David Bloomberg
P.O. Box 20302
Springfield, IL 62708
May 23, 1994
The State Journal-Register
One Copley Plaza
Springfield, IL 62705
To the Editor:
I would like to take this opportunity to applaud the two recent editorials you have had on "repressed memories" (April 18, May 19). You brought up a number of good points which, until recently, have not been present in the general media.
Many groups dedicated to critical thinking, such as the Rational Examination Association of Lincoln Land (REALL) here in town and a number of others nationwide, have been discussing the problems with "repressed memories" and the methodologies used to "recover" them for several years. We are happy to see the general public and media tackling this controversial subject and pointing out the glaring errors which occur in far too many cases.
Childhood sexual abuse is not a matter to be taken lightly, and it is not easy for a major news organization to stand up and risk being called "insensitive" to those who really have been abused. But innocent lives are being destroyed by false accusations made by people who honestly believe they have been abused, due to the faulty methods used by their therapists.
We, as a society, cannot afford to be "prone to pop psychology and pseudoscience." In order to balance the needs of those who truly have been abused and the needs of those who are being falsely accused, we must critically examine the methods used and the standards of evidence to be as certain as possible that we are punishing the guilty, not the innocent.
If anybody would like more information on "repressed memories" or related topics, they can contact REALL at P.O. Box 20302, Springfield, IL 62708.
David Bloomberg, Chairman
Rational Examination
Association of Lincoln Land
