Shadow of a Doubt - 2000 09

Magazine Overview

Title: Shadow of A Doubt
Issue: SEPTEMBER 2000
Publisher: National Capital Area Skeptics
Date: September 2000

This issue of "Shadow of A Doubt," the monthly calendar of the National Capital Area Skeptics, focuses on various topics related to skepticism, critical thinking, and debunking pseudoscience, alongside event announcements for the organization.

Featured Article: Carol Diament on False Memory Recovery Therapy

The cover story features Carol Diament discussing her forthcoming book, "In the Counsel of the Wicked." Diament recounts her personal story about the dark side of false memory recovery therapy. In 1989, she entered therapy with two licensed therapists hoping to save her marriage, but instead found herself in what she describes as a "psychotherapy cult" known as "The Network." She details how the therapy, initially calculated to bring positive results, evolved into a manipulative process. She was encouraged to cut off contact with family and friends deemed "toxic." By the third year, her children also began treatment. When she expressed a desire to end therapy in the fourth year, she was told she was not finished and faced a campaign to undermine her mental health. She was expelled from "The Network," ordered to leave her home, husband, and children, and subsequently committed herself to a psychiatric hospital 2000 miles away. After two years of recovery with legitimate practitioners, she began a legal battle in 1996 to regain custody of her children, who she claims were "stolen" from her by the cult therapists. She describes a "bitter female judge" who suspended her visitation rights, ignoring Supreme Court law. Diament expresses hope that her book will help her children understand how their family was torn apart, warning that "Anyone, anywhere can be the victim of gross manipulation if they are in the wrong place at the wrong time."

An event is announced for Saturday, September 16, from 2 pm to 3:30 pm at the Bethesda Public Library, featuring Carol Diament's discussion. The event is part of the National Capital Area Skeptics Public Lecture Series and is free for all.

Skeptical Society Events and Announcements

Denying History Lecture: Michael Shermer, head of the Skeptics Society, is scheduled to speak at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in D.C. on Sunday, September 10, 2000, at 3 pm. His talk will be about his new book, "Denying History," which examines why individuals deny the Holocaust. The event will be taped by C-SPAN. Information regarding general public access is pending. Following the presentation, Shermer will join fellow NCAS members for an informal dinner.

Skeptical Licenses: An NCAS member moving to Florida is offering their Virginia license plate titled "SKEPTIC" to any local member interested. Interested parties are asked to email [email protected] to arrange the swap, which would involve paying swap fees and potentially logging time at the DMV.

Unusual Suspects: An article by Jeff Bagato from the Washington Post WEEKEND supplement (September 1, 2000) is highlighted for local skeptics. The article lists 25 "magical journeys and visions" in Washington, with specific items of interest including the Alexandria Ghost and Graveyard Tour, Exorcist Stairs, the National Cryptologic Museum, the National Museum of Health and Medicine, and a Psychic's Tour of Washington. A link to the original article is provided.

Inherit the Wind Play: The play "Inherit the Wind," which documents the 1925 Scopes trial concerning the teaching of evolution, will be performed at Ford's Theater from September 26 to November 6. NCAS is considering organizing a group outing if there is sufficient interest.

Membership and Contact Information

Time to Renew?: Members are reminded to check their mailing labels for renewal dates. A one-year renewal costs $20 for an individual or $30 for a two-member household. Renewals should be sent to the NCAS address provided. Failure to renew may result in membership being terminated.

The National Capital Area Skeptics' address is P.O. Box 8428, Silver Spring, Maryland 20907. Contact information includes a telephone number (301-587-3827), an email address ([email protected]), and a specific email for "Skeptical Eye" submissions ([email protected]). Their website is www.ncas.org.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around critical examination of controversial therapies and historical claims, promoting skepticism towards paranormal phenomena and pseudoscientific beliefs. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of rational inquiry, evidence-based reasoning, and debunking misinformation, as evidenced by the focus on false memory syndrome, Holocaust denial, and the promotion of skeptical viewpoints through lectures and publications. The organization actively encourages its members to engage with skeptical content and participate in related events.