REALL News - Vol 01 No 03 - 1993

Magazine Overview

The REALL News, Volume 1, Number 3, dated April 1993, is a newsletter from REALL (presumably an organization focused on skepticism and rational inquiry). The issue features articles on the misconceptions of evolution and a critical review of a UFO presentation. The editor, Wally Hartshorn, notes that this is the last free issue for non-members and encourages subscriptions. The editorial board includes David Bloomberg (Chairman), Wally Hartshorn, and Bob Ladendorf.

From the Editor

Wally Hartshorn welcomes readers to the spring issue, expressing hope that warmer weather will encourage more members to attend REALL meetings. He announces that this is the last free issue and urges non-members to subscribe by filling out a form. Hartshorn also reveals that he will not be running for editor in the upcoming elections due to lack of time, outlining the basic requirements for the position, including computer skills and desktop publishing software.

From the Chairman

David Bloomberg's column, "The Frustrations of Skepticism," details an encounter where he tried to educate acquaintances about the unreliability of psychics. He recounts how one acquaintance defended a psychic's inaccurate predictions by making increasingly absurd excuses, leading to the conclusion that some people "NEED to believe." He also mentions an upcoming meeting on April 26th featuring guest lecturer Detective Bruce Walstad, who will discuss confidence crimes and con games. Board elections are scheduled for the May meeting, and REALL's finalized Constitution is available.

Late Breaking News

A news release from March 25, 1993, is mentioned, stating that a federal court imposed sanctions of $106,433.97 against psychic Uri Geller for his libel suit against CSICOP (Committee for Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal). REALL encourages interested individuals to attend the next meeting for more information.

The Misconceptions of Evolution

By Ransom R. Traxler

This article, based on a lecture given by Ransom R. Traxler of the St. Louis Association for the Teaching of Evolution (SLATE), addresses several common misconceptions about evolution. Traxler asserts that evolution is a valid scientific theory, comparable to gravity or heliocentrism, and is based on observable facts like the age of the Earth and the fossil record showing changes in life over time. He clarifies that scientific debates focus on the mechanisms of evolution, not whether it has occurred, and that practicing scientists do not doubt evolution.

Traxler debunks the idea that Darwin invented evolution, explaining that evidence for evolution existed for centuries, but Darwin was the first to propose a valid mechanism (natural selection). He refutes the notion that evolution is caused by blind chance, arguing that natural laws and principles govern cosmic, chemical, and organic evolution, leading to predictable outcomes. He also dismisses the argument that complex organisms imply a designer, stating this argument is logically flawed and requires an infinite regress of designers.

The article further criticizes creationism as a religious belief based on the Bible, lacking scientific support, and contrasts it with evolution, which is based on observation and experimentation. Traxler argues against giving creationism equal time in science classes, comparing it to teaching astrology in astronomy or alchemy in chemistry. He emphasizes that science classrooms should present established knowledge, not religious beliefs.

Traxler addresses the claim that evolution is unimportant, stating it is the unifying concept of biology, essential for understanding genetics, anatomy, and medicine, and also fundamental to cosmic evolution and geology. He counters the argument that evolution should not be taught because it is contrary to religious beliefs, citing the constitutional separation of church and state and the teacher's obligation to present scientific knowledge. He also refutes the idea that evolution promotes secular humanism, asserting it is a science, not a religion, and that scientists of all religious backgrounds accept it based on evidence.

Finally, Traxler addresses the claim that evolution is "anti-God," explaining that science and religion deal with different realms and are not in conflict. He clarifies that evolutionists are not necessarily atheists and that scientists' religious beliefs vary widely. He criticizes the phrase "Scientists believe..." when presenting evolution, advocating for "Scientists accept evolution based on the overwhelming objective evidence in its favor." He concludes by stating that "scientific creationists" often propagate falsehoods and distortions, and that quality science education is needed to counter these myths.

The article is reprinted with permission from The American Rationalist.

Saucers for Sale: An Evening With A UFO Cheerleader

By Bob Ladendorf and David Bloomberg

This article provides an evaluation of a slide show presentation on UFOs given by Bill Knell of Island Skywatch. Ladendorf and Bloomberg attended the event in Springfield, Illinois, which cost $10 and included sales of UFO-related materials. They describe Knell as a soft-spoken, energetic presenter who presented claims of alien spacecraft and government conspiracy, supported by blurry photographs, inconclusive videos, eyewitness accounts, and personal testimony.

The authors note that Knell's presentation was structured like a sales pitch, with little critical comment and limited opportunity for audience questions. They point out that much of Knell's information has been previously investigated or debunked, citing examples like the Nazca lines, the Bermuda Triangle, the "face" on Mars, and the Roswell crash. Knell's claim of having verifiable evidence for some cases, but refusing to show it due to fears of conspiracy, is highlighted as problematic.

The review identifies several inconsistencies in Knell's presentation, such as his conflicting statements about the consistency of UFO shapes. They also challenge his assertion about "X-ray satellites" being used to scan the Earth, explaining that atmospheric absorption and the nature of X-ray imaging make this unlikely. The article details the Carp, Canada, UFO case, where Knell presented a photo of an alien and government documents, which other investigators claim were likely hoaxes, a detail Knell omitted.

The authors accuse Knell of using "straw man" arguments, such as misrepresenting the claims of crop circle creators to dismiss their work. They argue that Knell's consistent emphasis on government conspiracy, including alleged involvement in building the former Soviet Union's space shuttle and the infamous MJ-12 papers, makes him seem more like a "UFO cheerleader" than an investigator. They note that Knell sells debunked MJ-12 papers but does not present information debunking them.

During the Q&A session, Knell reportedly avoided answering direct questions about contradictions in his evidence, instead offering vague explanations about the alien thought process. The authors conclude that Knell seems more inclined to shrug off contradictory evidence and presents only half of the story, making him appear more like a salesman than an unbiased investigator.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The REALL News, as evidenced by this issue, takes a strong skeptical stance, particularly concerning paranormal claims and pseudoscientific theories. The magazine actively promotes scientific literacy and critical thinking, as demonstrated by the detailed refutation of evolutionary misconceptions and the thorough debunking of a UFO presentation. The editorial stance clearly favors evidence-based reasoning and scientific consensus over anecdotal evidence, conspiracy theories, and religious dogma presented as scientific fact. The publication aims to educate its readers and counter what it perceives as misinformation, particularly in the realms of science education and paranormal claims.