Houston Sky - no 04 - Apr-May 1995

Magazine Overview

Houston Sky, No. 4, April/May 1995, is a bimonthly newsletter for Houston-Area MUFON members and others, published by MUFON-Houston. The issue features a cover story on 'Abductions Investigations: A Deepening Quagmire' by Gayle Nesom, exploring the increasing legal risks faced by UFO investigators.

Abductions Investigations: A Deepening Quagmire

This lead article, by Gayle Nesom, highlights concerns raised by MUFON medical consultant David Gotlib, MD, regarding the potential for civil suits against UFO investigators. Gotlib suggests that if an abductee suffers an emotional breakdown or suicide, a family member might sue the investigator, claiming negligence. The core issue revolves around the 'duty of care' owed by an investigator and whether they met the standards of a reasonable person, especially when dealing with potentially traumatic experiences.

The article delves into the 'recovered memory controversy,' examining how techniques like hypnosis, visualization, and dream interpretation are used to retrieve memories. It notes that while the sincerity of those with memories is not doubted, the genuineness of these 'long-forgotten' memories has sharply divided the mental health community.

Charles Marmar, MD, a professor of psychiatry, is quoted stating that 'true tests' for memory veracity require sophisticated biological measures. The American Medical Association (AMA) is also noted as acknowledging that false memories can develop during therapy and that memory impairment is common during trauma. Studies are documenting how chronic severe stress can impair the hippocampus, a brain region critical for learning and memory.

The American Psychological Association (APA) released an interim report concluding that while most sexually abused children remember their abuse, the process of 'delayed recall' is not well understood, and the creation of pseudomemories is possible.

The debate also touches on the effect of hypnosis on memories. While some scientists view hypnosis as a dangerous technique that makes memory unsafe, clinicians often believe recovered memories are accurate. John Carpenter, MS, MUFON's Director of Abduction Research, cites Los Angeles Police Department studies suggesting hypnotic recall accuracy is high.

The article discusses the implications for UFO researchers, noting the rise of the False Memory Syndrome Foundation (FMSF) and its claims of over 800 lawsuits related to false memories. It highlights a California case where a father sued his daughter's therapists for malpractice, leading to a guilty verdict. The FMSF is pushing for legislative initiatives, including a 'Mental Health Consumer Protection Act,' which aims to 'legalize and encourage third-party lawsuits against therapists.' The APA has opposed this act, calling it detrimental to mental health services.

A new Texas law restricting the practice of hypnotherapy to state-licensed psychologists is also discussed, potentially impacting nonlicensed UFO investigators who charge for services. The article concludes by urging UFO professionals to establish standards and safeguards to protect themselves from legal and legislative scrutiny.

Worth Repeating

This section features a digest of ideas from various individuals in the UFO community. One entry highlights the AMA's interest in using physiological changes in abuse victims as markers for veracity in memory recall, citing Charles R. Marmar, MD. Another entry notes Whitley Strieber's upcoming book, 'Breakthrough,' which he claims will contain proof that visitors are real.

Spotlight on Bill Eatwell

Bill Eatwell, a long-time MUFON member and co-founder of HUFON, is profiled. His research focuses on UFO craft designs and propulsion. He became interested in England's crop circle mystery and has an exclusive supply of information from George Wingfield, editor of The Cerealogist. Eatwell, a pilot, applies his understanding of flight to UFO studies and investigated the Cash-Landrum case. He credits John Schuessler with influencing his 'career hobby.' Eatwell holds a skeptical philosophy, requiring multiple witnesses for an event to be credible.

Flash Back

This section recounts two UFO sighting incidents:

1. Corpus Christi, Texas - 1980: Charles Woolford reported seeing three identically shaped flying objects, resembling ice cream cones on their side, moving at an estimated 600-750 mph. The objects turned 'black' about three seconds apart.
2. Corpus Christi Caller-Times, June 11, 1980: A newspaper account describes three 'fiery balls' faster than planes that lit up the sky, observed by police and sheriff's officers. Federal officials could not confirm any natural phenomenon.

UFO Notebook

This section, by Bill Eatwell, discusses the work of the late Paul R. Hill, whose unpublished document 'A Scientific Analysis of Unconventional Flying Objects' is examined. Hill's analysis cataloged UFO characteristics and focused on 'invisible forces' as the propulsion method. The discussion explores and eliminates various propulsion theories, including microwave propulsion, rocket exhaust, photon propulsion, and ejection of high-energy charged particles. The article concludes that 'force fields' are the most likely answer to UFO propulsion, specifically mentioning electric, magnetic, gravitational, and repulsive force fields, including a hypothetical negative gravity field.

Secrecy

This essay by John H. Lienhard, PhD, recounts an experience with Glenn Seaborg, a Nobel laureate in chemistry. Seaborg, after leaving the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC), had his diary sanitized by security personnel, with numerous deletions made to material that was already public. Lienhard uses this as a cautionary tale about how bureaucratic notions of security can lead to the erosion of freedoms.

"Sightings" Program Not Leaving the Air!

This article corrects a previous report, stating that the TV program 'Sightings,' a syndicated one-hour series, has been renewed for a second year. It mentions the program's research director, Jonathan Jerald, and upcoming segments on 'What's Inside Hangar 18?' and 'Saucers Are Real,' which will explore rumors about Hangar 18 and various saucer projects, including a navy hovercraft and army saucers.

Behind the Scenes at "Sightings" with Jonathan Jerald

This is Part 1 of an interview with Jonathan Jerald, research director for the 'Sightings' program. He discusses upcoming episodes, including 'What's Inside Hangar 18?' which examines rumors surrounding the area and alleged alien technology, and 'Saucers Are Real,' which looks at various saucer projects developed by the military.

Wishful Thinking?

Tom Deuley, MUFON's Assistant Director, clarifies a statement about a million dollars being available for UFO research from the Bigelow Foundation. He explains that major donors have agreed to assist MUFON, CUFOS, and FUFOR in supporting specific projects, with the hope of totaling a million dollars over time.

Media Report Card (Part 2)

By David Mayo, this review discusses how television handles UFO topics, often relegating them to talk shows and magazine programs for ratings. It notes the increase in UFO-related programs from 1990 to 1994, with 'Intruders' and 'Fire in the Sky' being prominent in 1993 and 1994 respectively. The article criticizes sensationalistic journalistic entries and discusses the differing approaches of talk show hosts like Oprah Winfrey, Maury Povich, Montel Williams, and Jenny Jones. Larry King is noted as being genuinely interested in UFOs. The review also touches on cable television offerings and the distinction between facts and perceived truth, suggesting that media coverage often misdirects the study of UFOs.

Of Interest

This section provides listings for upcoming events and organizations:

• HUFON (Houston UFO Network) meetings.
• VISIT (Vehicle Internal Systems Investigative Team) meetings.
• 1995 Ozarks UFO Conference in Eureka Springs, Arkansas.
• MUFON 1995 UFO Symposium in Seattle, Washington.
• MUFON UFO Hotline.

It also includes a quote from Elizabeth Loftus, PhD, Psychologist: "Zealous conviction is a dangerous substitute for an open mind."

MUFON-Houston Update

This update reports on MUFON-Houston's first investigations training class, which graduated 18 participants. It thanks Kristy Jones for teaching and lists the participants. It also announces a second class will be held in the fall and a second MUFON-Houston get-together is planned for May.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the legal and ethical challenges facing UFO investigators, particularly in the context of abduction cases and the controversy surrounding recovered memories. There's a strong emphasis on the need for professional standards, scientific rigor, and awareness of the shifting legal landscape. The publication also covers UFO research, including propulsion theories and media coverage, while promoting MUFON's activities and educational initiatives. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious inquiry, acknowledging the complexities and potential pitfalls within the field of ufology, and advocating for a balanced approach that includes both investigation and self-protection.