Is AIR Dodging the Issues?
ARMEN VICTORIAN
MAY 1996
Since the publication of American Institute of Research report on the subject of Remote Viewing a great deal of debate has taken place concerning its validity, objectivity, and textual accuracy. Puthoff, Targ and May published their viewpoints in the latest issue of Journal of Scientific Exploration, expressing their concerns about AIR report.
In his JSE article Edwin May in particular raised some serious points concerning the textual contents of the AIR report.
For the first time perhaps, voices heard seem to be unanimous, that the conclusions made in that report were mainly politically motivated. Even some hard-line skeptics seem to air the same notation - amongst them Marcello Truzzi - who was once called upon by the Navy years back to say what he thinks about all these, believes that this time AIR has gone too far, and that the so called findings were fabricated to satisfy the official political appetite, anticipated from the AIR.
On April 19, 1996, I wrote the following letter to David Goslin, AIR President, which its publication here, I believe would be conducive to some healthy debate;
"After careful analytical study and examination of your report, and cross examining it with recent articles published by some of the main, and active proponents of the program, there are a number of points, which are not directly related to the text-examination of your report, but rather they are related to the path leading to the compilation of this report. Others, e.g. Edwin May, have already raided questions relevant to the text formulation of your report. I would be grateful as a fellow research colleague if you would care to pass some comments, in an effort to clarity some grey areas, as yet untouched by the scientific proponents of the RV program.
"1. Could you please let me know whether the DCI was aware of this decision to commission AIR to compile this report?
"2. Did you have any verbal or written instruction, guideline, gesture, or directive, directly or indirectly to propose Dr. Hyman, or Dr. Utts as the experts, or express preference to their assignment amongst a list given/suggested to you (verbally, or otherwise)?
"3. If so, where did this come from?
"4. If not, could you please comment on whose decision it was to assign the above individuals, and how was this decision made, and what were the criteria and reasons?
"5. Was there any direct or indirect interaction throughout the process of compiling this report, as interim steps, with the CIA and if so what was the nature of these interactions, and how did this influence your decision in putting together the final text?
"6. Were/was there any previous texts (drafts), prior to formulation of the final text, and if so how many, and how often it was changed?
"7. How was/were they changed, and what was/were the reasons/s for the alterations/s?
"8. Was/were any of the previous texts copies (drafts) sent to the CIA or any other intelligence, or government component for sounding or feedback under any title, if so why?
"9. Did you have any exchange of opinions, or consultation with any other government research contractor/s, or relevant members other than those directly involved in the program, if so why?
"10. If 8 and 9 took place, are you aware if the DCI, or any NSC members were consulted about their contents by the recipients of these draft copies?
"11. If so, was/were there any instruction/s which were passed to you through the ranking chain?
"12. Did you have any meetings with the CIA, or DIA officers in charge throughout the compilation of the report, in an effort to brief them concerning the nature of the progress made, and any recommendations that you or they would like to make in due course?
"13. Was there any time limit imposed upon you by the CIA, as deadline, or you were told the sooner this is done the better, or words to that effect?
"14. Were you under any pressure by the CIA, or others, other than the terms of the contract?
"15. Why did you accept this contract? Was it purely for financial reasons, >or there were/are others, could you comment please?
"16 Or, was this contract imposed on you for other reasons?
"17. Were there any preconditions concerning acceptability/non-acceptability of your findings, or the report?"
On April 26, 1996, I received the following letter from David Goslin, the AIR's President, which its contents raise more questions than answering to any of my initial questions.
"In response to your letter of April 19, 1996, regarding our report to the Central Intelligence Agency on the topic of remote viewing, I find your questions to be insulting.
"The American Institute for Research is an independent, not-for-profit research organization founded in 1946 to conduct behavioral and social science research. Throughout our history we have maintained the highest standard of integrity and scientific objectivity in all our work. I can assure you that these standards were maintained in the remote viewing project."
In response to Goslin's letter, I provide the following;
1. The issues raised in my letter did not question the integrity, or non-integrity of the AIR.
2. Although, it is expected that an institution with integrity, as David Goslin suggest AIR to be one, in an effort to consolidate that respect would be open and forthcoming to research inquiries concerning its undertaken research findings, e.g. RV Report.
3. Goslin's response is a clear reminiscence of an old party line, circular response; - Take it from us we are good, we know what we are doing, and you just have to believe us.
4. Based on Goslin's own definition of AIR's expertise; behavioral and social science research - AIR could not be considered a qualified institution to conduct and compile reports on this topic. Yesterday's butcher - today's baker.
Until such time when AIR is prepared to admit and recognize its responsibilities towards free academic principles, face the realities therein, and answer peer's inquiries, despite its proclamations to sense of belonging and adhering to such values, Goslin's claims would be nothing more than perhaps hot AIR.
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