REALL News - Vol 08 No 11

Magazine Overview

Title: The REALL News
Issue Date: November 2000
Publisher: Rational Examination Association of Lincoln Land (REALL)
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of The REALL News, the official newsletter of the Rational Examination Association of Lincoln Land, focuses on a range of topics from the persistence of superstition in India to the effectiveness of skepticism and scientific inquiry in the modern world.

Witch Burning and Human Sacrifice in India by Richard Petraitis

The lead article by Richard Petraitis details the disturbing reality of superstition in India, where witch burnings and human sacrifices, particularly of children, remain prevalent. Despite India's independence and technological advancements, ancient beliefs and the influence of tantric priests (shamans) continue to exact a heavy toll. The article highlights incidents of women and children being targeted, with thousands killed in states like Bihar due to accusations of witchcraft. It notes that tantric priests often instigate these acts for personal gain, charging fees for summoning otherworldly agents. The piece also touches upon the societal clout of these magic practitioners and the dangers they pose to both their clients and themselves. The article mentions the historical Thuggee sect and contrasts the current situation with the end of British colonial rule, suggesting an anti-Western backlash has fueled a resurgence of ancient superstitions. Police reports from 1998 indicate nine children were sacrificed, and worshippers engage in mutilation rituals. The article criticizes potential under-reporting by police and instances where legal repercussions are minimal, citing a case where child murderers escaped the death penalty. It concludes by emphasizing the ongoing battle against irrationality in India, noting that it will likely take generations to overcome, and highlights the efforts of the Indian Rationalist Association in examining alleged witchcraft victims and demonstrating the power of rational explanation.

From the Chairman: David Bloomberg

David Bloomberg, Chairman of REALL, discusses the upcoming monthly meeting, which coincides with election day. He encourages members to attend for a roundtable discussion on REALL-related issues and other topics, emphasizing that the focus is not solely on paranormal claims but also on broader discussions. He also invites members to volunteer or share their expertise, either by speaking at meetings or writing articles for the newsletter. Bloomberg also promotes the REALL e-mail list as a low-traffic communication channel for members.

From the Editor: Wally Hartshorn

Editor Wally Hartshorn offers a brief note of thanks to Bob and Jean Ladendorf and David and Sharri Bloomberg for their donations to REALL in honor of his recent marriage.

Book Recommendations by David Bloomberg

• David Bloomberg reviews several books:
• The Mysteries Within: A Surgeon Reflects on Medical Myths by Sherwin B. Nuland: Praised for its exploration of how superstition and medicine evolved, highlighting the importance of admitting when knowledge is lacking and critiquing alternative medicine's reliance on magical practices.
• Here Be Dragons: The Scientific Quest for Extraterrestrial Life by David Koerner and Simon LeVay: An overview of the scientific pursuit of alien life, covering its origins, evolution, detection, and the various fields involved. It's recommended for those new to the subject.

Local Skeptics Can Make a Difference by Ben Radford

Ben Radford, Managing Editor of Skeptical Inquirer, encourages individuals to contribute to grassroots skepticism by writing reviews of pro-paranormal books on online bookseller sites like Amazon.com. He argues that while organizations like CSICOP do important work, individual reviews can significantly influence potential buyers by offering a skeptical counterpoint to often-unquestioned positive ratings.

REALLity Check by David Bloomberg

• This section covers several topics:
• Not So Healthy, the Continuing Saga: Discusses recent news about the potential downsides of herbs and supplements. Vitamin C might act as an oxidizing substance in smokers, and some herbs like St. John's wort can interfere with chemotherapy, cause transplant rejection, and affect drug concentrations. Other concerns include lead poisoning from herbal vitamins and the potential for ispaghula husk to increase the risk of colon cancer. The article notes that the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine will fund research into these interactions.
• Illinois Below C Level on Evolution: Reports on a Fordham Foundation study ranking states on their teaching of evolution. Illinois received a D, with the article attributing this to pressure from conservative Christian groups seeking to remove the word 'evolution' from science standards. REALL members had previously advocated for its inclusion.
• Will They Ever Learn? Details a case in Darien, Illinois, where police used a psychic, Carol Pate, to find a missing woman. The article is critical, suggesting Pate's information was likely cold reading and that psychics have historically failed to provide useful evidence in missing persons cases, citing statistics from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
• Subliminal Ads in the News: Examines the controversy surrounding an alleged subliminal message in a Republican TV commercial. The article debunks the effectiveness of subliminal advertising, citing James Vicary's admission that his famous 'Eat Popcorn, Drink Coca-Cola' study was fabricated for marketing purposes. It notes that the FCC banned subliminal ads in 1974 despite a lack of evidence. The piece concludes that the myth persists because people enjoy believing in such phenomena, comparing it to belief in Sasquatch or aliens.

Our Next Meeting

REALL's next meeting is scheduled for Election Day, November 7, at the Lincoln Library in Springfield, Illinois. It will feature a roundtable discussion on topics of interest to members, with door prizes including issues of Skeptical Inquirer.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The REALL News consistently promotes rational thinking, the scientific method, and critical inquiry. The publication actively debunks pseudoscience, highlights the dangers of superstition and unsubstantiated claims, and encourages evidence-based reasoning. The editorial stance is clearly skeptical, advocating for a critical examination of paranormal claims, alternative medicine, and societal beliefs that lack empirical support. The newsletter also serves as a platform for disseminating information within the skeptical community and fostering discussion among its members.