The Phoenix Skeptics News

Magazine Overview The Phoenix Skeptics News, Volume 1, Issue 2, published in September/October 1987, is a bimonthly publication of the Phoenix Skeptics, an organization dedicated to scientific and logical examination of paranormal claims and the promotion of critical thinking. The issue covers organizational news, meeting summaries, and in-depth articles on health fraud and skepticism.

Meetings and Organizational News The August meeting featured a talk by Hans Sebald on the history of witchcraft. The September meeting included an informal talk by Charles Cazeau on Nostradamus and prophecy. The organization is planning an experiment on dowsing and is seeking a volunteer surveyor. An official organizing committee has been formed, with Jim Lippard as chairman, and subcommittees for Investigations (Michael Norton), Publications (Ron Harvey), and Media Relations (Ted Karren).

The October meeting was scheduled as a Halloween Party at Hans Sebald's home, featuring a BYOB policy and encouraging costumes. The November meeting was to include a video tape of James Randi's address on health fraud.

Randi on Faith Healers A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to an interview with James Randi, conducted by Jim Lippard and Michael Norton. Randi, a magician and author, discusses his investigations into faith healers. He highlights the difficulty in obtaining documentation for miraculous claims, citing the example of R.W. Shambach and the 'Happy Hunters' who claimed a boy's thumb regrew. Randi emphasizes that these claims often lack verifiable evidence and that healers repeat stories without providing specifics.

Randi also discusses Father Ralph de Orio, who claims to cure serious ailments but did not provide medical team details. He mentions Benny Hinn being sued in Florida and notes that Oral Roberts has had many deaths reported, with his argument being that there weren't more deaths. Randi criticizes the lack of accountability for faith healers, stating that legal systems are often hesitant to interfere due to their religious titles.

He details the case of Peter Popoff, who declared bankruptcy after his income drastically decreased following an exposé. Randi also recounts exposing Popoff's wife providing information to him via radio messages intercepted with a hearing aid. Another fraud involving faked vandalism to raise money is also mentioned.

Health Fraud: Beyond 'Snake Oil' An article by Phillis Gillespie from The Arizona Republic, titled 'Health fraud isn't 'snake oil' anymore,' discusses the increasing prevalence of medical charlatans and faith healers. James Lowell, a professor and speaker at the Arizona Public Health Association meeting, describes a 'pseudoscientific sentiment' and a community of health-care providers who undermine conventional medicine. Lowell provides examples of quackery, including excessive vitamin intake claims, cod-liver oil cures, 'concentrated water,' and 'Amazing Nuclear Receptors.'

Dr. John Renner, another speaker, notes the rapid transfer of quacks' attention to AIDS-related fraud. He estimates health fraud to be a $25 billion-a-year business in the U.S., far beyond simple 'snake oil.' Renner describes how many products and methods claim to cure multiple serious diseases, including cancer and AIDS. Chelation therapy is highlighted as an expensive cure-all that can cost $6,000 to $10,000 and may delay proper medical treatment.

Renner also shares anecdotes about a chelation therapist using glucose water and a Kansas practitioner who shot crystals. James Randi is mentioned again for offering a $10,000 check for anyone who can demonstrate a psychic, occult, or supernatural occurrence under scrutiny, with no takers so far. Randi's appearance on the Johnny Carson Show to demonstrate psychic surgery and expose Peter Popoff is also noted.

The article points out that real physicians are at a disadvantage because they tell patients the truth about the limitations of current medical science for illnesses like AIDS and cancer.

Charlatans and Proper Criticism A section lists common clues to identify fraudulent medical treatments or doctors, such as offering cure-alls, claiming 'natural' remedies, or having impressive but unaccredited credentials. Contact information for various health services is provided.

Ray Hyman, in an article titled 'Proper Criticism,' discusses the challenges and responsibilities of skeptics in critiquing paranormal claims. He emphasizes the need for careful documentation, avoiding emotional attacks, and focusing on the claim rather than the claimant. Hyman outlines eight principles for effective and responsible criticism: 1. Be prepared, 2. Clarify your objectives, 3. Do your homework, 4. Do not go beyond your level of competence, 5. Let the facts speak for themselves, 6. Be precise, 7. Use the principle of charity, and 8. Avoid loaded words and sensationalism. He stresses that the goal is to gain credibility and persuade the public and media of the importance of skepticism.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance The recurring themes in this issue are the exposure of health fraud and medical quackery, the importance of critical thinking and scientific methodology in evaluating extraordinary claims, and the need for responsible and evidence-based skepticism. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of debunking pseudoscience and protecting the public from fraudulent practices, advocating for a rational and objective approach to claims of the paranormal and unproven medical treatments. The publication aims to serve as a clearinghouse for factual information and to promote critical thinking.