Alternate Horizons Newsletter - Vol 2 No 5

Magazine Overview

Title: Alternate Horizons Newsletter
Volume: Two
Issue: Number Five (Whole Number Eleven)
Date: August 25th, 1968
Publisher: Foundation for Philosophic Advancement
Editor: Allen H. Greenfield

This issue of the Alternate Horizons Newsletter delves into the complexities of alternate realities and the challenges of understanding and communicating phenomena that lie outside conventional paradigms. The publication aims to bridge the gap between advanced research and the general public, acknowledging that despite progress, definitive answers remain elusive.

Commentary: AR

The issue opens with a narrative fragment describing a girl's terrifying experience involving multiple entities and a mysterious hand manipulating a dial with a disembodied voice. This is followed by an editorial reflection on the newsletter's journey since its inception. The editor admits that the publication still does not have all the answers but has arrived at a point where observations can be offered. The editorial highlights that figures like Chet and David are in trouble, implying that the concept of alternate reality challenges our understanding of what is real. It criticizes the societal tendency to dismiss or rationalize phenomena like little men or flying saucers, suggesting that such conventional thinking, while containing a grain of truth, is ultimately flawed if it ignores the possibility of evidence for these phenomena.

The editor argues that engaging with AR (Alternate Reality) evidence, even if it's abstract, negates the type of thinking that seeks the easiest way out or denies the existence of such phenomena. The newsletter emphasizes that societal attitudes, often focused on conventional success and education, make it difficult to discuss topics like magical practice or natural reality warps. The editor freely admits that Alternate Horizons is an attempt to revive serious discussion of matters often relegated to superstition, differentiating it from mere superstition by its research-based approach.

The "Removal" Factor and Communication Challenges

The newsletter discusses the inherent "removal" factor involved in studying strange phenomena. This removal stems from conventional societal attitudes, which can make individuals feel detached from the normal frame of reference once they develop an interest in these subjects. The editor relates a personal anecdote about being told he "wasn't advanced enough" to understand certain matters, conceding that this might be true in the sense of becoming out of touch with humanity at large. The newsletter posits that throughout history, advanced individuals may have solved mysteries but were unable to communicate their discoveries, leaving the mystery unsolved for others.

Alternate Horizons Newsletter endeavors to provide a bridge back to understanding these concepts. Over its eleven issues, it has attempted to discuss "penultimate mysteries" in reasonable human terms, striving to conduct advanced research while maintaining communication with the everyday world. This is acknowledged as a difficult task.

The Skywatch Voice Incident

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to an incident that occurred during a skywatch held in the Metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia area on Sunday, August 25th, 1968. The event, organized under the auspices of the Atlanta Watch Organization and headquartered at the UFO Sighter office, was initially uneventful. However, at approximately 10:15 PM, a call of an unusual nature was received. The writer, recognizing it as a "contact" type call, handed the phone to Mr. Frank M. Campbell, III, for confirmation. A tape recorder was activated, capturing a brief portion of a message.

The recorded message, described as difficult to understand, stated, "....you will discontinue this project or reap the result(s)." The project in question was believed to be the watch or watch program. The message was technically impressive, featuring a convincing monotone voice with a background of electronic noise, similar to another "space voice" tape provided by UFOlogist Timothy Green Beckley. The similarity was noted as remarkable, though the possibility of duplication was acknowledged.

Statements were made for the record by witnesses, including the writer and Mr. Campbell. Mr. Campbell elaborated that the words preceding the recorded part related to the watch making the landing of "these people" or the people whose voice was heard impossible. The background sound was described as similar to a computerized network. J. W. Adams of the Preternatural Variables Investigation Agency, also present, noted that he and the writer had previously heard similar background sounds via radio in an allegedly UFO-active area.

Analysis of the Incident

The analysis of the skywatch incident considers the considerable possibility of a hoax. The anonymous voice on the telephone during a publicly advertised event could be a prank. However, evidence tending in the opposite direction includes the previously noted similarity to the "Delong tape" (provided by Beckley). While the similarity could be coincidental, the newsletter emphasizes that the messages are "quite, quite similar."

The possibility that someone aware of the Delong tape and the writer's interest might have made the call is considered, but the circumstances lead the writer to doubt this. A mild structural reason for rejecting the hoax thesis is mentioned, involving a particular term allegedly used by the caller. The newsletter also notes that making threatening calls could have legal, moral, or UFOlogical consequences.

Ultimately, the writer expresses uncertainty about the nature of the incident, stating, "Whether there is anything to it or not, I don't know." He credits the caller with pulling the otherwise bland skywatch out of boredom, though he doubts a clear explanation will be found.

A follow-up "rain check" watch on September 1st produced no appreciable results.

Recommended Paperbacks and Publication Information

The issue concludes with a list of recommended paperbacks for the AR General Bookshelf Use, including "Witchcraft in the World Today" and "New UFO Breakthrough." It also provides publication details for the Alternate Horizons Newsletter itself: Volume Two, Number Five, Whole Number Eleven, edited by Allen H. Greenfield, with a mailing address in Atlanta, Georgia. Subscriptions are through a private mailing list, and back issues and single copies are available for 50¢ each. Free sample copies are also offered. The newsletter is the official publication of the Foundation for Philosophic Advancement, founded in 1966.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the nature of reality, the existence and implications of alternate realities, and the challenges of investigating and communicating phenomena that fall outside mainstream scientific and societal acceptance. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry, acknowledging the lack of definitive answers while encouraging serious discussion of subjects often dismissed as superstition or hoaxes. The newsletter positions itself as a bridge for understanding these complex topics, emphasizing research and reasoned discussion over sensationalism or easy dismissal. There's a clear critique of societal conformity and the tendency to avoid confronting potentially paradigm-shifting information.