Phactum - 2011 05 - May

Magazine Overview

Title: Phactum
Issue: May/June 2011
Publisher: Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking (PhACT)

This issue of Phactum, the newsletter and propaganda organ of the Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking, covers upcoming events, reports on a significant legal case, and features articles on various social and historical topics.

Upcoming Events

PhACT Annual Banquet

The PhACT Annual Banquet was scheduled for Saturday, May 21, 2011, from Noon to 3 PM at Sorella Rose, a restaurant in Flourtown, PA. The event featured speaker Tom Beebee, a Professor of Comparative Literature and German at Pennsylvania State University, who authored 'Millennial Literatures of the Americas.' Beebee was set to speak on 'The Long Awaited Apocalypse,' a topic relevant to the predicted Rapture date of May 21, 2011, as discussed on the website www.ebiblefellowship.com. The cost for the banquet was $30 per person ($20 for students).

PhACT Annual Picnic

The PhACT Annual Picnic was planned for Saturday, June 25, 2011, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Mondauk Commons Park in Upper Dublin, PA. This event was free and open to all, with attendees encouraged to bring food and beverages. Contact information for Eric was provided for those who might be 'Raptured' and unable to attend.

Meeting Report: April 2011

"Science, Religion and the Law: The Dover Intelligent Design Trial"

This section details the PhACT meeting on April 23, 2011, featuring Judge John E. Jones of the U.S. District Court, Middle District of Pennsylvania. The report, prepared by physics and philosophy students, covered Judge Jones' lecture on the Kitzmiller v. Dover Area School District case. The lecture included a presentation based on the NOVA movie 'Judgment Day: Intelligent Design on Trial' and a historical overview of the 1925 Scopes Trial.

Judge Jones explained that the Kitzmiller v. Dover case, which took place in Dover, Pennsylvania in 2004, involved the Dover School Board mandating the teaching of 'Intelligent Design' alongside evolution. He stated that 'Intelligent Design' was essentially Creationism rebranded and lacked scientific basis, ruling that it had no place in public school science classrooms. The ruling was based on overwhelming evidence that the concept was not science and that the Board's stated secular purposes were a pretext to promote religion. Judge Jones noted that the case led to death threats against him and required federal protection. He also discussed the judiciary's role and the importance of judicial independence, citing the U.S. v. Nixon case as a prime example of limiting executive power.

Articles and Commentary

Miscegenation, an Example of Interbreeding

Authored by Paul Schlueter III, this article explores the historical context and social implications of miscegenation, defined as interbreeding between different races. It discusses the historical treatment of inter-racial relationships, particularly in the context of slavery in the Americas, and the pseudoscientific justifications used to maintain racial hierarchies. The article touches upon the views of figures like Benjamin Rush, who considered blackness a hereditary skin disease, and notes the continued prevalence of inter-racial relationships despite societal taboos.

Speaking of Brain Inflammations

This short piece recounts the story of Peter Halvorson, who in 1972, drilled a hole in his head as part of advocating for trepanation, an ancient healing practice. Halvorson became a founder of the International Trepanation Advocacy Group (ITAG), which has facilitated trepanation procedures in Mexico.

Gambling Notes

This section provides links to several articles discussing gambling. Topics include the risks associated with early-hours gambling, the media's glorification of gambling risks, a Nebraska bill aimed at assisting the horse racing industry, and commentary on how some states rely on gambling revenue to avoid raising taxes.

Mega-Bad Movie Night!

An announcement for a film series at the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia, featuring 'awesomely awful' movies with live commentary. The event required attendees to be 18+ years of age and 21+ to drink.

On Conspiracies

This piece quotes Hendrik Hertzberg from The New Yorker, commenting on 'birtherism' and the rejection of reality as part of a larger pattern within political discourse, likening it to denial of global warming or evolution.

Poetry

Two poems are included: 'Carpe That Diem' by Albert Fried-Cassorla and an untitled poem from March 4, 1969.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes critical thinking, skepticism, and a rational approach to various topics, including science, religion, and social issues. The editorial stance appears to be one that values empirical evidence and scientific reasoning, as demonstrated by the extensive coverage of the 'Intelligent Design' debate and the critique of pseudoscientific claims. The publication also engages with historical and social commentary, encouraging readers to question established norms and beliefs. The inclusion of diverse articles, from scientific debates to discussions on race and historical practices, reflects a broad interest in challenging conventional wisdom and fostering intellectual discourse.

This issue of Phactum, dated May/June 2011, features a cover story titled "Is Atheism the Same as Satanism?" by Paul Schlueter III, which explores the distinctions between these two belief systems. The magazine also includes an in-depth article by Thomas M. Medero, "How We Lost the 40 Years War," critically examining the failures and costs of the US "War on Drugs." A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the "PhACT Calendar," listing numerous events in the Philadelphia area related to science, history, and skeptical inquiry.

Is Atheism the Same as Satanism?

Paul Schlueter III addresses the common accusation that anyone who doesn't believe in God must be a Satanist. He clarifies that in Biblical religions, Satan is the devil, the opponent of God. While Lucifer is sometimes associated with Satan, the text notes that the Bible only mentions "Lucifer" once in Isaiah 14:12, describing it as a name meaning "bringer of light" and associated with the planet Venus, and it's not explicitly stated that Lucifer and Satan are the same entity.

Satanism, the article explains, is the worship of Satan and requires a firm belief in the Bible's foundation. Satanists choose between YHWH (Yahweh/Jehovah) and Satan, viewing Satan as the 'better of the two antagonists.' A Satanist must accept the Biblical creation story and the idea that Satan was once God's favorite angel cast out for pride and disobedience. The core tenet of Satanism, according to a text the author encountered, is that it is the opposite of everything Biblical faiths teach. Therefore, Satanists practice sorcery and witchcraft, which are considered damned by Biblical faiths.

In contrast to Biblical virtues like Faith, Hope, and Charity, Satanists celebrate vices such as Selfishness/Greed, Pessimism, and Unbelief. The association between atheism and Satanism stems from the Biblical concept that failure to believe is a sin punishable by damnation. Unbelievers are destined for "the lake which burns with fire and brimstone." The article posits that if one believes in an afterlife but not in God, the afterlife of an unbeliever would be Hell, where Satan's throne is located, leading to the assumption that such individuals plan to worship Satan.

The author concludes that atheism and agnosticism are not the same as Satanism. Satanism requires specific supernatural beliefs that atheism rejects. For an atheist or agnostic, there is no logical reason to accept Satanist beliefs or rituals. The article also touches upon the concept of race, suggesting that while ancient ancestors interacted across tribes and regions, humans have an inclination for miscegenation, and genetic identity has largely been a socio-cultural obstacle rather than a biological one.

How We Lost the 40 Years War

Thomas M. Medero critically analyzes the US "War on Drugs," which has been ongoing for 40 years with no apparent progress. He highlights the immense financial cost, stating that in 2010 alone, the government spent $15 billion, equating to $5,000 per second. State and local governments spent an additional $7.8 billion in 2009 for court time and housing prisoners. The number of arrests for non-violent drug offenses has surged, adding 95,000 people to the prison population in a single year. Gil Kerlikowske, President Obama's "Drug Czar," is quoted admitting the war has "not been successful" and that drug problems have magnified.

Medero details the financial expenditure, including $20 billion to fight drug gangs abroad, $6 billion in Colombia, $33 billion for "Just Say No" campaigns, $49 billion for border enforcement, $121 billion to arrest over 37 million non-violent drug offenders (10 million for marijuana possession), $450 billion to house them in federal prisons, and $215 billion annually for the Department of Justice. He argues that despite this massive spending, the demand for drugs persists, drawing a parallel to the failed Prohibition of alcohol, which also resulted in bloodshed and was eventually forgotten. The article emphasizes that addiction should be treated as a health problem, not a crime, noting that over 500,000 non-violent drug users are incarcerated.

The article discusses the lack of a specific enemy in the "War on Drugs," contrasting it with other historical conflicts. It suggests that the war is unwinnable unless drug use is treated as a psychological problem rather than a moral failing. The author references William F. Buckley Jr.'s 1996 assessment of the drug problem's economic impact and quotes Joseph McNamara, a former police chief, who also views the war as unwinnable.

A glimmer of hope is presented through Portugal's model of decriminalization, which began 10 years prior. Portugal did not legalize drugs but decriminalized possession of up to a ten-day personal supply. This policy includes a three-member board (psychologist, social worker, legal adviser) to determine how best to help individuals seeking to quit. The article cites statistics showing Portugal's low rate of lifetime marijuana use (10% for those over 15) compared to the US (39.8% for those over 12), and a 17% decrease in new HIV infections between 1999 and 2003. Smugglers and traffickers are still prosecuted. The author advocates for the US to consider Portugal's model to revise its policies and make progress.

PhACT Calendar

The "PhACT Calendar" section provides a comprehensive listing of upcoming events in and around Philadelphia, primarily focused on science, skepticism, and history. These events are organized by date and include details such as time, location, a brief description, and contact information or websites.

Notable events include:

• PhACT Meetings: Regular meetings of the PhACT organization, often held at Community College of Philadelphia, discussing topics like the Search for Extra Terrestrial Intelligence.
• Science on Tap: Monthly gatherings featuring informal presentations by scientists.
• Brown Bag Lectures: Talks at the Chemical Heritage Foundation on various topics, including the history of RCA and the development of the LCD, and Niels Bohr's writing practices.
• Rittenhouse Astronomical Society Meetings: Monthly meetings.
• Penn Museum Scholars Lecture Series: Lectures highlighting research by Penn Museum scholars.
• Lectures at Laurel Hill Cemetery: A series of talks on historical and cultural topics, including the history of the hearse, military legacies, and the life of David Rittenhouse.
• Special Events: Including the "Anti-Superstition Party," a lecture on "Picturing Petals" at the APS Museum, and a talk on "The Science of Death."
• Book Clubs and Talks: Such as the IYC 2011 Book Club discussing "This Republic of Suffering: Death and the American Civil War."
• Other Events: Including a talk on "Creating a Machine Civilization" at the Wagner Free Institute of Science and a lecture on "A Passion for Roses" at APS Museum.

The calendar emphasizes that events are generally free and open to the public, though some may require advance registration or have admission fees. It serves as a resource for individuals interested in engaging with scientific and historical communities.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a skeptical and rationalist viewpoint, evident in its focus on scientific events, historical accuracy, and critical examination of societal issues. The article on atheism versus Satanism clearly delineates between belief and non-belief, rejecting unsubstantiated associations. The critique of the "War on Drugs" reflects a pragmatic and evidence-based approach, advocating for policy changes based on data and successful international models. The extensive "PhACT Calendar" underscores the magazine's commitment to fostering public engagement with science, history, and critical thinking, providing a platform for diverse educational and intellectual pursuits within the Philadelphia community. The editorial stance appears to favor evidence-based reasoning, critical inquiry, and the debunking of superstition and misinformation.

Title: Phactum
Issue: May/June 2011
Publisher: Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking (PhACT)
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of Phactum, published by the Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking (PhACT), serves as a bulletin for upcoming events and news relevant to the organization's interests in critical thinking, humanities, and history. The magazine details a series of lectures, discussions, and public events scheduled primarily in Philadelphia during June and July 2011.

Featured Events and Articles

Science on Tap

A monthly gathering at National Mechanics in Philadelphia on Monday, June 13, 2011, featuring informal presentations by experts followed by conversation. The event is free and open to the public, requiring attendees to be 21 or accompanied by an adult.

The President Is a Sick Man

On Wednesday, June 15, 2011, at the College of Physicians of Philadelphia, author Matthew Algeo will discuss his book, "The President Is a Sick Man: Wherein the Supposedly Virtuous Grover Cleveland Survives a Secret Surgery at Sea and Vilifies the Courageous Newspaper-man Who Dared Expose the Truth." The book explores President Grover Cleveland's secret surgery to remove a cancerous tumor. This event is free and open to the public.

Delaware Valley Amateur Astronomers

An event hosted by the Delaware Valley Amateur Astronomers on Friday, June 17, 2011, at the Greater Plymouth Community Center. Details are TBA, but it is free and open to the public.

Fathers and Sons in Arms

On Saturday, June 18, 2011, at Laurel Hill Cemetery, a presentation titled "Fathers and Sons in Arms: Two Generations of Military Heroes" will explore the bonds and experiences of fathers and sons who served in the military, particularly focusing on those who made the ultimate sacrifice. The event costs $15 for general admission, with discounts for members, seniors, and students.

Hearts Touched by Fire

On Tuesday, June 21, 2011, at the Central Library, Harold Holzer and James McPherson will discuss their book, "Hearts Touched by Fire: The Best of Battles and Leaders of the Civil War." McPherson, a Pulitzer Prize winner, and Holzer, an expert on Abraham Lincoln, present first-hand accounts of Civil War battles. The event has a general admission cost of $15 and $7 for students.

Annual PhACT Picnic

An announcement for the Annual PhACT Picnic on Saturday, June 25, 2011, with details to be found on page 2.

Lincoln and the Widow Bixby

On Saturday, June 25, 2011, at Laurel Hill Cemetery, a television taping for "Humanities on the Road" will feature historian Judith Ginsberg discussing "Lincoln and the Widow Bixby." This segment will explore the story of Mrs. Lydia Bixby, who was believed to have lost five sons in the Civil War, and the historical inaccuracies surrounding the event. The event is free, but advance registration is requested.

Allah, Liberty and Love

On Tuesday, July 12, 2011, at the Central Library, author Irshad Manji will discuss her book "Allah, Liberty and Love: The Courage to Reconcile Faith and Freedom." Manji, who directs the Moral Courage Project at New York University, aims to reconcile her faith with her love of freedom. This event is free.

PhACT Information and Support

Membership and Donations

The second page of the magazine details how to support PhACT. Annual membership is $15 for email delivery of Phactum and $25 for US Mail delivery. Student memberships are $10 for email only. Donations are also welcomed to support the organization's activities, including prizes for the PhACT's High School Science Fair.

PhACT's High School Science Fair Student Prize Funds

Information is provided on the prize funds awarded in 2010 and 2011, with a total prize fund of $56.00 for 2012. Contributions are encouraged to support youth science education projects. Eric Krieg is the contact for more information.

Phactum Distribution and Editorial Policy

Phactum is distributed six times a year as the main publication for PhACT. The magazine accepts letters, essays, poetry, and opinion pieces from members. The policy for article use states that materials originating in Phactum may be reprinted by groups recognized in CSI's international network of skeptics organizations, provided proper credit is given to the author and PhACT. Permission from PhACT is required for other publications.

Contact Information

Ray Haupt is the Phactum editor, and Paul Schlueter III is the associate editor. They can be reached at [email protected]. The PhACT Council for 2010/11 includes Eric Krieg (President), Wes Powers (Webmaster), Mike Caro, Dr. David Cragin, Dr. David Langdon, Becky Strickland, Bob Glickman (Secretary), Susan Glickman (Treasurer), Dr. David Cattell, Ray Haupt, and Tom Napier.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around historical events and figures, particularly from American history (Grover Cleveland, the Civil War), and contemporary discussions on faith, freedom, and intellectual conformity. The editorial stance of PhACT, as reflected in the content and its affiliation with critical thinking and skepticism, appears to be one that encourages informed dialogue, historical inquiry, and the examination of complex social and political issues from a rational perspective. The emphasis on events and speakers like Irshad Manji and the discussion of historical controversies suggest an interest in challenging conventional narratives and promoting open debate.