Abduction Watch - No 19-20 1999

Magazine Overview

This issue of ABDUCTION WATCH, dated July 1999 (Issue 19/20), is titled 'DARK AGES' and focuses on critical analyses of abduction phenomena and related claims within ufology. The editor begins by apologizing for publication delays, mentioning the inclusion of analyses of claims like 'Alien Hair', 'alien skeleton', 'alien skull', and 'genetic material' from Tunguska in future issues.

Abusing the Holocaust

The lead article critically examines the tactic of paralleling alien abduction with the Holocaust to force belief. It references Walter Laquer's book 'The Terrible Secret,' which documented the world's disbelief in the Holocaust even when evidence was presented. The author uses the example of Jan Karski's testimony to Judge Felix Frankfurter, where Frankfurter stated he 'could not believe' Karski's account, not due to dishonesty, but due to the sheer unpalatability of the truth. This is compared to the disturbing idea of extraterrestrial intelligence visiting Earth, suggesting that the human mind struggles to accept such profound truths, echoing Frankfurter's sentiment, "I just cannot believe it."

The article then critiques the comparison made by Dr. Steven Greer, who allegedly opened a session by comparing those who refuse to believe in UFOs with neo-Nazis who deny the Holocaust. The author asserts that while the Holocaust evidence is vast and compelling, there is no tangible, objective evidence for alien abduction, making the comparison an insult to Holocaust victims and survivors. A parallel is drawn between the process that led to the Holocaust and the widespread belief in alien abduction, suggesting both involve identifying and imposing 'difference' to dehumanize a group.

Historically, prejudice and 'difference' have been identified through pseudo-scientific means, such as eugenics, leading to the justification of discrimination, oppression, and even slaughter, as seen with the Jews and gypsies in Nazi Germany. The article argues that this dehumanization, based on the idea that certain groups are less than human, allows for their abuse. It concludes that believing without meaningful evidence, especially when it involves labeling human beings as different or inferior, can lead to tragedy.

Core experiences and disinformation

This section reviews the role and effectiveness of 'Abduction Watch' (AW), noting the upcoming book by John Mack and Steven Spielberg's planned series on 'abduction,' which are expected to increase belief in the abduction myth. The author expresses concern about Joe Firmage's crusade and the investigative techniques of Linda Moulton Howe, which they believe present problems for rational thinking. The challenge for those trying to resolve the abduction issue is to prevent harm to those persuaded of its reality.

Three lines of approach are proposed:
1. Rational Explanations: Continue to press for rational explanations and proofs, maintaining pressure on claimants and encouraging focus on new claims, while keeping the process enjoyable.
2. Core Human Experience: Investigate if there's a persistent, identifiable core human experience involving contact with non-human intelligence, interpreted differently across cultures and times, possibly related to internal experiences or external triggers like shamanism or visionary experiences.
3. Manipulation Assessment: Assess the evidence for manipulation of individuals and groups, possibly through modern communication methods like video and the internet, which are open to such manipulation. The author is uncomfortable with this line of inquiry but acknowledges its importance.

The article suggests that manipulation, if occurring, is relatively recent and uses modern communication tools. It questions why so much 'nasty and dangerous rubbish' is being used to fool vulnerable people in a professional and profitable way, hinting at an organized, 'sick inspiration' behind these beliefs, rather than a simple conspiracy theory.

The overall question remains: do non-human intelligences truly communicate with humans? The publication will continue as 'Abduction Watch,' covering these questions and the full range of abduction assertions, including inter-breeding and foetus capture. The author views the persuasive tactics used to convince the weak as amounting to abuse and believes that understanding 'alien advocacy' and the disinformation campaign is crucial to understanding what is happening, suggesting that the demons involved are likely human.

The issue then begins to detail 'casualties of false reality' that have emerged since February, starting with claims that symptoms of emotional and psychological distress or serious physical illness are indicators of abduction.

Manipulation of health issues

No.1 The Alien Love-Bite: This section critiques Eve Frances Lorgen's article in MUFON UFO Journal, which links relationship problems and abuse to alien abduction. Lorgen, working with Derrel Sims and Roger Leir, argues that abduction researchers focus too much on 'nuts and bolts' and overlook the 'drama' in abductees' lives, including alien-orchestrated relationship manipulations. She contends that these orchestrated experiences can lead to intense chemistry and love obsessions, sometimes resulting in controlling and abusive marriages. The author questions MUFON's decision to publish such material, calling Lorgen's claim that these problems are 'unique to the abductee population' a way to force people into believing they are abductees.

No.2 Betty Cash: An obituary from MUFON UFO Journal reports the death of Betty Cash, who allegedly suffered from health problems caused by injuries from a UFO encounter eighteen years prior. Despite extensive efforts to seek answers and compensation from government officials, she received little help. The article notes that she fought on and helped medical doctors understand the serious nature of exposure to some UFOs.

No.3 AIDS: This section discusses an article by Philip S. Duke, Ph.D., in 'Paranoia' magazine titled 'The AIDS-ET Connection.' Duke argues that HIV could not have occurred accidentally but had an extraterrestrial origin between 1940-1950, when human science was incapable of such a feat. He also proposes a secret government/alien liaison that selectively developed 'parent' HIVs with the help of abductees, then used them to infect Africans and gay New Yorkers, with medical exams and samplings from abductees monitoring the pandemics. Duke also links cattle mutilations to HIV transmission, suggesting the blood is harvested for study. He expresses frustration that others are unwilling to test mutilated cattle for HIV, implying fear of confirming his hypothesis. Duke uses material from Jacobs to suggest some abductees are used for HIV/AIDS purposes instead of hybridisation. He sought information from abduction researchers about the HIV status of abductees, with only Roger Leir responding, claiming an implant was hollow and contained a substance, and that removing it made an abductee HIV-negative. The author expresses skepticism about Leir's claims, suggesting his book should be viewed in light of these assertions.

No.4 Max Burns and ME: This section critiques Max Burns' research linking Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME) to alien abduction. Burns claims that an abductee he knows, who has a history of medical problems, was diagnosed with ME. He extrapolates from statistics about ME sufferers being women and abductees being women to suggest a connection. Burns speculates that alien implants might cause ME by interrupting brain function, or that abduction itself is a symptom of an underlying illness. He suggests that alien energy draining or manipulation of human DNA for a hybrid program could cause ME symptoms. Burns is seeking data for "medical and psychological comment" and aims to force governments to acknowledge EBEs. He is researching a new human enzyme present in CFS sufferers and plans to test abductees for it, speculating that all abductees may have CFS or Fibromyalgia, even if symptoms are minute. The author notes Burns' conclusion is based on a small group of people and lacks medical or scientific evidence.

Gordon Creighton's Angels

This section criticizes Gordon Creighton's article in FSR, which discusses reports from the 'Weekly World News' (WWN) about Soviet cosmonauts seeing 'gigantic angels' in orbit. Creighton reportedly failed to confirm these fictional reports from the former Soviet Union but found an article in a Russian UFO magazine (NLO) that elaborated on them. The NLO article, and subsequent claims, suggest that the Hubble telescope photographed 'shined winged beings' in orbit around Earth, described as about 20 meters in height with wings as long as airliners, radiating powerful light. The author questions the veracity of these claims and whether the source, 'John Pratchers,' actually works for the Hubble Project, noting that Creighton publishes this without checking, even quoting a 1981 National Enquirer fiction about Russians communicating with aliens in orbit.

Betty Trout and the line-dancing aliens

This section discusses Beverley Trout, who was appointed MUFON State Director despite lacking formal training in dealing with disturbed people. She reportedly retrieved 'lurid abduction memories' under hypnosis in 1991, including being abducted at age four and eleven. These memories involved medical examinations, the introduction of a coil to correct brain tissue, and the presence of a reptilian. More recently, Trout recalled being approached by a 'cowboy' figure and then a group of 'people' dressed in country-western clothing, who seemed inappropriate and disadvantaged, needing help.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of abduction claims, the potential for manipulation and disinformation within ufology, and the alleged connections between abduction experiences and health issues. The editorial stance is clearly skeptical of unsubstantiated claims, emphasizing the need for rational explanations and evidence. The publication actively critiques sensationalism and what it perceives as the exploitation of vulnerable individuals by promoting unverified theories. There is a strong emphasis on distinguishing between evidence-based research and speculative narratives, particularly when those narratives draw parallels to historical atrocities or make unsubstantiated medical claims. The magazine positions itself as a voice of reason against what it terms 'false reality' and 'dark ages' within the field of ufology.

This issue of UFO Magazine, dated April/May 1999, is Volume 14. It features articles on alien encounters, a controversial historical theory, and subscription information.

Alien Encounters and Abduction Claims

The magazine includes an anecdote from Beverley, who claims to have taught line dancing to thousands of people and suspects her computer was scanned by aliens. She also mentions teaching an adult education class on UFOs through the Des Moines school system.

A significant portion of the content focuses on Tony Dodd, described as an 'Alien Ambassador' who lectures for UFO Magazine conferences and has authored a book. The review expresses skepticism about Dodd's claims, particularly regarding differing versions of the 'Jason' stories. An interview in 'X-Factor' is cited as revealing Dodd's belief system. Dodd's investigations into abductees involve looking for specific details they wouldn't normally know. He recounts an experience where, under hypnosis, he communicated with an alien entity that claimed humans do not understand the nature of things and that abductions occur until puberty, after which aliens collect eggs and sperm. Dodd also claims aliens are impregnating certain women, resulting in hybrid babies who are half human and half alien, possessing alien-type eyes, large heads, and slim limbs.

The article notes that Dodd boasts about his past as a policeman, which Redfern and Pope apparently accept as lending him credibility. However, the author questions whether any police force would employ Dodd now, given his claims.

Review of Quest Magazine and 'Jesus Last of the Pharoes'

The magazine reviews 'Quest Magazine', a UK publication focusing on ancient astronaut, alternative history, and paranormal topics. The review notes that Philip Mantle has taken over as editor from Bob Digby. The reviewer criticizes Quest Magazine for its speculative content, poor writing, and proof-reading standards, comparing it unfavorably to 'Alien Encounters'.

The cover story of the April/May 1999 Quest Magazine issue is highlighted: "Exclusive extracts - JESUS Last of the Pharoes". The reviewer questions the spelling of 'Pharoes' but focuses on the article by Ralph Ellis, which claims to be supported by biblical and historical texts.

Ellis's theory presents a highly revisionist account of biblical figures and events: John the Baptist was the high priest of Jerusalem and was drowned by Herod. Joseph's head, not John's, was brought to the palace. Jesus was governor of Tiberias, became a rebel leader with 600 men, and his disciples were family members including his twin brother Judas Iscarriot. Jesus allegedly married his sister Mary, had a son named Elimas, and died in Jerusalem in AD 68 while defending the city against the Romans and Jewish zealots led by Simon the Zealot. The reviewer dismisses this as "nonsense" and an "outrageously obvious hoax."

Subscription Information

The magazine provides details for subscribing to UFO Magazine. Due to increased printing costs, the price for 12 issues in the UK is £10. Alternatively, 5 issues in the UK cost £5, 4 issues in Europe, and 3 issues internationally. Overseas issues are sent by economy air mail. Back issues are available. Payments should be made out to Kevin McClure and sent to an address in Leeds, England.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the investigation of UFO sightings and alien abduction phenomena, with a critical stance towards sensationalist or unsubstantiated claims, particularly those made by Tony Dodd. The review of Quest Magazine and Ralph Ellis's article demonstrates an editorial stance that values factual accuracy and historical integrity, dismissing speculative and non-factual material as "absurd" and "offensive." The magazine appears to maintain a skeptical yet open-minded approach to the UFO field, while firmly critiquing what it perceives as unfounded theories and poor journalistic standards in related publications.