Baton Rouge UFO Bulletin - 1958 03

Magazine Overview

Title: BATON ROUGE UFO BULLETIN
Issue: MARCH, 1958
Publisher: RECREATION AND PARK COMMISSION
Date: March, 1958

This issue of the Baton Rouge UFO Bulletin, sponsored by the Recreation and Park Commission, covers a diverse range of topics, from UFO sightings and anti-gravity research to military history and psychological theories. The publication features contributions and commentary from various individuals, including John D'Aquin, who reports on the response to his appeal for funds to keep the bulletin running.

Funding and Contributions

John D'Aquin notes a positive response to his appeal for financial support, though one contributor forgot to sign their name. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a clean mailing list and thanks those who have offered kind words for his efforts. D'Aquin also reflects on the nature of his work, comparing it to a labor of love and acknowledging the varied audience he reaches. He hints at potential future commercial efforts related to subjects he has covered, while also recognizing that some of his ideas might be met with apprehension by the general public.

UFO Sightings and Speculation

The bulletin touches upon the comic strip 'Smilin' Jack,' which investigates a 'witchbeam' used by the Reds to cause missile failures in the Pacific. This leads to speculation about whether a similar phenomenon could be responsible for test failures at Cape Canaveral, suggesting a potential Russian attempt to sabotage US missile technology. John D'Aquin also mentions receiving numerous requests for a UFO bibliography compiled by Colonel Emerson, with international interest from Denmark, Finland, and Australia.

Anti-Gravity Research

A significant portion of the bulletin is dedicated to anti-gravity research, citing an article from Mechanix Illustrated. It details the Canadian Government's Project Magnet, which has been working on gravity-defying vehicles since 1953. The article highlights the involvement of numerous US universities and aircraft companies, including Convair, Glynn L. Martin, Bell Aircraft, and Sperry Gyroscope. These entities are reportedly using nuclear fuels and equipment to cancel out gravity. The concept of an 'anti-gravity shield' is discussed, along with the engineering challenges of creating a 'G-ship' that could withstand the rigors of space travel, including air friction and drag. The potential for such technology to explain UFO characteristics like changing shapes, halos, and unusual lighting is explored.

Life Magazine and UFO Predictions

The bulletin references a January 6, 1958, article in Life Magazine that predicted approximately 200 authenticated UFO sightings in 1958, with the Pentagon being able to disprove 210 of them. This is presented as evidence of mainstream media gradually acknowledging the UFO phenomenon.

Extraterrestrial Life and Cosmic Perspectives

An article from Time Magazine (March 3, 1958) is quoted, discussing the possibility of intelligent life on planets beyond Earth. Otto Struve, head of Astronomy at the University of California, Berkeley, is cited as believing that the Milky Way Galaxy contains millions of planets inhabited by intelligent life. He calculates that billions of planets could have life, and between one million and ten million might host intelligent creatures.

The author expresses skepticism about Time's implication that Dr. Struve's pronouncements are groundbreaking, referencing earlier work by Percival Lowell and Colonel Emerson. The writer suggests that Struve might not possess more facts than these earlier figures and criticizes the perceived intellectual parsimony of those who might have withheld information.

Military Technology and Strategy

The bulletin also delves into military matters, referencing a Time Magazine article about the Navy's new focus on submarines for nuclear warfare, specifically the Polaris missile system. The potential effectiveness and cost of this armament are discussed. The author expresses concern about relying on any single force as the ultimate solution in warfare, drawing parallels to historical military strategies that proved ineffective, such as the Maginot Line and the over-specialization that hampered the German military in World War II.

The Case of Billy Mitchell

A significant section is dedicated to the controversial case of Billy Mitchell, a military figure who was court-martialed for his outspoken views on air power. The bulletin highlights that 33 years after his conviction, his predictions about the future of air power were vindicated. Despite his vision being recognized as accurate and his contribution to winning WWII, his conviction for violating military discipline was upheld. The author questions the military's adherence to tradition and discipline even at the cost of acknowledging a hero's foresight, contrasting it with the need for vision and innovation.

Physics and Education

Further scientific discussions include a mention of Dr. J. L. Neuringer's proposal for 'magnetohydrodynamic insulation' to cool re-entry bodies of space ships using magnetic fields. The bulletin also touches upon the perceived gulf between scientific and non-scientific cultures, referencing Sir C. P. Snow's observations on the lack of understanding of basic scientific principles among some educated individuals.

Psychological Content and Freudian Theories

The bulletin includes a section that addresses the psychiatric content of previous issues, particularly regarding Freud and Freudian psychiatry. The author defends their approach, suggesting that any perceived disrespect was directed more towards those who rigidly adhere to Freudian tenets, potentially neglecting basic research and clinical methods. The author notes that much of their commentary on Freud has been drawn from his colleagues' criticisms, implying that if professionals within the field find flaws, it warrants discussion.

Notable UFO Sightings and Events

An interesting meteor sighting in the Covington Area on Saturday night, March 8, 1958, is reported, with witnesses describing it as being as big as the moon. The bulletin speculates if it could have been an 'explorer' returning home in a burst of fireworks.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the persistent interest in UFOs and the possibility of extraterrestrial life, the cutting edge of scientific and military technology (particularly anti-gravity and space travel), and a critical examination of military and scientific establishments. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, challenging established norms, and advocating for visionary thinking, even when it goes against prevailing military or scientific dogma. There is a clear skepticism towards rigid adherence to tradition and a belief in the importance of independent thought and discussion, particularly in the fields of science, military strategy, and psychology.