REALL News - Vol 08 No 04

Magazine Overview

The REALL News, Volume 8, Number 4, published in April 2000, is the official newsletter of the Rational Examination Association of Lincoln Land (REALL). The publication is dedicated to promoting rational thinking and the scientific method in examining paranormal and fringe-science phenomena, with a primary geographic focus on central Illinois.

Africa's Curse: Magical Beliefs by Richard Petraitis

This feature article explores the persistent and often destructive influence of magical beliefs, sorcery, and witchcraft across the African continent. The author details numerous historical and contemporary examples where these beliefs have led to violence, mass hysteria, and significant loss of life.

Early 20th Century Conflicts

The article begins by recounting a 1996 incident in the Ivory Coast where mass hysteria resulted in the murder of fourteen suspected sorcerers, driven by fears of stolen genitalia. It then delves into the 1904-1905 Maji-Maji rebellion in German East Africa, where over 120,000 believers were killed due to their faith in magical medicine against German rifles. Similarly, the 1947 Revolt of the Spears in Madagascar, instigated by sorcerers promising magical protection, led to the deaths of nearly 11,000 rebels.

Post-Colonial Exploitation and Violence

Petraitis highlights how colonial governments struggled to eradicate these deep-rooted beliefs. Following European exodus, magical thinking fueled revolutionary violence. The article cites the case of Alice Lenshina in Northern Rhodesia (1962), a Voudon priestess who claimed divine resurrection and led her followers, promised immunity from bullets, into clashes with the army, resulting in hundreds of deaths. The article also discusses Francisco Nguema, a dictator in Equatorial Guinea during the 1970s, who used sorcerers and propaganda to maintain power, leading to tens of thousands of executions.

Continued Havoc in the Late 20th Century

The piece details the conflict in Mozambique, where both the Frelimo and Renamo forces employed magic and healers, contributing to a war that cost nearly a million lives. It notes the Frelimo government's attempts to counter magical beliefs through re-education camps, which proved largely unsuccessful. The article then turns to Uganda in 1987, where Alice Lakwena, a self-proclaimed prophetess, led a rebellion with 'Holy Spirit warriors' armed with fetishes and believing in magical protection, resulting in thousands of deaths. The late 20th century also saw a resurgence of witch purges, with over 400 people killed in South Africa between 1984 and 1994, and hundreds more lynched in Kenya and the Congo. The author expresses pessimism about Africa's future, citing the continued prevalence of irrationality and violence, including recent incidents of witch burnings.

Scientific Skepticism and Rationality

In contrast to the focus on Africa, other sections of the magazine address issues of science, pseudoscience, and rationality.

#### REALLity Check by David Bloomberg

This column covers several topics:

• A Shot in the Dark: The author discusses the anti-vaccination movement, citing a Scientific American report on measles cases in Holland. He criticizes unfounded fears about vaccines causing various ailments and highlights the logical fallacy of correlation not equaling causation, drawing parallels to the silicone breast implant controversy.
• Not So Healthy, Part 2: This section examines the dangers of dietary supplements and alternative medicine. It references research showing that herbs like St. John's wort and Ginkgo biloba can interfere with prescription drugs and cause adverse effects. The article also notes contamination issues with Asian herbals and concerns about comfrey's potential liver damage. It further discusses anesthesiologists' worries about patients using herbs and research suggesting that high doses of vitamin C may accelerate artery clogging.
• When Phone Psychics Just Aren't Enough: The launch of a new 'See & Hear Psychic Service' by NewAgeCities.com is criticized for capitalizing on demand for paranormal services, with the company anticipating millions in revenue.
• Silicone Safety: A New England Journal of Medicine analysis is cited, reaffirming that silicone breast implants are safe and that the controversy was a symbol of 'junk science' based on anecdotes rather than systematic studies. The article also advocates for impartial scientific panels to resolve disputes in legal cases.
• Local Alternative Medicine: Tony Cappasso's articles on alternative medicine are discussed, noting that while some doctors find common ground, many 'alternative' practices lack scientific backing. The piece highlights skepticism towards chiropractic claims of curing a wide range of illnesses and concerns about 'neutraceuticals' like HeartBar.
• "NewsChannel"?: The author expresses disappointment with a local news series on Feng Shui, which he felt promoted the practice without addressing its lack of scientific basis or the numerous problems associated with it.

#### It's a very dangerous thing...

This short section references an article in Nature (3/16) discussing the persistence of scientists who deny the link between HIV and AIDS. It criticizes the South African government's engagement with such figures, particularly President Thabo Mbeki's reliance on David Rasnick and the health minister's reluctance to endorse antiretroviral drugs, arguing that this approach endangers public health.

From the Chairman (David Bloomberg)

David Bloomberg's column previews an upcoming meeting featuring Professor Malcolm Levin, who will discuss the differences between science and religion, specifically examining whether Darwin's evolutionary theories meet the tests of good science. Bloomberg provides Professor Levin's academic background, highlighting his extensive experience in biology and environmental studies.

From the Editor (Wally Hartshorn)

Wally Hartshorn's editorial reflects on the April Fools' Day theme, noting that the magazine is generally serious. He mentions that the issue contains an untrue statement for readers to identify. Hartshorn also introduces Richard Petraitis's article on African magical beliefs and David Bloomberg's 'REALLity Check' column, promising more content for the next issue.

Our Next Meeting

An announcement for the upcoming meeting on Tuesday, April 4, at 7:00 PM at the Lincoln Library in Springfield, Illinois. Professor Malcolm Levin will present on "Teaching the Differences Between Science and Religion: Creationism and Evolutionary Theory," exploring whether evolutionary theories are good science.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The REALL News consistently advocates for scientific reasoning, critical thinking, and the application of the scientific method. The publication is highly skeptical of paranormal claims, pseudoscience, and unsubstantiated beliefs, particularly those that lead to harmful consequences, as exemplified by the extensive coverage of magical beliefs in Africa and the critique of alternative medicine and anti-vaccination movements. The editorial stance clearly favors evidence-based knowledge and rational inquiry over superstition and unproven claims.