REALL News - Vol 05 No 02 - 1997

Magazine Overview

Title: The REALL News
Issue: Volume 5 Issue 2
Date: February 1997
Publisher: The Rational Examination Association of Lincoln Land (REALL)
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of The REALL News, titled "The Conspiratorial Superhighway," delves into the complex world of conspiracy theories, UFO phenomena, and the importance of critical thinking and skepticism. The magazine features articles that dissect the psychological underpinnings of conspiracy beliefs, analyze the lack of evidence for paranormal claims, and advocate for a rational, scientific approach to understanding the world.

The Conspiratorial Superhighway by David Bloomberg

David Bloomberg's lead article explores the pervasive nature of conspiracy theories, likening their popularity to a national pastime. He notes how these theories often incorporate any piece of information, however tenuous, to support their narratives. Bloomberg specifically addresses the link between UFO phenomena and conspiracy theories, highlighting the common refrain that an "absence of evidence is evidence of conspiracy." He argues that the lack of concrete proof for alien abductions or crashed saucers is precisely what fuels these theories, providing a reason for believers to explain away the lack of evidence. This is further compounded by the historical context of Cold War secrecy, leading to the belief that governments are hiding alien secrets. While acknowledging that governments do lie, Bloomberg dismisses the notion that organizations like the Illuminati or Grey aliens control the U.S., attributing such beliefs to overactive imaginations and paranoia.

Bloomberg also discusses his own experiences as a moderator on skeptic and UFO-related computer conferences, where he and other skeptics have been accused of censoring information or being government disinformation agents. He notes that some conspiracy theorists believe skeptics are either non-existent entities used to spread disinformation or are, in fact, government agents themselves, like Philip J. Klass. The article questions the mindset of those who cannot comprehend an interest in UFOs without belief, leading them to invent reasons for the existence of skeptics. These "disinformation agents" are categorized into two types: those who openly question claims (like skeptics) and those who pretend to be believers but make wild claims to discredit the UFO movement. Bloomberg uses the example of "Gwen," a conspiracy theorist who believes Jesus was a time-traveling alien and that celestial events like the Jupiter-comet collision were orchestrated. Gwen's theories extend to a "4th Dimensional Hierarchy" and the "Ashtar Command," suggesting a cosmic battle for control of the "World Power Grid." Her beliefs are described as a "GOD conspiracy" where supernatural means render evidence irrelevant.

Another individual, "Will," presents a religious-based conspiracy theory about "Creator Gods" and a conflict that led to humanity's current state, with aliens ruling the planet through "secret governments run by the filthy rich." Will warns against those who discredit individuals like William Cooper, suggesting that discredited people are actually the ones revealing the truth.

The article then introduces Dr. Robert, a therapist specializing in alien abductions, who claimed to be in hiding due to harassment. Subsequently, he faced accusations of improper conduct with patients, which he framed as part of a conspiracy against him. Dr. Robert believes the government is trying to discredit him and that "Dark Forces" are increasing pressure. He estimates there are at least seven different alien races and possibly three thousand extraterrestrial contacts daily in the U.S. He also posits that negative stereotyping of aliens is a government cover-up and that some abductions are psychological warfare operations to instill fear.

Bloomberg concludes that some people will believe regardless of evidence, and sometimes the lack of evidence strengthens their belief. While convincing ardent believers is difficult, he suggests that skeptics can prevent others from falling for such claims by providing factual information. He acknowledges that not all UFOlogists are extreme, but notes that even among believers, there is no single case that serves as definitive proof, with many claims ending with "We would have the evidence, if only it weren't for..."

Thinking and the Paranormal by Henry Gordon

Henry Gordon, a CSICOP fellow and head of the Ontario Skeptics, contributes an article originally written nearly a decade prior, emphasizing the enduring relevance of critical thinking. Gordon posits that the human brain's ability to cope with future issues hinges on its capacity for rational and critical thought. He observes that a significant portion of the population accepts paranormal claims like astrology, ESP, and UFO visitations, indicating a lack of progress in rational thinking despite advancements in science and technology. Gordon argues that the perpetuation of irrational beliefs across generations hinders the development of the human thinking apparatus, leaving young people unable to distinguish science from pseudoscience. He advocates for the inclusion of critical thinking courses in the educational system, starting from secondary schools and continuing through universities, to equip individuals to handle complex future challenges.

Gordon challenges the notion that educating the masses to be critical is undesirable, urging a proactive approach to promote critical thinking. He notes that the willingness to accept outrageous claims is not limited to the uneducated; many intelligent and educated individuals have historically believed in paranormal phenomena. He observes that in panels discussing paranormal topics, the audience is often composed of believers, and he finds it sobering to consider that these individuals elect the officials who shape global decisions.

Extra-Sensory Perception Fact Sheet

Prepared by the North Texas Skeptics, this fact sheet provides a critical examination of Extra-Sensory Perception (ESP). It defines ESP as the alleged ability to receive thoughts or transmit them mind-to-mind, instantaneously and independently of distance. Parapsychology is identified as the field that studies these claims, though it is noted that the field has yet to demonstrate the existence of its subject matter. ESP claims are categorized into telepathy, clairvoyance, precognition, and psychokinesis.

The evidence cited for ESP is largely anecdotal, though proponents sometimes refer to scientific tests or government research. However, the fact sheet asserts that the overwhelming consensus among psychologists is that ESP has not been demonstrated, and all procedurally valid experiments have failed to do so. The article questions the consistency of ESP claims with our current understanding of nature, particularly in terms of human physiology and physics. It argues that there is no known specialized organ for ESP, nor any stimulus that such an organ would detect. Furthermore, it contends that ESP would require a new, unknown force in physics that would have observable effects, which has not been detected. The fact sheet criticizes the lack of attempts by believers to use sensitive scientific instruments to study ESP, suggesting that the focus is on unverified anecdotes rather than actual physical processes.

Several key experiments are reviewed: The Rhine Experiments, which are considered poorly designed and unreproducible; the SRI remote-viewing experiments, which suffered from subjective decisions and methodological flaws, leading to a conclusion of being "virtually nonexistent"; research on random-number generators, where results are often questionable due to inadequate randomization; and the Ganzfield experiments, which, despite careful conduct, have failed to convince psychologists of ESP's existence.

The summary concludes that ESP has not been demonstrated in everyday life or the laboratory, and its claims contradict well-established laws of nature. It suggests that if ESP exists, it is extremely weak and its effects are too small to have practical consequences.

Sources of Recent Information

Bob Ladendorf's section lists recent publications and articles relevant to science and paranormal claims. This includes highlights from Science News, a report on a Mexican psychic admitting to framing a politician, research on electromagnetic forces and cancer, and an article by Alan Hale on UFOs. Hale's contribution emphasizes three core principles: extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence, the burden of proof is on the positive, and Occam's Razor should be applied when choosing between explanations.

Masthead Information

The masthead provides details about The REALL News, identifying it as a publication of The Rational Examination Association of Lincoln Land (REALL), a non-profit educational and scientific organization dedicated to rational thinking and the scientific method. REALL's primary region of coverage is central Illinois. The organization subscribes to the scientific method as the most reliable system for obtaining knowledge and commits to objective, though critical, inquiry.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the pervasive nature of conspiracy theories, the critical examination of paranormal claims (particularly UFOs and ESP), and the advocacy for skepticism and critical thinking. The editorial stance is clearly pro-science and skeptical, aiming to debunk pseudoscience and promote rational inquiry. The REALL News positions itself as a source of factual information to counter unsubstantiated claims, encouraging readers to "Show me the evidence!" The publication is committed to using the scientific method and objective analysis in its exploration of fringe-science phenomena.

The REALL News is the official newsletter of REALL, an organization dedicated to promoting critical thinking in Central Illinois. This issue, identified as Volume 5, Number 2 from 1997, provides organizational details and acknowledges its supporters.

Organizational Structure and Contacts

The newsletter details the leadership of REALL. The Board of Directors includes Chairman David Bloomberg, Assistant Chairman Prof. Ron Larkin, Secretary-Treasurer Kevin Brown, Newsletter Editor Bob Ladendorf, and At-Large Members Prof. Steve Egger, Wally Hartshorn, and Frank Mazo. The Editorial Board consists of Bob Ladendorf (Newsletter Editor) and David Bloomberg, with one vacancy noted.

REALL's mailing address is P.O. Box 20302, Springfield, IL 62708. Contact information is also provided via email: David Bloomberg, Chairman, can be reached at [email protected], and Bob Ladendorf, Editor, at [email protected].

Reprint Policy

Unless otherwise stated, other skeptic organizations are granted permission to reprint articles from The REALL News, provided proper credit is given. REALL also requests that any organization reprinting their articles send copies of their newsletters to the above address.

Disclaimer on Views

The views expressed in the articles are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views of REALL.

A Nod to Our Patrons

REALL expresses its gratitude to its patron members, whose generosity helps the organization continue to grow as a force for critical thinking. Patron members are defined as those giving $50 or more. The newsletter lists the following patron members:

• David Bloomberg, Springfield
• Rev. Charles Hanson, Springfield
• Alan Burge, D.D.S., Morton
• Bob Ladendorf, Springfield
• David Brown, Danville
• Wally Hartshorn, Springfield
• William Day, Springfield
• John Lockard, Jr., Urbana
• David Gehrig, Springfield
• Edward Staehlin, Park Forest

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary themes evident in this issue are organizational transparency, community support, and the promotion of skepticism and critical thinking. REALL positions itself as a facilitator of critical thought in its region. The editorial stance appears to be one of open communication regarding its structure and supporters, while maintaining a clear distinction between individual author opinions and the organization's official views.