Just Cause - 1988 12 - No 18 - New Series

Magazine Overview

Title: JUST CAUSE
Issue: 18
Volume: NEW SERIES
Date: December 1988
Publisher: Lawrence Fawcett
Editor: Barry Greenwood

This issue of Just Cause, now expanded to eight pages, focuses on the intriguing intersection of the Reagan administration's interest in extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI) and UFOs. The editorial notes a format change to consolidate content under the "Just Cause" banner, with the "CAUS Bulletin" serving as an interim speed report.

The White House and ET's - A Strange Curiosity

The lead article explores the unexpected push by the Reagan administration towards understanding potential extraterrestrial contacts, a curious stance given its conservative nature. This is evidenced by subtle comments from President Reagan in speeches, referencing reactions to an alien "invasion." One such instance occurred in a 1985 speech at Fallston High School in Maryland, and another in a May 4, 1988, question and answer session at the National Strategy Forum in Chicago. The article links these remarks to the Reagans' public interest in astrology, suggesting a broader openness to paranormal topics.

Occasional news reports may have also contributed to this interest. A November 12, 1987, report detailed astronomers Ben Zuckerman and Eric Becklin's discovery of a "sub-stellar, somewhat Jupiter-like brown dwarf" near the star Giclas 29-38. While controversial, the astronomers offered an alternative explanation: the object might be evidence of huge constructions in space built by intelligent life, possibly harnessing solar power with giant panels. This research utilized NASA's 3-meter Infrared Telescope Facility in Hawaii.

Following these and other pro-SETI stories, President Reagan's 1989 budget, submitted in February 1988, included a proposal to fund NASA's search for ETs with $80 million. The June 1988 issue of "Final Frontier" magazine featured an article by Linda Billings titled, "Is Anybody Listening?" which summarized NASA's SETI pursuit. Notably, the article mentioned that in August 1987, White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director James Miller requested a briefing on SETI and UFOs out of personal curiosity. NASA reportedly sent experts, but the article questioned whether these meetings influenced the program's budget success.

Intrigued by the inclusion of UFOs in a SETI briefing, CAUS filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request with the OMB for information on "SETI and UFOs" related to the August 1987 meetings. The response, dated October 17, 1988, from OMB's Assistant Director for Administration, Darrell Johnson, included a 19-page release and brochures on SETI. However, the UFO discussions were absent from the release. Remaining documents were withheld under the FOIA (b)(5) exemption, citing intra-agency advisory information that would inhibit frank expression of views. The OMB declared that disclosure of this information would not be in the public interest.

A October 14, 1988, story in the Quincy (Ma.) Patriot-Ledger reported on a meeting of space experts for the International Astronomical Congress in Bangalore, India, which resulted in a draft international agreement regulating the verification and public release of alien radio signals. Peter Boyce, Director of the Department of State's Office of Advanced Technology, was a co-author of this draft, aiming to prevent political pressure on reporting and exchange of information. The agreement proposed consulting UN nations and double-checking signals before a major public announcement.

The article notes the irony of the US advocating for SETI to be free from political pressure while potentially restricting Americans' right to study such materials, especially when funded by taxpayer money. It highlights past instances of unexplained signals for which an alien civilization could be an explanation, but which have not repeated. The possibility of detection by a super-secret intelligence agency like the National Security Agency, with extensive equipment, is also raised.

Another recent news report linked to the Reagan administration's interest in alien intelligence comes from a book, "LANDSLIDE THE UNMAKING OF THE PRESIDENT," which details a 1974 UFO sighting by then-Governor Reagan. The sighting involved a zig-zagging, fast-moving light and reportedly impressed Reagan, though he never made it public.

The article suggests that the White House's focus on extraterrestrials might stem from President Reagan's personal curiosity about the paranormal. It contrasts this with the administration's earlier stance, where funding for research like NASA's SETI program was initially out of the question, even to the point of considering shutting off the Voyager 2 probe. A significant shift in attitude occurred, possibly influenced by scientific briefings or a specific event.

The author questions the administration's actions, arguing that if the government already possesses evidence of crashed discs or an MJ-12-type group, an $80 million budget for a signal search would be a waste. The article posits that if the president was already briefed with specific MJ-12 information, a general SETI/UFO briefing would be less pertinent. It also questions why the president would draw attention to "alien" issues frivolously if such secrets are highly protected.

Ultimately, the article concludes that these events suggest an administration actively seeking knowledge and confirmation regarding alien intelligence and UFOs, rather than possessing definitive answers. The book "LANDSLIDE THE UNMAKING OF THE PRESIDENT" by Jane Mayer and Doyle McManus is cited, with UFO stories mentioned on pages 34 and 402.

MJ-12 UPDATE

This section addresses the MJ-12 controversy, referencing statements by Dr. Roger Wescott, Professor of Anthropology at Drew University. Proponents of MJ-12 presented Wescott's opinion that there is "no compelling reason to regard any of these communications (Hillenkoetter's, sent to Dr. Wescott for a language style comparison. Ed.) as fraudulent or to believe that any of them were written by anyone other than Hillenkoetter himself." This statement, made in an April 7, 1988, letter, was seen by some in the UFO press as an endorsement of the 1952 MJ-12 Briefing Paper's authenticity.

However, the editor expresses concern about Wescott's conclusions, citing an earlier April 3 letter where Wescott stated, "In ambiguous situations like this, I tend to follow an equivalent of the legal principle 'innocent till proven guilty.' My analog is 'authentic till proven fraudulent.'" The article criticizes this approach, contrasting it with scientific principles where extraordinary claims require proof of authenticity, not the other way around.

Dr. Wescott's involvement in paranormal studies is noted, including lectures for the International Fortean Organization and advisory roles with the Society for the Investigation of the Unexplained. He is also mentioned in Brad and Francie Steiger's book "THE STAR PEOPLE" (1981).

The article then quotes from a July/August 1988 CUFOS International UFO Reporter, where Dr. Wescott clarifies his position. He admits to stepping into a "hornet's nest of controversy" and states that he has "no strong conviction favoring either rather polarized position." He wrote that he thought the memo's fraudulence was unproved, but equally, its authenticity was unproved. He concludes, "Inconclusiveness seems to me to be of it's essence."

Therefore, the article asserts that there is no actual endorsement by Dr. Wescott. It notes the lack of widespread reporting of his clarifying letter in journals that previously treated his initial comments as a major revelation, crediting CUFOS for setting the record straight.

UFO COVER UP - LIVE!

This section reviews the 2-hour TV show "UFO Cover Up Live!" aired in October. Approximately 50% of the show was deemed of interest, providing background on UFO history, including the UFO story of former Project Blue Book spokesman William Coleman and statements from science experts. The rest of the show is described as "dismal."

The anticipated major public impact of the show did not materialize, and media commentary was virtually non-existent. The most disappointing aspect was the presentation of "Falcon" and "Condor," sources for William Moore's MJ-12 information. The show's use of blacked-out segments and voice alteration did not convince viewers of their credibility. The article suggests that the promoters' claims are all that viewers have to go on. Furthermore, discussions of alien biology, social activity, and preferences, including the "aliens' fondness for strawberry ice cream," were deemed uncheckable and made the segment a "laughing stock."

The editor and others were convinced that "Falcon" was Richard Doty, a former AFOSI Special Agent and a key source for the MJ-12 promotion. Both CAUS Director Peter Gersten and Linda Howe reportedly identified Doty based on his wording and mannerisms.

As a side note, the editor mentions receiving a phone solicitation from the Fund for UFO Research for donations to fund Stanton Friedman's MJ-12 explorations, which seemed designed to capitalize on the TV show. A donation of $500 was suggested. The editor declined, explaining that CAUS has spent significant time and money on MJ-12 and has reached an opposite conclusion from its supporters.

Other CAUS subscribers have also been approached for donations. The article clarifies that CAUS members are not directed on how to respond to such solicitations. The Fund is reportedly seeking $16,000 for the MJ-12 pot.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around government interest and potential involvement in UFO and extraterrestrial intelligence research, particularly during the Reagan administration. There is a strong emphasis on transparency and the public's right to know, as evidenced by the FOIA request. The magazine expresses skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims, particularly concerning the MJ-12 documents, and criticizes sensationalism in UFO reporting, as seen in the review of the "UFO Cover Up Live!" TV show. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, seeking factual evidence and questioning official narratives and controversial theories within the UFO community.