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