REALL News - Vol 09 No 12 - 2001

Magazine Overview

The REALL News, Volume 9, Number 12, published in December 2001 by the Rational Examination Association of Lincoln Land, is an educational and scientific newsletter dedicated to rational thinking and the scientific method. This issue features articles on "Anthrax Quackery" and "Psychics and the Government."

Anthrax Quackery

This article by Daniel R. Barnett addresses the surge in questionable remedies promoted for anthrax following the September 11, 2001 attacks. It highlights "colloidal silver" as a prominent example, describing it as a solution of silver particles in demineralized water. While silver has historical uses, the article states that modern medical science has not corroborated claims of its effectiveness against anthrax. A search on MEDLINE yielded no medical journal articles supporting these claims. The FDA had previously declared OTC colloidal silver products for drug use as misbranded. Despite this, the sale of colloidal silver and generators for home use continues, with some local officials, like the mayor of Howey-in-the-Hills, Florida, even considering town-wide use.

The article also critiques other "bogus anthrax remedies" found online, including homeopathic treatments like "Anthracinum" from Rite Care Pharmacy. It explains the process of homeopathic dilution, questioning the presence of any active substance in highly diluted remedies. Furthermore, it discusses the promotion of "essential oils" by sites like The FadaleGroup, which claim these oils can terminate microorganisms, including anthrax bacillus. The author expresses skepticism about these claims, noting that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention still advocates for antibiotics.

A section on "A Word about Anthrax and Antibiotics" emphasizes that while antibiotics like Cipro can treat anthrax, their misuse as unwarranted prophylaxis constitutes quackery. It stresses the importance of consulting a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment, warning against self-medication and the development of antibiotic resistance. The article also points out that even effective antibiotics can have side effects and should be used judiciously, citing Cipro's potential for joint damage in individuals under 18.

Psychics and the Government

This section, written by David Bloomberg, addresses the US government's historical involvement in researching psychic phenomena, particularly "remote viewing," for military and intelligence purposes. The research, primarily conducted at the Stanford Research Institute (SRI) in Palo Alto, involved significant funding (approximately $20 million) from the CIA and Pentagon over two decades.

The article recounts how the CIA commissioned two reviewers: Ray Hyman, a skeptic, and Jessica Utts, an advocate of parapsychology. Their evaluations differed, with Utts finding a "statistically robust effect" while Hyman concluded there was "no evidence these people have done anything helpful for the government." The article scrutinizes Utts's claim of 15% accuracy, deeming it insufficient and highlighting an 85% failure rate. It also points out methodological flaws in the studies, such as the lack of independent judges and peer review, suggesting that apparent successes might be due to subjective scoring or chance.

The article explores the reasons why police departments might continue to use psychics, suggesting it's often due to a lack of basic evidence collection knowledge, the psychics' marketing abilities, or pressure from families. It notes that psychics often provide free advertising through media coverage, which they can leverage for paid services. The piece also categorizes common psychic prediction techniques, including general statements, self-fulfilling prophecies, wild guesses, and unverifiable statements, arguing that these methods lack objective scientific basis.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently promotes a skeptical and evidence-based approach to claims of paranormal phenomena and alternative medicine. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of scientific rigor, critical thinking, and the rejection of unsubstantiated claims, particularly those that prey on public fear, such as anthrax quackery. The publication advocates for relying on established medical practices and scientific consensus over unproven remedies and psychic abilities. The overarching theme is the defense of rational inquiry against misinformation and pseudoscience. The REALL News aims to educate its readers and encourage a discerning approach to extraordinary claims.