North Texas Skeptic - Vol 23 No 03 - 2009

Magazine Overview

This is the March 2009 issue of The North Texas Skeptic, Volume 23, Number 3. The magazine is published by The North Texas Skeptics and focuses on skepticism, science, and critical thinking.

Jack Hittson

The issue opens with an obituary for Jack Hittson, a long-time friend and NTS Board member who passed away at the age of 83. The obituary highlights his life, including his service in World War II as a military pilot and medical officer, his career as a dentist, and his logical approach to life, rejecting superstition and conventional religion. The authors express that he cannot be replaced but can be emulated.

Events Calendar

The calendar lists two upcoming events: a March program on March 21, 2009, to review the creationist video "Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed," and an NTS Board meeting and social dinner on March 28, 2009.

Academic Freedom

This section, authored by John Blanton, delves into the concept of "academic freedom" and how it is being invoked by creationists and proponents of Intelligent Design to challenge the teaching of evolution. The article notes that while some dispute evolution on scientific grounds, many creationists use "Intelligent Design" to appear more scientific. It highlights legislative efforts in Oklahoma (Senate Bill 320) and Florida that aim to allow the teaching of scientific controversies, which critics argue is a way to promote creationism. The article references the Discovery Institute and its role in promoting Intelligent Design and "academic freedom."

It also discusses the movie "Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed," narrated by Ben Stein, which claims academic freedom is suppressed. The National Center for Science Education (NCSE) has reviewed the film and found it lacking in facts. The article also touches upon Ben Stein's assertion that Darwinist teachings have supported Nazism and the Holocaust, calling it a new creationist tactic.

Academic Freedom in Texas

This section reports on the conflict at the Texas Board of Education regarding curriculum standards that could impact the teaching of evolution. The debate centers on whether teachers should be required to present the "strengths and weaknesses" of scientific theories. Proponents of "academic freedom" argue for teaching the "weaknesses" of scientific theory, while scientists see this as a way to promote attacks on evolution.

Academic Freedom Everywhere

This part of the article discusses various instances and arguments related to academic freedom. It mentions Clarence Darrow's argument in the Scopes trial and the current push for legislation that would make "teaching the controversy" a required part of science curricula. It also critiques the definition of bigotry used by some proponents of "academic freedom."

Discovery Institute Embraces Academic Freedom

This section details the Discovery Institute's launch of "Academic Freedom Day" on Charles Darwin's 200th birthday. The institute, through its Center for Science and Culture, aims to support academic freedom and encourage debate between evolution and intelligent design. They provide resources for students to express their support for free speech and the right to debate evolutionary evidence.

Myth and Circumstance

Authored by Erling Beck, this piece discusses conversations at a family gathering, touching on microwave safety and vaccine safety. It strongly refutes the link between the MMR vaccine and autism, citing a flawed study by Andrew Wakefield and a court ruling that found no scientific evidence for such a link. The article notes a rise in measles cases in England and Wales, attributing it to the anti-vaccination movement.

What's New

This section by Robert Park covers several brief news items:

• ISS Node 3 Naming: The public is invited to name the third node of the International Space Station, which will house life support equipment and offer a view of Earth.
• Stimulus for Science: The issue notes that $21 billion out of a $787 billion federal budget is allocated for science, highlighting the role of science lobbyists and Republican Sen. Arlen Specter.
• Autism and Vaccines: It reiterates that a special federal court exonerated vaccines, specifically MMR, from causing autism, citing the debunked study by Andrew Wakefield.

Skeptic Ink

This is a commentary by Prasad Golla and John Blanton, featuring a cartoon depicting the Discovery Institute's objections to "scientific orthodoxy" and the idea that schools should be open to new ideas. It also includes references to articles about the MMR-autism link and court rulings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the defense of scientific principles against pseudoscience and creationism, the importance of critical thinking, and the critique of the misuse of "academic freedom" to promote non-scientific ideas. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of established science and against the spread of misinformation, particularly concerning evolution and vaccines. The magazine advocates for evidence-based reasoning and a rational approach to understanding the world.