Skeptical Eye - Vol 01 No 1 - 1987

Magazine Overview

This document is the first issue of the "Newsletter of the National Capital Area Skeptics, Inc.," dated May 1987. It serves as an introductory publication for a newly formed organization dedicated to the critical examination of paranormal and fringe science claims. The newsletter covers the formation of the organization, upcoming events, and reports on related conferences.

Formation of the National Capital Area Skeptics (NCAS)

The newsletter details the inaugural meeting of the National Capital Area Skeptics (NCAS) held on Sunday, March 29, 1987, at the Edmund Burke School in Washington, D.C. Over 100 enthusiastic individuals attended, with 1100 invited via a mailing list from the "Skeptical Inquirer." The group aims to share similar goals with the national body but will operate independently. The event was convened by Stanley K. Bigman (retired sociologist), Philip J. Klass (UFO expert and author), and Sean O'Neill (counseling psychologist). Funds were collected to cover startup expenses, totaling $500.50. An interim board was established, with Stanley K. Bigman elected president, Chip Denman as vice president, Jack Lass as corporate secretary, Susan Wells as corresponding secretary, and Grace Denman as treasurer. The board has since debated and passed bylaws, a dues structure ($20 for charter members, $30 for double memberships), and a statement of purpose. NCAS was incorporated as a non-profit educational organization in the District of Columbia in April. The organization plans to publish a newsletter and hold bimonthly meetings.

Upcoming Events

The first bimonthly meeting is scheduled for Sunday, June 7, from 2 to 4 PM in Bethesda, Maryland. The topic is "UFO Abductions: Fact or Fantasy?" The discussion will feature two internationally recognized UFOlogists: Dr. Bruce S. Maccabee, a physicist and chair of the Fund for UFO Research, and Philip J. Klass, a founding fellow of CSICOP and chair of its UFO subcommittee. The discussion will be moderated by James H. Sharp, Director of the Albert Einstein Planetarium at the National Air & Space Museum. Philip J. Klass will also reiterate his $10,000 challenge to anyone who can prove an extraterrestrial abduction.

CSICOP Conference Report

Chip Denman reports on the 1987 conference of the Committee for the Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal (CSICOP), held April 3-4 in Pasadena, California. The conference, themed "Controversies in Science and Fringe Science," drew a record 1200 attendees. Sessions covered the possibility of intelligent extraterrestrial life, with astronomers Frank Drake and Jill Tarter arguing for its likelihood, while Robert Rood presented a counter-argument. Another session focused on animal language claims, with linguist Thomas Sebeok expressing strong condemnation. The conference also addressed controversial medical practices, including chiropractic and holistic medicine, and included a debunking of spontaneous human combustion and an investigation into storefront psychics. The keynote address was given by Carl Sagan, who emphasized the importance of skeptical thinking in all aspects of life, including political and governmental arenas, citing the Strategic Defense Initiative as an example.

NCAS Committees and Media Watch

The newsletter outlines the committee structure of NCAS, which is organized to handle substantive areas like creationism, astrology, and fringe medicine, as well as organizational tasks such as producing the newsletter, conducting education in skepticism, and planning programs. Chairs for these committees have been selected on an interim basis. A "Media Watch" column is planned for each issue, encouraging members to submit clippings and material to Dan Knauf.

Membership Information

The newsletter includes a membership form for charter members, encouraging readers to join and support the organization's goals. The form details membership dues and provides contact information for membership and general correspondence.

Key Congressional Committee Chairs Meet with Uri Geller

An article reports on magician Uri Geller's meeting with key members of Congress on April 24. The meeting, attended by figures like Senator Claiborne Pell and Representative Dante Fascell, is discussed in the context of Pell's interest in psychic phenomena and the potential for government funding of psychic research. The article also references reports of the Department of Defense sponsoring research into paranormal abilities for military applications, driven by fears of Soviet advancements. It notes that a panel formed by the National Academy of Sciences is investigating these claims, highlighting NCAS's goal to challenge credulous acceptance of unsubstantiated claims.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The overarching theme of this inaugural issue is the promotion of skepticism and critical thinking in the face of paranormal and fringe science claims. The NCAS positions itself as a responsible, scientific organization dedicated to examining evidence objectively and disseminating factual information. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of scientific inquiry and against the uncritical acceptance of unsubstantiated or pseudoscientific assertions, particularly those that influence public policy or are presented as fact in the media.