate goals might still be regulatory. He reiterates that the tryptophan tragedy was linked to a specific contaminant and that the cause is not fully understood. Gorski emphasizes the principle that the null hypothesis for any product or treatment is that it is ineffective and potentially dangerous, requiring proof of safety and efficacy. He argues against relying on 'faith' in the FDA or any authority, stressing that scientific truth is based on reason and evidence. Gorski warns that abolishing the FDA would not automatically create a more skeptical public but could lead to greater reliance on quacks. He suggests a color-coding system for labeling as a potential regulatory approach, but acknowledges the complexities involved. He concludes by stating that, for now, the FDA plays a crucial role in ensuring product safety and effectiveness.

The Third Eye by Pat Reeder

Pat Reeder critiques a KDFW-TV news report on the 'Total Overcomers,' a group promoting beliefs about aliens controlling Earth and causing natural disasters. Reeder criticizes the report for its credulity, lack of skeptical inquiry, and use of sensationalist music and visuals, comparing it to a promotional piece for the movie 'Fire In The Sky.' He notes the report failed to include any dissenting opinions or investigations into the group's claims. Reeder also satirically interprets the meaning of recent natural disasters, offering practical, non-supernatural explanations.

Random News

• This section includes several brief items:
• An investigation by the General Accounting Office into the Roswell crashed-saucer tale found no records, suggesting a conspiracy to keep it secret.
• A ghost festival in Bojnice, Slovakia, is advertised, featuring a 'booked' ghost.
• The archbishop of Paris is campaigning to make Jacques Fesch, a convicted murderer, a saint, citing his repentance in prison.
• A list of unusual college courses is presented, including 'Introduction to Television Meteorology,' 'UFOs In American Society,' 'Advanced Backpacking,' 'Food For Thought,' and 'The Madonna Phenomenon,' which uses Madonna's videos for textual analysis of gender and sexuality.

Up a tree (Cartoon by Laura Ainsworth)

A skeptical cartoon depicts a character watching a sci-fi show on TV, commenting on the spooky music, weird effects, aliens, and UFOs, and then noting that 'Clarice Tinsley was in it,' implying the news report was more about the presentation than the substance.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are skepticism towards pseudoscientific claims, the importance of evidence-based reasoning, and critical evaluation of information presented by media, alternative health practitioners, and even governmental agencies. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of rationalism, scientific inquiry, and a healthy dose of doubt when evaluating extraordinary claims. The newsletter actively debunks or questions phenomena that lack empirical support, promoting critical thinking as a vital tool for navigating complex issues.