North Texas Skeptic - Vol 13 No 05 - 1999

Magazine Overview

This issue of "The Newsletter of The North Texas Skeptics" (Volume 13, Number 5, May 1999) focuses on a skeptical examination of various phenomena, including a large preparedness expo, the Y2K computer bug, and the nature of conspiracy thinking. The newsletter also announces a rebranding with a new look and name.

Preparedness Expo '99: A Skeptic's Field Report

Danny Barnett reports on his visit to Preparedness Expo '99, held in Dallas, Texas, from April 9-11. He describes the expo as a marketplace and seminar focused on preparing for future crises, including economic instability, natural disasters, political unrest, and the Y2K computer bug. Barnett found vendors selling a wide array of survival gear, such as dehydrated food, gas masks, night vision goggles, generators, and Geiger counters. However, he notes a pervasive undercurrent of anti-government militias, conspiracy theories, quack medicine, white supremacist rhetoric, fringe science, and prophecies.

Barnett highlights the presence of fundamentalist Christian speakers promoting "End Times" prophecies, including Texe Marrs, who lectured on "Days of Hunger, Days of Chaos" and "Y2K – Hidden Dangers of Martial Law and a Police State." He also mentions the Prophecy Club, known for its exotic visions and conspiracy theories.

The report details the wide range of conspiracy theories presented, blaming entities like the UN, Trilateral Commission, Bildebergers, Communists, Bavarian Illuminati, Council on Foreign Relations, and Jews. Books were available on preparing for these conspiracies, including instructions on making items like apple cider, maple syrup, and even VX nerve gas, as well as firearm silencers.

Racism was also evident, with anti-Semitic writings like "The Turner Diaries" and "The Protocols of the Learned Elders of Zion" being sold. Barnett discusses Anglo-Israelism and Christian Identity theology, which posits that white Europeans are descendants of Israelite tribes and that modern Jews are "barbaric half-breeds" controlling a "Zionist Occupational Government" (ZOG).

CPA Book Publisher is noted for selling anti-Semitic and Holocaust revisionist materials, including Henry Ford's "The International Jew." The report also covers "Quacks on Parade," detailing various alternative medical therapies peddled at the expo, such as colloidal silver, Therapeutic Touch, clustered water, and magnetic therapy. Dr. Len Horowitz warned against vaccines, and Mark Metcalf promoted colloidal silver. Barnett concludes this section with a warning about the commercialization of doomsday fears, advising "caveat emptor" (buyer beware).

The Year 2000 Humbug

John Blanton, secretary of the North Texas Skeptics, examines the Y2K computer bug, arguing that its impact is grossly overstated. He explains that computers store four-digit dates using only the last two digits due to memory cost limitations in the past. This can lead to confusion between years like 1900 and 2000. Blanton notes that Y2K-related glitches are already occurring, citing examples like a warehouse misinterpreting an expiration date of 2000 as 1900, and Boeing Aircraft having issues procuring spare parts. He mentions that the CHALS-X military system might experience brief failures but is not a major concern. Blanton attributes many computer problems to poor software, bad customer service, and fraud, rather than Y2K itself. He also points out other potential glitches, such as the 9/9/99 glitch and the Y2038 Bug in UNIX systems.

Blanton predicts that lawyers will benefit most from Y2K, with numerous lawsuits already filed and potential claims exceeding $1 trillion. He offers practical advice for dealing with Y2K: "DON'T PANIC," invest cautiously, check bills, and avoid writing bad software.

Post-Rational: The PQ Test

Jimmy Reynolds presents a self-scoring "Paranoia Quotient" (PQ) test to gauge a reader's susceptibility to conspiracy theories. The test consists of eleven multiple-choice questions covering topics like Area 51, black helicopters, JFK's assassination, Creationism, Art Bell's retirement, government control, fuel efficiency, SETI, UFO cover-ups, and alien visitations. The scoring guide categorizes participants as skeptics, consumers of "unstructured knowledge," or those needing professional help.

New Look and Name

The newsletter announces a change in its appearance and name. The banner's black background is being replaced with a lighter design to improve printing and avoid a foreboding message. The publication will now be known as "The North Texas Skeptic" to distinguish it from other "Skeptic" magazines. The Board of Directors has finalized the name, but the banner style is still under discussion.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly advocates for critical thinking and skepticism. The editorial stance is clearly against unfounded fears, conspiracy theories, and pseudoscientific claims, as exemplified by the critical reporting on Preparedness Expo '99 and the Y2K bug. The publication encourages a rational approach to information and warns against succumbing to sensationalism or misinformation. The rebranding signifies a desire to present a more accessible and less alarmist image while maintaining its core skeptical mission.