The Skeptic

Magazine Overview

The Skeptic, Volume 8, Number 6, published in June 1994 by The North Texas Skeptics, is a newsletter focused on promoting rational thought and skepticism. This issue's cover headline is "Healthy Skepticism," with a lead article by Tim Gorski, M.D., titled "Orthopractic: The Beginning Of The End For Chiropractic."

Healthy Skepticism

Orthopractic: The Beginning Of The End For Chiropractic

Tim Gorski, M.D., introduces Orthopractic as a new designation for manipulative medicine, aiming to provide a more scientific basis and distance itself from the pseudoscientific origins of chiropractic. Gorski notes that while some people may improve with any treatment, including no treatment at all, there's a recognized limited role for physical methods, including spinal manipulation, in managing certain musculoskeletal conditions, as evidenced by physical therapy.

He explains that Orthopractic is distinct from chiropractic, rejecting concepts like "subluxations" and defining "adjustments" narrowly. Guidelines for Orthopractic practitioners exclude examinations of the heart, lungs, reproductive organs, and internal examinations, and X-ray studies are only for negative diagnostic purposes. Anti-science attitudes, homeopathy, naturopathy, and certain other alternative health practices are also rejected.

The article cites The Medical Post, a Canadian newspaper, which called Orthopractic "a hit" and noted that its guidelines are scientifically sound. The movement is seen as a way for the public to distinguish ethical practitioners from those of a "discredited pseudoscience" and for the mainstream medical community to embrace beneficial manipulative methods.

Ron Slaughter, past president of the National Association for Chiropractic Medicine and Executive Director of the Orthopractic Manipulation Society of the U.S., is quoted extensively. He describes a significant threat to chiropractic from national health legislation, particularly the rise of "health alliances" and "gatekeepers" who will control treatment. Slaughter believes Orthopractic offers an opportunity for ethical chiropractors to salvage their careers and move past the "philosophical 'alternative to medicine' stigma."

For those interested in Orthopractic, John Pearson, D.C., is listed as the area coordinator for OMS-USA. The information is provided by the D/FW Council Against Health Fraud.

Skeptical News and Views (SN&V)

This section features various short articles and reader contributions:

Open Forum

This column is designated as a "readers' forum" for contributions from any and all.

Right Is Wrong

This piece, by J.V., revisits an earlier column about the assertion that the USA was "founded on Christianity." The author contends this is a factual inaccuracy and discusses the influence of fundamentalist groups, like Pat Robertson's Christian Coalition, on local politics, specifically mentioning the Plano school board election. The article recommends Robert Boston's book, "Why The Religious Right Is Wrong About Separation Of Church & State," for those seeking information on the history and agenda of the "Religious Right."

NTS "Hit Squad"

An NTS member recounts being criticized by her sister for an "uncaring attack" on Facilitated Communication. The author defends rigorous evaluation, stating that questioning a "truth" should ideally lead to confirmation rather than resentment.

Skeptic Discrimination?

Another contribution from J.V. describes a member receiving criticism from a supervisor for being a skeptic. The supervisor apparently believes skeptics offer excuses rather than solutions, demonstrating an "inverted understanding regarding philosophical skepticism." The author argues that progress is driven by rational skeptics willing to question and reevaluate.

More Frontier Skepticism

J.V. shares a quote from Louis L'Amour's book, "The Walking Drum," emphasizing the need for "more heretics and less authority" and that "civilization was born of curiosity."

In Relentless Pursuit of the Truth

T.G. reports on the Florida Department of Citrus (FDC) hiring Rush Limbaugh to promote citrus products. The FDC is also criticized for publishing a booklet with misleading nutritional information, such as claims about Vitamin C protecting against heart disease and preventing tuberculosis.

No Effect of Psychosocial Support on Survival

T.G. summarizes a study from The Journal of Clinical Oncology that found no difference in survival rates for breast cancer patients receiving supplemental psychosocial support, individual, family, and peer counseling, positive mental imagery, and relaxation techniques.

It Didn't Work For Him

T.G. notes the death of Dr. Stuart Berger, author of "Dr. Berger's Immune Power Diet," who claimed to cure arthritis, hypertension, and cancer. Berger died at age 40, weighing 365 pounds.

Physician Touts "Nutritional" Supplements

T.G. discusses Fort Worth plastic surgeon David A. Grant, M.D., who advertises nutritional supplements for body fat reduction and energy enhancement. Grant promotes products from Body Wise International, which are sold through multi-level marketing.

The Facts About Echinacea

T.G. provides information on Echinacea, an herbal remedy. While acknowledging potential use as an anti-infective and wound-healing agent, the article cautions against its use as a cure-all, especially for pregnant women, and notes that preparations may be adulterated with less expensive materials.

The Third Eye

By Pat Reeder

Pat Reeder's column addresses the recent wave of apocalyptic predictions, noting the media's focus on end-of-the-world scenarios from sources like Stephen King's "The Stand" and various TV specials. Reeder suggests that these predictions are a recurring historical phenomenon, referencing James Randi's book "The Mask Of Nostradamus." Reeder proposes a fund-raising bet for skeptics groups: betting against the world ending by the year 2000.

The column also critiques local media coverage, including an angel story on KXAS-TV Channel 5 and a report on "the healing power of touch" and a paranormal investigation by the Eclectic Viewpoint Society on WFAA-TV Channel 8. Reeder questions the scientific basis of such phenomena and contrasts the appeal of New Age and occult beliefs with scientific inquiry, stating that real scientists constantly seek to disprove their own theories, while New Age beliefs are appealing because they are held to no standards of proof.

Reeder discusses the media's focus on various perceived health hazards, such as movie popcorn, hot dogs, and margarine, criticizing what is termed "health Nazi" behavior that seeks to impose unhealthy habits on others. The article also highlights John Stossel's skeptical look at "hysterical news reports" on topics like asbestos and alar-treated apples in a segment titled "Are We Scaring Ourselves To Death?"

A story from the Weekly World News about U.S. Senators being "space aliens" is mentioned, including Senators Sam Nunn, John Glenn, Orrin Hatch, Howell Heflin, and Phil Gramm. The column also discusses CBS' "48 Hours" show on UFOs and John Mack's book on alien abductions, with the author citing Newsweek's critical review of Mack's work.

Finally, Reeder recounts missing a 20/20 episode on reincarnation but attending a Penn & Teller show, praising their performance and their consistent rants against psychics, channelers, and faith healers. The column concludes by noting the importance of the public service message delivered by Penn & Teller.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of The Skeptic are the promotion of rational skepticism, the critique of pseudoscience and health fraud, and the debunking of unfounded beliefs, including apocalyptic predictions and New Age phenomena. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of scientific inquiry, evidence-based reasoning, and critical thinking, while actively challenging claims that lack empirical support. The newsletter aims to educate its readers and encourage a discerning approach to information, particularly in the realms of health, science, and paranormal claims.