REALL News - Vol 13 No 02 - 2005

Magazine Overview

Title: The REALL News
Issue Date: March 2005
Volume: 13, Number 2
Publisher: The Rational Examination Association of Lincoln Land (REALL)
Content Focus: Skepticism, rational thinking, scientific method, analysis of claims related to the paranormal and fringe science, and identification of scams and hoaxes.

Thoughts on John Mark Henry's Talk by Clark Olson

This article reviews a talk given by John Mark Henry (JMH) at the Lincoln Library, titled “Intelligent Design (ID): A Scientific Alternative to evolution.” The author, Clark Olson, notes that the audience was large and appeared to be largely composed of church members or those interested in home schooling. Olson found JMH's talk to be disorganized and lacking in coherent arguments, describing it as "ID splashed on top of young earth creationism." He contrasts the talk's lack of intelligent design with its subject matter, ironically noting that the talk itself was not intelligently designed or organized.

Olson outlines four key aspects necessary for a discussion of evolution: 1) Time (the history of life on Earth, spanning billions of years), 2) Origin of life (a topic with no single accepted theory), 3) The fact of evolution (that all life is descended from previous organisms and species are not fixed), and 4) The theory of evolution (dealing with mechanisms like natural selection and genetic drift).

JMH's talk, according to Olson, failed to address the dimension of time, and JMH had previously expressed disbelief in radiometric dating without providing evidence. JMH's complaints about the origin of DNA, genetic code, and cells are seen as arguments from incredulity or "God of gaps" arguments, relying on faith in supernatural explanations rather than scientific ones. Olson questions how JMH could have rebutted evolution without addressing the evidence for it and criticizes the lack of explanation for how creation occurred, suggesting it implies a miraculous, instantaneous creation from non-living matter.

Olson also discusses JMH's views on mutation and genetic variability. While JMH accepts cyclic changes in Darwin's finches and antibiotic resistance in bacteria, he seems to dismiss mutation as a source of variability. This leads to a problem for special creation, as it would require the creation of many individuals for each species to account for genetic diversity. JMH's claim that bat fossils have not been found is also addressed, with Olson noting the difficulty of fossilizing delicate bones and suggesting that finding intermediate bat fossils would not necessarily convince JMH.

Olson points out that JMH cited proponents of Intelligent Design like M. Behe but failed to acknowledge the vast number of scientists who support evolution. He also notes JMH's use of rhetorical devices, such as quoting scientists out of context, to bolster his arguments. JMH's presentation focused on illustrations of design in cells and organisms, dismissing vestigial organs as evidence against evolution. Olson concludes that JMH's talk was unorganized, lacked a coherent theory, and relied on rhetorical devices rather than scientific explanation, ultimately seeming to be rooted in a Genesis-based creationist view.

From the Chairman by Wally Hartshorn

Wally Hartshorn, Chairman of REALL, expresses his frustration and depression after attending John Mark Henry's presentation. Hartshorn was surprised by JMH's strategy, which avoided typical Intelligent Design (ID) arguments like "irreducible complexity" and instead focused on analogies to portray scientists as ridiculous for accepting evolution. JMH's core argument was that scientists secretly know ID is true but maintain the fiction of evolution by constantly reminding themselves there is no Designer. Hartshorn found this approach difficult to counter because JMH presented little evidence to attack, relying instead on rhetoric that elicited chuckles from the audience.

Hartshorn notes that JMH's talk implied that scientists are afraid of ID, likening it to "forbidden fruit." He predicts that people will turn to figures like John Mark Henry and books like "Of Pandas and People" for their understanding of science, leading to the absorption of "bad science." Hartshorn suggests that instead of trying to keep ID out of classrooms, science educators should directly address evolution and ID in a manner that explains real science and debunks pseudoscience. He believes this approach, while potentially controversial, would be more effective than hoping the issue goes away.

Websites on Scams, Frauds, Hoaxes and Urban Legends by Lee Beneze

This article by Lee Beneze provides a survey of reputable websites that offer information on current scams, frauds, hoaxes, and urban legends. Beneze emphasizes that the Internet, while a source of information, has also become a new medium for con artists. The article highlights the speed at which scams operate and the need for timely information to combat them.

• Key websites recommended include:
• snopes.com: Described as one of the best and most entertaining sites, it provides debunking articles on urban legends, scams, and hoaxes, and is noted for its timeliness.
• US Department of Energy (DOE) - Computer Incident Advisory Capability: This site offers technical information on computer viruses.
• Hoaxbusters (www.hoaxbusters.ciac.org): An excellent source for information on phony internet giveaways, scam chain letters, and false computer virus warnings.
• Federal Trade Commission (www.ftc.gov): Provides information on a range of scams, including identity theft and telemarketing fraud.
• National Consumer Law Center (NCLC) (www.consumerlaw.org): Offers extensive information on all forms of consumer fraud.

The article also specifically discusses "phishing," a high-tech scam involving fake websites designed to mimic banks or credit card companies, used to steal passwords and account numbers. It mentions the "Nigerian 419 scam" as a classic example of a global scam that has defrauded millions. Websites like "www.antiphishing.org," "www.secretservice.gov/alert419," "www.scam419.com," and "www.419fraud.com" are recommended for information on this scam.

Finally, the AARP website (www.aarp.org/money/consumer protection) is recommended for information on consumer protection, including identity theft and home financing frauds.

Beneze concludes by cautioning that even seemingly helpful sites should be approached with skepticism, as con artists may pose as advocates for victims.

Owen Twiddle (Cartoon)

This issue includes a two-part cartoon titled "Owen Twiddle." The first part features a dialogue between "Professor" and "Clem" (Serious Soothsayer) about the existence of the Akashic Records and proof. The second part shows a similar dialogue about the existence of the Akashic Records and proof, with Clem claiming to know about "42 cents in Einstein's trouser pocket" as proof.

Our Next Meeting

The REALL Association's next meeting will feature discussions on "Piltdown Man, Vikings in America." Two programs from Nova are of interest: "The Boldest Hoax," which questions the creation and promotion of the Piltdown Man fossil, and "The Viking Deception," which examines the authenticity of the Vinland Map. The meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 1, at 7:00 PM at the Lincoln Library in Springfield, Illinois, and is free and open to the public.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The REALL News consistently promotes rational thinking, skepticism, and the application of the scientific method. The editorial stance is critical of pseudoscientific claims, particularly those related to Intelligent Design and creationism, as seen in the detailed critique of John Mark Henry's talk. The publication also actively works to inform its readers about prevalent scams and hoaxes, especially those found online, emphasizing the importance of critical evaluation of information. The association positions itself as an educational resource dedicated to combating misinformation and promoting a scientific understanding of the world.