Alternate Horizons Newsletter - Vol 1 No 5

Magazine Overview

Title: Alternate Horizons Newsletter
Volume: One
Issue: Number Five
Date: January, 1965 (raw date from cover, though content references later events like Gemini capsule in orbit and 1967 convention)
Publisher: Foundation for Philosophic Advancement
Editor: Allen H. Greenfield
Country: USA

This issue of the Alternate Horizons Newsletter, the official journal of the Foundation for Philosophic Advancement, presents a continuation of a series of articles by Eugene R. Steinberg and Allen H. Greenfield, focusing on unconventional theories about UFOs.

Observations by Eugene R. Steinberg (Part Two)

Eugene R. Steinberg begins by addressing the common UFologist conclusion that UFOs must come from outer space. He challenges this by pointing out that no UFOs have ever been tracked entering Earth's atmosphere from distant points in space, despite advanced tracking capabilities like those used for the Mariner IV mission. Instead, sightings are consistently near Earth, with an account from 'True' magazine in January 1965 detailing UFOs surveying the Gemini capsule in orbit on April 8, 1964. Steinberg questions the paradox of these sightings and dismisses the idea of a perfect censorship by world powers, arguing that such a secret could not be contained.

He concludes that UFOs exist and appear to be advanced craft, but they do not actively avoid detection except from large cities. If secrecy were paramount, their surveillance would be far more discreet. Steinberg then transitions to his next article, which will explore evidence often relegated to 'superstitions' and occult phenomena, proposing a new hypothesis to explain UFO evidence better than current theories.

The Enchanted Cavern by AHG (Allen H. Greenfield)

Allen H. Greenfield introduces the concept of the 'Alternate Reality' (AR) theory, which he had previously considered for an introductory editorial. He acknowledges that there is not yet enough conclusive evidence to prove the AR theory, but stresses its mind-staggering implications and the vast, largely unexploited evidence that might support it, including medieval accounts.

Greenfield describes the AR problem as difficult and largely unprecedented in research. He argues that enduring problems, like those related to UFOs, are the most crucial and in need of solution. He recounts his past efforts to encourage fellow enthusiasts to be more active, which often fell on deaf ears. Now, however, he believes there is a theory of potentially earth-shaking implications – the AR theory – and specific actions can be taken, particularly in field research and extrapolation from basic evidence. He calls for evidence of mysterious appearances and disappearances, especially cases near ancient monuments and sites, and 'little men' cases.

More About Brooksville by A.H.G.

Greenfield recounts his visit to Brooksville, Florida, an area allegedly hyperactive with UFO and related incidents since the John Reeves contact about two years prior. He visited in March 1967 with UFOlogists Ron and Joan Whritenour. Greenfield states he is more convinced than ever about unusual occurrences in the area. He notes the widespread acceptance among local UFOlogists that something strange happened to Reeves. The phenomena in the area are described as deep and continuous, ranging from actual contacts to 'lights in the sky,' 'yeti tracks,' and an 'eyeball' observation of an animal. He also mentions the alleged appearance of a new breed of insect.

During the visit, Greenfield observed insects in abundance near where Reeves showed him tracks from a December 1966 contact. That evening, he and others observed a brilliant hovering object that flared up and vanished. They saw additional UFOs later, though they were considered more dubious. Greenfield describes the atmosphere as one of 'weirdness' and suggests the Brooksville area supports the concept of 'reality warps.'

The Alternate Reality Theory: Why It Makes Sense by Allen H. Greenfield

Greenfield argues that conventional explanations for UFO phenomena are inadequate, especially when considering reports with ghost-like attributes or physical manifestations like the Socorro, New Mexico case. He dismisses other less popular theories such as space animals or 4-D, stating that no single popular theory adequately explains every aspect of the mystery.

He proposes the 'alternate reality' or 'AR' theory as the exception. Key tenets of this theory include: (A) UFOs are not associated with outer space and have not been traced coming from space, but are closely associated with Earth; (B) UFOs exhibit properties of both physical and non-physical phenomena; (C) UFOs share characteristics with phenomena like ghosts, fairies, and earth sprites; and (D) UFOs are a long-lived phenomenon linked to human history.

This implies that 'little men,' brownies, 'space ships,' and 'flying dragons' are all manifestations of the same general type of phenomena, viewed by witnesses in their own terms or accurately perceived. The AR theory suggests that these phenomena may be real, leading to a potential 'radical historical revisionism' where non-human entities, existing on Earth, have shaped human history.

Greenfield draws parallels between folklore worldwide and the UFO phenomenon, suggesting that entities from other realities might have influenced human history. He uses examples like werewolves and magic, proposing that what we consider myth might be physical laws in alternate worlds. He posits that during eras of human misery, anti-human entities might have been in control, potentially attempting to warp our world into their own.

Why Call This "Fun" by Allen H. Greenfield

Greenfield reflects on the perception of UFOlogy as a hobby or fantasy, contrasting it with the real-world implications, such as the death of Frank Edwards. He discusses the 1967 UFO Convention in New York, noting the large crowds and rumors of spies. He mentions Dr. Edward U. Condon, head of the government-sponsored UFO project, being present but camera shy. A peculiar story emerged that anyone who took Condon's picture also had their picture taken by an unidentified individual.

Other minor incidents at the convention included a call to Tim Beckley from a supposed government man, a strange encounter with a Library of Congress woman, and a mix-up in a slide program. More significantly, two men reportedly used concealed tape recorders during closed sessions, drawing attention to themselves. There were also reports of intruders breaking into UFOlogists' rooms, possibly to photograph files, suggesting a deliberate 'false trail.' Greenfield connects this to a March 1, 1967 letter from AF Lt. General Hewitt T. Wheless discussing the problem of AF officer impersonations in UFO cases, implying that the 'mystery men' business is not taken lightly by the Air Force.

He concludes by stating that 'saucerers die like everybody else. And people actually do see saucers,' questioning what is so funny about the serious nature of the subject.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the questioning of conventional UFO origins, the exploration of alternative explanations beyond extraterrestrial visitation, and the potential connection between UFO phenomena, folklore, magic, and human history. The 'Alternate Reality Theory' is presented as a unifying hypothesis that could reframe our understanding of both UFOs and history. The editorial stance is one of serious inquiry into these unconventional ideas, encouraging readers to consider evidence often dismissed as superstition and to engage in further research. There is a clear emphasis on the profound implications of these theories for our understanding of reality and humanity's past.