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Approved For Release 2001/04/02 : CIA-RDP96-00789R001001420001-3 very real paranormal events. The scientific community needs proof based on logical, analytical and quantitative analysis. Such scientific approaches to psychic research always leave room for skeptics to question the validity of conclusions. Yet, as someone once succinctly noted, “Just because it can’t be proven doesn’t mean it isn’t so." Croesus was convinced! He didn’t let lack of understanding prevent him from taking advantage of the capability. This highly skeptical Western attitude has greatly — Cad affected research efforts. Western researchers credibility is jeopardized because of the spiritual undertones associated with psychics. Jack Anderson’s 1981 columns on “yoodoo warfare" clearly demonstrated a cynical attitude by labeling such research as crazy. But in response to his columns, letters poured in from the general populace supporting the research (33: xix). Through greater public awareness, by 1984 even Jack Anderson was changing his tune. But there are legitimate laboratory projects that may eventually unlock the mysteries of the human mind. One of the most promising is the testing of “remote viewing"--the claimed ability of some psychics to describe scenes thousands of miles away (7:B14). Much of the skepticism and cynicism is generated from within the scientific community itself. In Ronald McRae’s 1984 book, Mind Wars, the author describes several examples of the scientific communities inability to deal with the unknown--and how in our society Approved For Release 2001/04/02 : CIA-RDP96-00789R001001420001-3 9