North Texas Skeptic - Vol 22 No 07 - 2008

Magazine Overview

The North Texas Skeptic, Volume 22, Number 7, published in July 2008, is a monthly newsletter from The North Texas Skeptics organization. The issue features a lead article titled "Response to Chuck Gafford" by John Blanton, which critiques comments made by Chuck Gafford regarding Ben Stein's documentary "Expelled." Other significant content includes a report on the IIG Awards, an article on a new anti-evolution law in Louisiana, and organizational details for The North Texas Skeptics.

Response to Chuck Gafford

This article by John Blanton addresses comments made by Chuck Gafford concerning Ben Stein's movie "Expelled." Blanton notes that while Gafford presented his thoughts on the movie from a creationist's perspective, he gave scant attention to the film's central theme of people being expelled for supporting creationism or Intelligent Design (ID).

Blanton questions Gafford's focus on the "expelled" claims, given that the story behind these claims has been previously dissected. He specifically addresses the mention of "professors [who] were denied tenure or fired and thereby 'expelled' for mentioning the unmentionable in academia's scientific circles - Intelligent Design (ID)." Blanton points out that Richard Sternberg, former editor of "Proceedings of the Biological Society of Washington," left his unpaid position six months before Stephen C. Meyer's contribution was published. He suggests Gafford might have been referring to Guillermo Gonzalez, who reportedly started on the road to tenure but then pursued creationism, causing his academic production in astronomy to languish.

Blanton criticizes Gafford for not mentioning names or making specific factual points, inviting him to elaborate further.

Darwin, Hitler, and "Expelled"

The article delves into the controversial links drawn between Charles Darwin, Adolf Hitler, and the theory of evolution, particularly as presented in Ben Stein's "Expelled" movie and discussed by Chuck Gafford. Blanton examines the full title of Darwin's book, "The Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection or the Preservation of Favoured Races in the Struggle for Life," suggesting that the inclusion of "Favoured Races" implies a racist basis, which he believes Hitler could have exploited.

Blanton argues that while Darwin discussed racial differences in his work, it was primarily in the context of domesticated animals and their "breeds," not human races. He cites Dr. W. C. Wells' 1813 paper presented at the Royal Society, which discussed racial differences and advantages, as a topic still studied in biology and medicine.

The author refutes the direct link between Darwin and Hitler's anti-Jewish campaign, stating that Hitler's actions were driven by political expediency and genuine dislike for Jews, with antipathy towards Jews being prevalent among mainstream Christians in Europe at the time. Blanton notes that Hitler, a lifelong Catholic, continued to profess Christianity while waging wars.

He also discusses the influence of Thomas Malthus on Darwin, particularly regarding population growth and its potential for increased poverty. Blanton touches upon Joseph Arthur Conte de Gobineau's "An Essay of Races" and his Aryan master race idea, suggesting a potential influence on Darwin. He quotes Hitler's "Mein Kampf" to illustrate his distorted use of religion to justify his actions.

The article also explores the influence of Darwinism on Karl Marx's theory of class struggle, noting that Marx sent Darwin a signed copy of "Das Kapital." Blanton suggests that distortions of biological evolution into socio-economic theories might have influenced dictators like Lenin and Stalin. He also mentions Margaret Sanger, the founder of Planned Parenthood, and her views on creating "a race of thoroughbreds" through birth control, linking this to racist ideals.

Blanton concludes that while "Expelled" is a well-made documentary, it draws controversial conclusions that warrant further investigation. He emphasizes that the core of evolution is not being challenged, but rather the social consequences derived from it, which he dismisses as an "idle mind game."

IIG Awards and James Randi

This section of the magazine covers the Independent Investigative Group (IIG) Awards, which honored James Randi, a prominent figure in skepticism. Randi was inducted into the Houdini Hall of Honor for his lifelong championship of rational skepticism and his work in testing paranormal claims.

The event, held at the Steve Allen Theater in Hollywood, was attended by friends and colleagues of Randi. Host James Underdown, director of the Center for Inquiry-West, presided over the ceremony. Award presenters included Julia Sweeney and Paul Provenza.

Paul Provenza presented the "Truly Terrible Television Award" to the show "Ghost Hunters." Julia Sweeney presented the IIG Award to producers Dwight Smith and Michael Agrabian for the show "Phenomenon." Provenza also recognized French Horowitz and skeptics Penn and Teller.

The article highlights Randi's demonstration of his "magic" skills, including escaping from bonds, which he performed after his acceptance speech. It also touches upon the legacy of Harry Houdini as a pioneer of the modern skeptical movement.

Americans United and Louisiana's Anti-Evolution Law

This article reports on the "Americans United for Separation of Church and State" monitoring the implementation of a new anti-evolution law in Louisiana. The law, signed by Governor Bobby Jindal, allows teachers to use "supplemental materials" when discussing evolution. The measure was supported by groups like the Louisiana Family Forum and the Discovery Institute.

Americans United executive director, Rev. Barry W. Lynn, expressed disappointment, stating that the law is an attempt to "sneak religion into public schools through the back door." He urged Louisiana residents to monitor their local communities for potential violations. The organization, founded in 1947, advocates for church-state separation and safeguarding religious freedom.

The article includes a "Skeptical Quote" from Francis Bacon on superstition and another from Charles Darwin's "The Descent of Man" on false facts and views in science.

Organization Information and Membership

The North Texas Skeptics provides its contact information, including a P.O. Box in Carrollton, Texas, and a phone number. The newsletter is published monthly and membership benefits include receiving the newsletter and attending NTS functions. Subscription rates for newsletter recipients are also provided.

An "Application for Membership" is included, outlining the organization's purpose: "exploring paranormal and pseudoscientific claims from a responsible and scientific point of view." It requires members to agree that such claims must be subjected to fair and systematic testing.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around skepticism, the scientific method, and the critique of pseudoscience and religiously motivated challenges to established scientific theories, particularly evolution. The magazine consistently advocates for evidence-based reasoning and critical thinking, as demonstrated by its coverage of the "Expelled" movie controversy, the induction of James Randi, and the monitoring of anti-evolution legislation.

The editorial stance is clearly pro-science and anti-pseudoscience, with a strong emphasis on debunking claims that lack empirical support. The publication appears to be a platform for reasoned discourse and the dissemination of information that challenges unfounded beliefs, often drawing connections between scientific principles and their social or philosophical implications. The critique of creationism and Intelligent Design, as well as the examination of historical figures and their ideas in relation to science and society, are central to its content.