Phactum - 2008 02 - February

Magazine Overview

Title: Phactum
Issue Date: February 2008
Publisher: Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking

This issue of Phactum, the newsletter of the Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking, covers a range of topics from public health and science to critiques of pseudoscience and the criminal justice system.

Featured Event: Dr. Paul A. Offit on Vaccine Safety

The lead story announces an upcoming event on Saturday, February 16, 2008, at the Community College of Philadelphia, where Dr. Paul A. Offit, M.D., will speak on "Vaccine Safety: Science, Politics, and the Media." Dr. Offit, chief of infectious diseases at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Professor at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, is an internationally recognized expert in immunology and virology. He has served on the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and has published extensively on vaccine safety. The article notes that Dr. Offit has co-authored books on vaccines and has been involved in controversies, particularly regarding the link between thimerosal (a mercury-containing preservative in vaccines) and autism. The piece highlights that Dr. Offit and others have repeatedly refuted claims linking thimerosal to autism, citing a "mountain of evidence."

PhACT Calendar of Events

The newsletter includes a calendar of upcoming events:

• February 16, 2008: Dr. Paul A. Offit speaks on "Vaccine Safety: Science, Politics, and the Media" at the Community College of Philadelphia.
• March 15, 2008: Nick Pine discusses "Real Free Energy," exploring solar power technology.
• April 19, 2008: Andrew J. Petto, PhD, discusses his book "Scientists Confront Intelligent Design and Creationism."
• February 8, 2008: Delaware Valley Mensa hosts a meeting honoring Black History Month with a talk by Samuel Sepitun (personified by Fred Minus).
• February 10, 2008: Darwin Day celebration at the University of Pennsylvania Museum.
• February 13, 2008: A conference call on human energy with author Jon Gordon, hosted by PhACT member Harvey Mathason.
• February 19, 2008: An evening talk at the Penn Museum by Dr. Richard Hodges on "Butrint: At the Crossroads of the Mediterranean."
• March 26, 2008: Wagner Free Institute of Science offers a course on "The Evolution of Ideas about Human Evolution."
• March 31, 2008: Wagner Free Institute of Science offers a course on "Invasive Plants in the Philadelphia Area."
• March 29, 2008: Dr. Nina G. Jablonski lectures on "The Evolution of Human Skin Color" at the Wagner Free Institute of Science.

The PhACT Council, consisting of Eric Krieg (President), Bob Glickman (Secretary), and Ray Haupt (Treasurer), along with other members, is listed. The newsletter is printed six times a year and serves as the main propaganda organ for PhACT. Subscription information is provided ($15/year membership, $10 for students), and readers are invited to send letters and submissions to the editor.

Critiques of Pseudoscience and Misinformation

Several sections address pseudoscience and misinformation:

• Letters: A letter from Joel M. Kauffman, PhD, discusses a report on the dangers of cannabis smoke, questioning the abstract's findings compared to the paper's body, and noting potential bias in the review process due to affiliations with tobacco control programs. Another letter from Kauffman defends the use of colloidal silver in wound care, citing a review that found it effective with low risk, and criticizes Quackwatch for misleading implications.
• Jerome Mendel's Letter on Arnica: Jerome Mendel's letter about arnica prompts research by Harriet Hall, MD (The SkepDoc), who finds that while arnica is used in herbal medicine, its effectiveness is not well-established, and it may be unsafe when taken orally. She remains skeptical of anecdotal claims of dramatic pain relief.
• FairDeal Homeopathy: The newsletter points out the "unintentionally hilarious" nature of the FairDeal Homeopathy website, which admits its products have no actual medical effects and work through the placebo effect.
• Cartoon: A cartoon on page 6 depicts a character asking, "BIRD FLU? NO, I WANT SOMETHING FOR THIS FEAR EPIDEMIC!" illustrating a tendency to focus on perceived threats.

The Criminal Justice System in Pennsylvania

An extensive article titled "Don't Drop The Soap" by Paul Schlueter III critically examines the Pennsylvania criminal justice system. The author argues that the system is manipulated and that the public often has a distorted view of justice, influenced by media portrayals. Key points include:

• Media Access: The PA Department of Corrections has significantly curtailed press access to prisons, making independent reporting difficult.
• Recidivism Rates: The article questions the DOC's reported recidivism rates, suggesting outside sources place them higher, and notes that individuals convicted of non-violent offenses are paroled more readily than those convicted of violent crimes or homicide.
• Inmate Conditions: The author describes double-occupancy cells as cramped and prison jobs as low-paying with little relevance to the outside world. He also debunks claims that inmates receive free TV and cable, noting they must purchase these services and pay for healthcare visits and prescriptions.
• Lifer Parole: The article states there is no parole for lifers in Pennsylvania due to specific legislation, and that the process for commutation is extremely difficult, with few lifers ever being released.
• Evidence of Innocence: The author notes that evidence of innocence can be "overlooked" or withheld, and that co-defendants may offer testimony in exchange for leniency. He also criticizes the jury system for its potential to convict based on belief rather than fact.
• Historical Context: The article mentions the founding of the Philadelphia Society for Alleviating the Miseries of Public Prisons in 1787 by Dr. Benjamin Rush and Benjamin Franklin.

Other Articles and Columns

• "Vaccinated: One Man's Quest to Defeat the World's Deadliest Diseases": A review of Paul A. Offit's book about Maurice Hilleman and the history of vaccines, highlighting their importance and rebutting arguments against them.
• Gambling - The Crocodile Tears Department: This section discusses a reported decline in casino win revenue in Atlantic City due to competition from Pennsylvania and new smoking restrictions. It contrasts this with planned casino construction projects and notes that Pennsylvania has a much higher tax rate on casino revenue.
• New Blog: Science Based Medicine: An announcement for a new blog, "Science Based Medicine," a collaborative effort by five MDs dedicated to scientifically examining medical and health topics and combating pseudoscience.
• The Michael Shermer Event: Information about accessing a video of Dr. Michael Shermer's lecture.
• Politics: A quote from Clarence Darrow is featured.
• Soundbites: Several short quotes and summaries of articles are presented, including one from Lawrence Krauss on science and ethics, and another from New Scientist on evolution and its importance.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Phactum include a strong emphasis on scientific literacy, critical thinking, and skepticism towards pseudoscience, misinformation, and unsubstantiated claims. The publication actively promotes evidence-based reasoning and challenges what it perceives as irrational beliefs or biased reporting. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of science and rational inquiry, as evidenced by its coverage of vaccine safety, critiques of alternative medicine, and detailed analysis of the criminal justice system. The newsletter aims to inform its readers and encourage them to question and analyze information critically, particularly in areas where public understanding may be influenced by emotion or flawed reasoning.

This issue of PhACT, the publication of the Phila. Assoc. for Critical Thinking, focuses on the intersection of science, pseudoscience, and history. It includes information on membership and donations, a book review, historical accounts, and resources for those interested in the Pennsylvania criminal justice system.

Membership and Support

The first page provides details for supporting PhACT. Annual membership is $15, with a student rate of $10. Members are encouraged to send checks payable to PhACT to their address at 639 W. Ellet Street, Philadelphia, PA 19119. Options for additional support and specifying a purpose for donations are also presented, along with fields for name, address, phone, and email.

Resources for PA Criminal Justice System Information

For individuals seeking information and contacts related to the Pennsylvania Criminal Justice system, several organizations are listed. These include The PA Prison Society (245 N. Broad St., Ste. 300, Philadelphia, PA 19107) and PA C.U.R.E. (P.O. Box 26708, Elkins Park, PA 19027). Footnotes provide further details on specific reports and publications from the PA Prison Society, including the "Report of the Advisory Committee on Geriatric and Seriously Ill Inmates" and articles from the "Correctional Forum." Paul Schlueter III, serving a life sentence, is mentioned as an observer of the system from within, with contact information available upon request.

Book Review: Scientists Confront Intelligent Design and Creationism

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to the book "Scientists Confront Intelligent Design and Creationism," edited by Andrew J. Petto and Laurie R. Godfrey, published by W. W. Norton & Company. This book is presented as a powerful and decisive rebuttal to the rise of "intelligent design," which is characterized as pseudoscience attempting to undermine evolution. The review highlights that the book contains sixteen original essays from scientists, lawyers, and educators. These essays address the scientific evidence for evolution accumulated over 150 years and critically examine the claims of creationism. The book aims to equip society with better educational and legal strategies to prevent a theological influence on public and scientific institutions. The review emphasizes that the book offers a "ringing and lasting refutation of creationism's fraudulent claims."

Andrew Petto, Ph.D., is also announced as a PhACT speaker on April 19, 2008.

Historical Feature: Stephen Decatur

The second page delves into the history of Stephen Decatur, a notable figure in US naval history. It announces that Dr. Paul Orfit will discuss Vaccine Safety and other science-related issues with a PhACT audience on February 16, 2008. This date is noted as being 204 years after a significant naval action led by Lieutenant Stephen Decatur in 1804. During this action, Decatur burned the US frigate USS Philadelphia, which had been captured by the Barbary Pirates in 1803. The raid was described by Lord Horatio Nelson as "the most daring act of the age." Decatur's career is highlighted, noting he became the youngest naval captain in US history.

The article further details Decatur's strong association with Philadelphia. Born in Maryland in 1779, his family moved to Philadelphia when he was four. He attended the Episcopal Academy and studied at the University of Pennsylvania. In 1798, he became a midshipman in the US Navy and advanced rapidly.

His life ended in 1820 when he was challenged to a duel by Commodore James Barron. Both men were injured, but Decatur's wound was fatal. He was buried at St. Peter's Church in Philadelphia, a church also attended by George Washington. The issue includes a quote from John Quincy Adams describing Decatur as "kind, warm-hearted, unassuming, gentle and hospitable."

Cartoon

A cartoon caption is included, humorously stating, "Orthodox medicine has not found an answer to your complaint. However, luckily for you, I happen to be a quack."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of PhACT strongly advocates for scientific rationalism and critical thinking, particularly in opposition to what it terms the "pseudoscience" of intelligent design and creationism. The editorial stance is clearly pro-evolution and emphasizes the importance of evidence-based science in education and public institutions. The historical content on Stephen Decatur serves to highlight American achievements and figures, possibly as a contrast to what the publication views as anti-science movements. The inclusion of resources for the PA criminal justice system suggests an interest in social justice and systemic issues within the state.