REALL News - Vol 10 No 03 - 2002

Magazine Overview

Title: The REALL News
Issue: Volume 10, Number 3
Date: March 2002
Publisher: The Rational Examination Association of Lincoln Land (REALL)
Focus: This issue of The REALL News, a newsletter dedicated to rational thinking and scientific inquiry into paranormal phenomena, features two main articles: 'Probing Exosemination' by Martin S. Kottmeyer, which delves into the controversial topic of sperm collection in UFO abductions, and 'Creationists Admit to Incorrect Arguments, But...' by David Bloomberg, which critiques the creationist group 'Answers in Genesis.'

Probing Exosemination by Martin S. Kottmeyer

This article examines the concept of 'exosemination'—the extraction of sperm from humans by alleged alien abductors—with a particular focus on the Barney Hill abduction case. Kottmeyer begins by recounting how he learned of a detail from Walter Webb's 1965 report on the Hill case, a detail that was deemed too sensitive for the 1966 book 'The Interrupted Journey.' This detail involved Barney Hill's claim, made under hypnosis, that a cup-like device was used to withdraw a sperm specimen.

Kottmeyer notes that while 'The Interrupted Journey' mentioned a cup being placed over the groin, the specific nature of the extraction was omitted. He addresses Terry Matheson's skepticism regarding the source of this claim, but asserts that Webb's report confirms Barney's account. The author then quotes Webb's report, which also mentions a cylindrical object inserted into Barney's rectum, from which something was believed to be extracted.

The article draws a parallel between this alleged alien procedure and the 'electro-ejaculation' method used in cattle insemination, where an electrical probe is inserted into a bull's rectum to induce sperm release. Kottmeyer suggests that if aliens are indeed collecting genetic material, electro-ejaculation would be the most efficient and logical method, requiring no subtle knowledge of human sexuality or consent.

However, Kottmeyer points out a paradox: despite the apparent efficiency of electro-ejaculation, abduction literature is replete with accounts of aliens using far less sophisticated, often painful, and frequently unsuccessful methods. These include manual stimulation, suction devices, intercourse, and other varied techniques. He contrasts these with the more direct rectal probe method described in Webb's report, questioning why aliens would employ such diverse and often failing approaches if their goal was simply efficient sperm collection.

The author discusses various abduction cases and methods described by ufologists like Budd Hopkins, David Jacobs, and John Mack, highlighting the lack of a consistent or efficient procedure for sperm extraction. He notes that while rectal probes are common in abduction accounts, their purpose is often unclear, and they are sometimes described as involving the extraction of implants rather than sperm. The article also touches upon cases where women have reported rectal probes, suggesting that if the procedure were solely for exosemination, it might be applied differently.

Kottmeyer posits that the 'somehow' in Webb's report regarding sperm withdrawal could indicate either Webb's confusion or Barney's mind filling in details. He suggests that Barney's potential exposure to artificial breeding techniques through his uncle might have influenced his recall. Ultimately, Kottmeyer argues that if Barney's account of electro-ejaculation is accurate, it lends credibility to his experience, as it aligns with practical terrestrial methods. Conversely, if he did not have this in mind, it could be seen as a minus.

The article concludes by framing the issue as a paradox for the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis, questioning why aliens would use clumsy methods if they possessed advanced technology. He also notes that the historical context provided by Whitley Strieber's 'Communion' made the rectal probe notorious, but the connection to exosemination was not widely made until later.

Creationists Admit to Incorrect Arguments, But... by David Bloomberg

In this article, David Bloomberg, Chairman of REALL, reviews a website from 'Answers in Genesis' (AIG) that lists 35 anti-evolution arguments that creationists should stop using. Bloomberg expresses a wish that more creationists would admit their arguments are flawed. He notes that AIG states its primary authority is the Bible, indicating it is not a scientific organization.

Bloomberg highlights several arguments AIG admits are fallacious or doubtful, including the claim that 'Darwin recanted on his deathbed,' the argument about the thinness of moon dust, and the idea that 'no new species have been produced.' AIG explains that 'rapid speciation' is part of the creation model, referring to speciation 'within the kind.'

A significant point of contention for Bloomberg is AIG's discussion of 'added information.' While admitting that mutations do not increase genetic information, AIG claims that 'we have yet to find a mutation that increases genetic information.' Bloomberg finds this to be a new packaging of an old argument.

He also criticizes AIG for its misuse of out-of-context quotes, noting that while AIG admits to one such misuse (Darwin's quote about the eye), they continue to use many others. The article also points out that AIG advises against relying on Carl Baugh and mentions Kent Hovind as an example of someone who continues to do so.

In the 'doubtful' department, Bloomberg discusses AIG's advice on the argument 'Evolution is just a theory.' AIG suggests creationists should call evolution a 'hypothesis' or 'conjecture' instead of a 'theory,' which Bloomberg argues is incorrect, as evolution is a well-substantiated explanation of data.

Bloomberg is particularly critical of AIG's approach, stating that while they admit certain arguments are wrong, they often use the opportunity to direct people toward other incorrect creationist viewpoints rather than fully admitting error. He notes that AIG suggests creationists should avoid claims about 'no transitional forms' and instead point out only a handful of disputable possibilities, while still maintaining that there has never been an increase in genetic information.

REALL Organization and Meetings

The newsletter provides details about REALL, describing it as a non-profit, tax-exempt organization dedicated to rational thinking and scientific inquiry. It outlines membership rates and lists the Board of Directors and Editorial Board. Contact information for REALL, including a hotline, email addresses, and website, is provided.

David Bloomberg, in his 'From the Chairman' column, discusses the challenges of recruiting volunteers and contributors for the newsletter and meetings. He emphasizes the need for more active participation to prevent burnout and ensure the group's longevity, drawing parallels to other skeptical groups that have become inactive.

Information about upcoming REALL meetings is included: a roundtable discussion on Tuesday, March 5, 7:00 PM, at the Lincoln Library in Springfield, Illinois, and an April meeting on Tuesday, April 2, 7:00 PM, which will include elections.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The REALL News consistently promotes a skeptical and scientific approach to paranormal claims. The editorial stance is one of critical inquiry, emphasizing the importance of evidence, rational thinking, and the scientific method. The magazine actively debunks pseudoscience and challenges unsubstantiated claims, as demonstrated in both the 'Probing Exosemination' article and the critique of creationist arguments. The organization also encourages active participation from its members to foster a robust community of critical thinkers.