North Texas Skeptic - Vol 22 No 09 - 2008

Magazine Overview

The North Texas Skeptic, Volume 22, Number 9, published in September 2008, is a magazine focused on promoting rational skepticism and critical thinking. The issue's cover story, "Response to Chuck Gafford" by John Blanton, addresses points raised by a previous contributor, particularly concerning the Intelligent Design (ID) movement and its relationship with young-earth creationism.

Response to Chuck Gafford

John Blanton begins by agreeing with Chuck Gafford that Ben Stein's documentary "Expelled" does not convincingly argue that scientists lost their jobs or tenure for embracing Intelligent Design. Blanton notes that the National Center for Science Education (NCSE) has published critiques showing Stein's claims to be overstated or incorrect.

However, Blanton disputes Gafford's assertion that the most vocal ID proponents are 'young-earth creationists,' identifying the Discovery Institute's key figures as 'old-earth creationists' who do not dispute the age of the earth or common ancestry. Blanton explains the cozy relationship between young-earth creationists and ID proponents by referencing the 1981 federal court case McLean v. Arkansas Board of Education, where young-earth creationism was declared religious. He suggests that ID offers a broader tent for creationists, avoiding the explicit claims about the age of the earth that led to the earlier legal challenges.

Blanton disagrees with Gafford's premise that belief in a young earth stems from misinterpreting the Bible, asserting that a proper reading supports an earth approximately 6,000 years old. He dismisses the idea that biblical 'days' should not be interpreted as literal 24-hour periods, pointing out that historical records and archaeological evidence (like the Anasazi crossing from Asia) predate the 6,000-year timeline derived from Bishop Ussher's calculations.

Blanton encourages Gafford to elaborate on his arguments for a 'Designer,' which he frames as a review of theories based on factual information, rather than theology. He expresses a willingness to publish a concise write-up from Gafford.

Events Calendar

The magazine includes an events calendar for September 2008, featuring a "September Program" on September 20th at the Center for Nonprofit Management in Dallas, discussing conspiracy theories. A "Social Dinner/Board Meeting" is scheduled for September 27th at the Queen of Sheba Restaurant in Addison.

North Texas Skeptics Officers and Staff

Details are provided for the officers and staff of The North Texas Skeptics, including President John Brandt, Vice President Kristine Danowski, Secretary Mike Selby, and Treasurer Barbara Neuser. Keith Blanton is the Newsletter Editor, and John Blanton serves as Webmaster.

Board of Directors and Scientific/Technical Advisors

The Board of Directors includes Laura Ainsworth, Erling Beck, John Blanton, John Brandt, Kristine Danowski, Prasad Golla, Elizabeth Hittson, Jack Hittson, Claudia Meek, Barbara Neuser, and Mike Selby. Directors Emeritus are also listed. The Scientific and Technical Advisors include academics and professionals such as Joe Barnhart (Philosophy), Raymond A. Eve (Sociology), Timothy N. Gorski (M.D.), and John Thomas (Attorney).

Organization Mission and Publication Details

The North Texas Skeptics is identified as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) scientific and educational organization. The newsletter, The North Texas Skeptic, is published monthly. Reprint permission is granted provided proper credit is given and the publication is sent to the editor. Opinions expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily the views of the organization.

Web News

John Blanton contributes a "Web News" section, which he states will focus on "all-creationism." The first item, "Creationists lose, again," reports on a lawsuit against the University of California system. The UC system had denied approval for a biology course from Calvary Baptist School using the A Beka text "Biology: God's Living Creation," deeming it unscientific. Expert witnesses for the defendants, including Donald Kennedy and Francisco J. Ayala, argued that the text and similar ones from Bob Jones University Press did not adequately teach the nature of science, evolution, or critical thinking. Michael Behe, an expert for the plaintiffs, was found to have not considered the detail or depth of the texts. Judge Otero ruled that the defendants had a rational basis for rejecting the course.

The "Due north" section discusses the 49th parallel separating Canada and the US, noting that US polls show a majority believe in creationism or do not believe in evolution, while Alberta, Canada, shows higher support for evolution. It contrasts the views of different age groups and income levels regarding evolution.

Creationism on the campaign trail

This section, also by John Blanton, focuses on the role of creationism in political campaigns, particularly in Kansas. It highlights Republican candidates for the Kansas State Board of Education, noting that while some issues like teacher shortages are discussed, evolution is often used as a litmus test by voters. Bill Pannbacker is presented as clearly opposing creationism, while incumbent Kathy Martin expresses concerns about evolution being taught as dogma and views criticisms of it as censorship. Alan Detrich, running for District 4, argues there is no evidence for evolution and creates religious art from dinosaur fossils. His opponent, Topeka dentist Bob Meissner, has accepted donations from a committee supporting evolution critics. Election results for Districts 4 and 6 are provided, showing incumbents Kathy Martin and Robert Meissner winning their primaries.

Overheard at Mensa

A brief anecdote from Mensa about a man who bought a healing crystal for arthritis but was unhappy when offered a refund instead of a cure, highlighting a humorous take on pseudoscientific claims.

Prasad Golla at Mensa

John Blanton reports on NTS board member Prasad Golla's presentation at Mensa, an organization for high IQ individuals. Golla, who has a Ph.D. in electrical engineering, addressed a wide range of skeptical topics including alternative medicine, cold fusion, transubstantiation, parapsychology, cryptozoology, astrology, reincarnation, creationism, and ufology. His presentation was described as a model of modern rational skepticism.

NTS August program

John Blanton also covers the NTS August meeting, featuring Alison Smith, who shared her skeptical experiences. Smith, who interned for the James Randi Educational Foundation, has made skepticism her principal activity.

Editorial: Politics and skepticism

In an editorial, John Blanton discusses the intersection of politics and skepticism, noting that The NTS is not a political organization but feels compelled to address political issues. He focuses on the nomination of Sarah Palin for vice president and how her religious fundamentalism and perceived cozy relationship with creationism could negatively impact science education. Blanton quotes Senator Barak Obama expressing encouraging thoughts about evolution and contrasts this with the potential for political expediency to override such sentiments. He emphasizes the critical role of the First Amendment's Establishment Clause in preventing the public promotion of religion, which he argues creationism is.

Skeptic Ink

A comic strip titled "Skeptic Ink" by Prasad Golla and John Blanton presents a joke comparing terrorists and creationists, with the punchline that terrorists will listen to reason. The accompanying text reflects on the historical roots of religious freedom and the importance of the Bill of Rights.

North Texas Skeptics Future Meeting Dates

Future meeting dates for The North Texas Skeptics are listed from September 2008 to January 2009.

The Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal (CSICOP)

Information is provided about CSICOP, its mission to encourage critical investigation of paranormal claims, and its publication, The Skeptical Inquirer. Subscription details and contact information are included.

Application for Membership

The back page contains an application for membership to The North Texas Skeptics, outlining membership benefits, subscription rates, and options for donating or gifting subscriptions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the conflict between science and religion, particularly concerning creationism and evolution in public education, and the role of skepticism in evaluating pseudoscientific claims and political rhetoric. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of scientific inquiry, critical thinking, and the separation of church and state, as evidenced by the critiques of creationist arguments and the defense of science education. The magazine actively promotes rational skepticism and encourages its readers to engage with these issues critically.