Re : Psychic Parasites (from Issue #8)
(Note : we had debated running these letters, but thought the Teeming Millions should be aware exactly what we're fighting against.)
From : Anonymous
I've just read your article, and I agree that these people should not gain money off of the Sept. 11th attacks. In fact I have read these "psychic's" books, and have questioned their "beliefs" and even laughed out loud at times. However, if it is helping these people deal with their grief, fears, and questions, who are you to judge? These poeple want to hear that their family members are o.k. Remember, most of them GO to the "psychic." The psychic doesn't walk up to their door(although if they were real "psychic mediums" they would know who to go up to). Let these people find their peace, even if YOU disagree with it. Yes, those people who are disgustingly taking money ARE parasites, but you are not helping matters either. Although your comments are aimed at the psychics, they hit home with the poeple who went in the first place. And truth be told, theses people will go to psychics, churches, cults, anything until they hear the message they want to hear. I have seen it many times. I would rather have them go to a money grubbing parasite than some cult or false religion that may forever change their lives! And be truthful--Wouldn't you?
DavidB replies :
Well, Anonymous (if that IS your real name), where should I begin? You have already stated that the “psychics” should not be making money off of the attacks, yet you then turn around and ask who I am to judge. You create a false dichotomy saying that people will either turn to these parasites or to cults. Why not competent grief therapists? Or licensed psychologists and psychiatrists who can guide people through these difficult times? Did all of them suddenly disappear?
It doesn’t “help” a person to believe in this brand of nonsense. What it really does more than anything is set them up to be defrauded yet again – maybe by the same “psychic,” maybe by one even LESS principled. And let’s face it, “defrauded” is indeed the correct term here. There are laws against charging for a service that is not provided – and that’s exactly what these parasites do.
Now even if they did it for free, would I still object? Yes. For one, as already noted, it makes the subject more inclined to believe in all sorts of nonsense. For another, I just really have a problem with people making wild claims they can’t (or won’t) back up. Indeed, that’s one reason The Straight Dope is here – to fight against such ignorance. And attitudes of “who are you to judge?” is one reason why it’s taking longer than we thought.
From Jose
Dammm you are sooooo small minded....its pathetic and funny! Just because someone is pyschic doesn't mean they know everything and hey buddy there human like you and me! Only person who knows all is GOD and he never makes mistakes. Think about it if they didnt make mistakes like they did and we lived in a world in which people didnt make people like yourself skpetical you would be out of job and less of a purpose. Look at the big picture...so what if she makes money, if your good at something (and your not better at anything else) and God gave it to you. Make the best of it, we all have the freedom to do what we want but tell me this...every one that you critisized has made more positive things than you can point out in any article or interview, facts whatever. Because there main purpose is to help and touch people and nobody is perfect. I doubt them sometimes or all the time but thats good to ask questions because it means Im expressing my freedom and mind but keep in mind that at the same time there doing positive things on earth. Unlike those like that tarot card reader Miss Cleo who if you havent noticed has to go to court for ripping people off and some people never even called her number. Now thats Low Down. You should put your energy on people you hurt people and only care about the money and sell themselves out short. All I ask keep an open mind and look at the big picture on both sides. PEACE
DavidB replies :
Wow. Normally I would edit such letters, but I really think the reader needed to see this one as it came in. This is what we deal with here at The Straight Dope. Yeesh.
If I were to have a chance to talk to Jose here, I would ask where all the evidence for these “positive things” the parasites have done is hiding – because it certainly isn’t available for anybody to see. Contrary to his claims, I do keep an open mind and look at the big picture. However, I use EVIDENCE to look at this picture, and all of the evidence points to these people being parasites and not having the powers they proclaim for themselves. But notice how Jose doesn’t point to any actual evidence. In fact, although I listed numerous points of evidence in my article, those were ignored; he just rants on about how they aren’t perfect. That’s a convenient excuse, I’ll grant that, but an excuse is all it is. In fact, I would actually turn it around: they ARE perfect – perfectly wrong.
As for Jose’s statement that if these folks were perfect I’d be out of a job, well, let me tell you, this is one “job” I’d be thrilled to be out of. But so far it hasn’t happened. And I will give my own prediction here: It won’t happen within my lifetime.
And lastly, from Angie
I think it is great that you are voicing your opinion, but don't you think that you are being kinda rude? These people with the beautiful gift of being able to let us as humans know that there is an afterlife, have to be criticized by people like you. Obviously they do have these abilities or you would have never even heard of them and they would not even be on tv at all. People aren't dumb and they're not going to fall for something that is not real. As far as people who go for these readings, how are they getting anything but inspiration and the strength to move on after a loved ones death? Just because none of them predicted 9/11 doesn't mean that they are worthless as you make it sound. Obviously it was something that God chose for them not to know about, along with the rest of the world. It was obviously a major wakeup call for everyone and brought America closer together, so some good did come out of it despite how terrible of an act it was. You can't expect people to be miracle workers. But obviously they are a lot better at heart than you since they have made it to the top and are only helping others deal with loss and grief. While you were sitting at your computer writting a probably 4 page essay complaining about someone elses gift, they are out there making a difference. Everyone has their own gifts and talents, including you. Get out and use them instead of sitting there putting others talents down just because you aren't as good as theirs. I mean is that honestly getting you anywhere? I'm not trying to be rude, I just don't see where people like you get the hate in their hearts for others, especially when they have never even opened up their minds to the new things that they can learn from others. I guarantee if you sat down with with any of the people who you have just criticized, they would teach you a lifes lesson you would never forget. Just thought I would give you an opinion of my own, thanks for your time.
Angie,16,Ohio
Eutychus replies :
Apparently we still have a lot of work to do.