Baton Rouge UFO Bulletin - 1958 02

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFO Forum Bulletin, dated February 1958, is sponsored by the Recreation and Park Commission. It delves into a variety of topics, including inter-service rivalry within the U.S. military, the development of nuclear submarines, advancements and debates in the field of psychiatry, UFO sightings and potential government cover-ups, and societal pressures towards conformity.

Inter-Service Rivalry and Nuclear Submarines

The bulletin opens by discussing inter-service rivalry as an effort by each branch of the military to secure funding by appearing essential to national defense. It highlights the development of the atom-powered submarine, specifically the Nautilus, as an example. The article points out that the Navy was initially indifferent to this project, and it was only through the persistent efforts of Admiral Hyman Rickover that the program moved forward. Information for this section is attributed to George Sokolsky in the State Times. Sokolsky's account suggests that the Navy's indifference and the 'crackpot' nature of the idea initially deterred many, but it ultimately led to the U.S. obtaining a nuclear submarine ahead of schedule. The author, however, disagrees with the 'ahead of schedule' assertion.

The author expresses a desire for information regarding a 'crash program' to build a fleet of nuclear submarines capable of carrying missiles, and for conventional submarines to be fitted with snorkel tubes. The author also notes that Admiral Rickover's ideas might have been too advanced for the Navy's traditional thinking.

Psychiatry and the Mind

The bulletin then shifts focus to psychiatry and the human mind. It explores the idea of using hypnosis to access subconscious excellence, referencing a suggestion by hypnotist Jimmy Grippo. The author also discusses the work of Dr. Walter C. Alvarez, a physician who has written extensively on medical topics. Alvarez's controversial thesis is that many psychosomatic disorders stem from inherited neurological or somatic weaknesses. The bulletin presents a quote from a psychiatrist explaining why heredity is often downplayed: it is discouraging to patients, makes it difficult for psychiatrists to help, and reduces funding for research if conditions are seen as hereditary.

Dr. Alvarez is quoted on his commitment to scientific truth, even when facing unpleasant facts. The author expresses skepticism about research conducted by Freudian psychiatrists, suggesting that their adherence to Freud's ideas hinders progress. The bulletin notes a shift in psychiatric thought, with a growing acceptance of the idea that schizophrenia is a product of metabolic disorders rather than purely psychoanalytic concepts, as discussed at the International Congress on Psychiatry in Zurich.

The article also touches on the concept of bodily degeneration and its relation to time, questioning whether it can be arrested and noting that stopping oxidation, a key bodily function, would be fatal.

Sigmund Freud and Scientific Jargon

The bulletin revisits Sigmund Freud, noting his unique insights and the tendency of his followers to defend his theories. It quotes Freud stating that psychological ideas will eventually be based on organic substructures, and questions why many of his followers resist this notion. Dr. Felix Marti-Ibanez is cited for advocating for 'physiodynamic psychiatry,' which emphasizes an organicistic approach, integration with other sciences, and clarity of communication. The author critiques the use of esoteric jargon in science, suggesting it can be a tool for confusion.

Conformity and Individualism

The issue includes a section on conformity in American society, referencing an article in LOOK magazine from January 18th. This article reportedly discusses the immense forces that compel American males to conform, channeling their thinking into predetermined paths. The bulletin agrees with the article's sentiment that this stifles originality and progressive thinking. It describes a child who, due to his intellectual curiosity and withdrawal from typical preadolescent activities, was pressured by teachers and psychology 'experts' to conform. The author strongly condemns this enforcement of conformity as criminal stupidity.

The article quotes LOOK magazine stating that true individualism involves the ability to make moral decisions independently, and that group action is only problematic when it becomes an end in itself. The author suggests that the boy's withdrawal was a result of being bored by his intellectually inferior peers and their conversations.

UFO Sightings and Government Secrecy

Several headlines from NICAPS 'UFO Investigator' are presented, raising questions about the Air Force's transparency regarding UFO sightings, including alleged admissions of UFOs being kept from the public and denials of witnesses being muzzled. Other headlines mention metal objects being sent for analysis, spherical objects observed near the moon, and the Civil Aeronautics Board's disapproval of UFO pursuits by airliners. The Deputy Chief of Naval Operations is noted as denying a 'Shoot to Kill' order for UFOs, and NICAP governors are urged to provide definite UFO evidence.

The bulletin discusses a TV show on UFOs, criticizing Dr. Menzel for reiterating his theories and for the handling of the Mantell case. The author questions why an autopsy was not performed on Mantell to determine the cause of death, suggesting the Air Force might have feared the results.

Anti-Gravity Research and Space Travel

The article mentions that the Investigator reveals the Army is conducting anti-gravity research, anticipating potential conflict with the Air Force over this development. The author ponders the nature of gravity research and whether it aims to discover gravity's essence or simply to conquer it, similar to electricity.

Objections to Terrestrial UFOs

The author raises practical objections to UFOs being of terrestrial origin. Firstly, if they exist, the significant investment in the missile program seems questionable. Secondly, if Russia possessed such advanced technology, they would likely have publicized it. The author also questions how the U.S. could be so technologically advanced in UFOs yet struggle with missile development.

Time Dilation and Human Physiology

The bulletin touches on the speculative concept of a twin traveling at extreme speeds and returning the same age, while their sibling has aged normally. The author questions how human physiology would be affected by such speeds and what mechanisms could prevent cellular degeneration in space travel, noting that time is a human construct for measurement.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the questioning of official narratives, whether concerning military technology, scientific theories, or unexplained phenomena. There is a critical stance towards inter-service rivalry, the perceived obfuscation of facts by governmental bodies, and the limitations imposed by rigid adherence to established doctrines, particularly in psychiatry and military development. The bulletin champions critical thinking, scientific inquiry based on evidence, and the importance of individualism against pressures to conform. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism towards authority and a call for greater transparency and intellectual honesty.