To the State Journal-Register
about Psychic Greta Alexander

David Bloomberg
P.O. Box 20302
Springfield, IL 62708

November 2, 1994

The State Journal-Register
One Copley Plaza
Springfield, IL 62705

To the Editor:

With election time here, many people are making decisions about which candidates they want to support. One factor which should not be overlooked is the ability of a candidate to think rationally.

Unfortunately, it appears that one of the candidates for State Senate, Ellen Schanzle-Haskins, does not meet the necessary criteria in this regard. Schanzle-Haskins sent out invitations to a fund-raiser at which local "psychic" Greta Alexander was the featured speaker (she was referred to by the more impressive title of "Noted Parapsychologist" in the invitation). The front of the invitation said "A Prediction Has Been Made That Ellen Schanzle-Haskins Will Be Our Next State Senator," and the inside was bordered with astrological symbols.

Sunday, I had an opportunity to talk to Schanzle-Haskins, and I asked her if Alexander had actually predicted that she would win. She said that Alexander doesn't work that way (by giving a specific win/lose prediction) but "saw" Schanzle-Haskins on a stage with many people shaking her hand and applauding.

This is a trivial prediction, at best. Even the loser ends up giving a concession speech from a stage to an applauding crowd and getting numerous handshakes. Essentially, Alexander told Schanzle-Haskins the obvious, yet Schanzle-Haskins still supports Alexander and featured her at a fund-raiser. This is a perfect example of the lack of rational thinking I mentioned above.

As a scientific and educational organization, REALL does not take stances on specific political issues. However, we are dedicated to the development of rational thinking and the application of the scientific method toward claims of paranormal and fringe-science phenomena. When a candidate for office takes a position which runs counter to this goal, we will call them on it.

David Bloomberg, Chairman
Rational Examination
Association of Lincoln Land

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