Magonia - No 83 - 2003 12

Magazine Overview

Title: MAGONIA
Issue: 83
Date: December 2003
Price: £1.75

This issue of Magonia, subtitled 'interpreting contemporary vision and belief', features a cover story by Matt Graeber on 'UFOOLOGY' and a historical musing by Peter Brookesmith titled 'The History Man: Wittgenstein's Lion and the Stories of Roswell'. The magazine also includes editorial notes discussing controversies within ufology and a review of Larry O'Hara's 'Notes from the Borderland'.

Editorial Notes

The editorial notes address a controversy stemming from Magonia issue 70, which examined the crashed Tornado incident near Sheffield. The article by David Clarke and Andy Roberts concluded it was a sonic boom, a finding challenged by UFO investigator Max Burns, who claimed Clarke and Roberts were government agents. The editorial also links this to Larry O'Hara's publication 'At War with the Universe' and his revelations about ufologist Tim Matthews (formerly Tim Hepple) having a right-wing political background. O'Hara's latest publication, 'Notes from the Borderland', unites these controversies by featuring an article where Max Burns defends his Tornado theory and accuses Roberts and Clarke of being government agents. The editorial suggests that while Burns's conviction on drugs charges might have had odd aspects, it was likely due to police wanting to improve clear-up figures rather than a government conspiracy. The notes highlight how external commentators like O'Hara may lack the context of UFO investigations, mistaking internal experimental hoaxes for disinformation campaigns. The editorial also briefly mentions an article in 'Notes from the Borderland' analyzing recent BNP election victories.

UFOOLOGY: As much fun as a barrel full of aliens

Author: Matt Graeber

Matt Graeber explores the 'barmpot fringe' of American ufology, coining the term 'UFOOLOGY' in a letter to Jim Moseley, publisher of 'Saucer Smear'. Graeber describes 'Saucer Logic' as a mental functioning that affects UFO buffs, leading them to ignore or deny aspects of reality outside their beliefs. He contrasts the 'pretty-faced' scientific world of UFO experts with the side that is often ignored, which he believes is a phenomenon worthy of serious study by sociologists and folklorists. Graeber uses the example of the movie 'Men in Black' to illustrate how some believe such films are government programs designed to 'leak' information about UFOs and aliens to the public. He recounts an interaction with a fellow UFO enthusiast named Fred, who believed 'Men in Black' was a government attempt to prepare humans for the truth about UFOs. Graeber also discusses how the 'leakage program' assumptions might serve as a device for ufologists to confirm their beliefs about government cover-ups. He shares an experience with a UFO group where the leader, Sam, was obsessed with the Roswell incident and defended questionable witnesses like 'Cactus Jack', who had a criminal past. Graeber notes that the group's dwindling members prompted him to seek a psychic speaker, Sylvia, to visit.

The History Man: Wittgenstein's Lion and the Stories of Roswell

Author: Peter Brookesmith

Peter Brookesmith muses on the nature of history and its interpretation, using Ludwig Wittgenstein's proposition that 'if a lion could speak, we would not understand him' as a starting point. He applies this to the difficulty of understanding ufological debates, particularly those involving Jerome K. Clark. Brookesmith criticizes Clark's tendency to equate UFO controversies with historical debates, suggesting that Clark's approach is often obtuse and condescending. He points to instances where Clark has misrepresented the views of critics like Phil Klass, Gary Posner, and James Oberg. Brookesmith then examines Clark's 'The UFO Encyclopedia', acknowledging its massive achievement in synthesizing source material but noting its inclusion of Clark's opinions and potential omissions or fractured logic, making it useful primarily for those already possessing expertise.

Brookesmith questions Clark's qualifications as a historian, particularly in relation to his views on the Roswell incident. He argues that Clark's assertion that Roswell is complex and ambiguous, similar to historical controversies, is flawed. Brookesmith contends that while historical debates involve challenges with informants and evidence, the Roswell case, from a pro-ET perspective, lacks credible evidence and agreement on key details. He contrasts this with genuine historical controversies like the rationale for the atomic bomb on Japan, the events at Pearl Harbor, or the Second Amendment, which have substantial evidence and scholarly debate. Brookesmith suggests that Clark's analogies are not good for the case he is trying to make and that his approach to history is more akin to 'unofficial history' or 'folklore'.

Brookesmith then discusses the concept of 'folklore' as defined by Ed Bullard, which involves unofficial culture and persistent beliefs that defy official conclusions. He applies this to the JFK assassination and the Roswell incident, suggesting that the persistence of conspiracy theories around these events places them within the sphere of folklore. He criticizes the pro-ET Roswell narrative for its simplistic, single-cause explanations and its 'too neat' structure, contrasting it with the multi-causal and complex nature of real historical events.

The article highlights the lack of undisputed facts in the pro-ET Roswell case, stating that the only certainty is that something crashed on Brazel's ranch in 1947. It contrasts this with genuine historical events that have demonstrable effects, such as the spread of Islam, the domestication of the horse, or the impact of plagues. Brookesmith concludes that the Roswell incident, if it were an ET event, has had no demonstrable practical difference to human history.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Magonia demonstrates a critical and analytical approach to ufology and historical interpretation. The magazine consistently distinguishes between rigorous historical research and what it terms 'folklore' or 'unofficial history' within the UFO community. There is a clear skepticism towards simplistic explanations, conspiracy theories, and the tendency to elevate anecdotal evidence or personal beliefs to the status of historical fact. The editorial stance appears to favor evidence-based analysis and a nuanced understanding of complex events, whether in history or in the study of anomalous phenomena. The magazine seems to champion a more grounded, critical perspective, often challenging the assumptions and methodologies prevalent in certain segments of the UFO subculture.

This issue of Magonia, titled "11," delves into various aspects of ufology, paranormal phenomena, and the critical analysis of belief systems within these fields. The cover features a striking quote from "The Pelican" expressing frustration with the dismissal of his observations and the challenges of obtaining information within the UFO community. The issue includes a mix of personal anecdotes, book reviews, and critical commentary on the nature of evidence and belief in the paranormal.

Articles and Commentary

The 'Walk-ins' and 'Body Snatchers' Phenomenon

The issue opens with a personal account of encountering individuals claiming to be 'walk-ins,' where alien entities have inhabited human bodies. The narrator humorously reflects on the concept, linking it to the 'Invasion of the Body Snatchers' and the idea of government leaks about alien presence. This section highlights the subjective and often bizarre nature of some UFO-related beliefs.

Sam and the Roswell Incident

A significant portion of the narrative focuses on a character named Sam, who possesses a purported psychic ability to detect lying witnesses regarding the Roswell crash. His frustration with individuals who might be withholding information or simply unaware of the details is detailed. A particular anecdote involves two men claiming to have found a box of UFO artifacts, which later turned out to be a prank. Sam's reaction to this deception is explored, emphasizing his commitment to uncovering the 'truth,' even if it means bending 'Saucer Logic' to fit his narrative.

The 'Smoking Gun' and Prank Artifacts

The discovery of a box allegedly containing UFO debris, including official-looking documents and an Army Air Corps flight cap, is presented as a potential 'smoking gun' for ufology. However, the subsequent investigation reveals the entire find to be a fabrication, leading to an apology from the pranksters. This incident underscores the challenges of verifying evidence in the field and the potential for deception.

The 'Abduction Experience' and Psychological Interpretations

The magazine critically examines the concept of alien abduction, questioning whether it is a genuine phenomenon or a delusion. It contrasts the approach of abduction researchers with that of mental health professionals, suggesting that the former may reinforce these beliefs rather than cure them. The article discusses how some psychiatrists have been accused of leading patients to 'remember' past traumas, including sexual abuse, which may not have occurred.

Dr. Raj Persaud's example of Mr. J., who developed delusions about aliens while caring for his ill wife, illustrates how shared beliefs can be facilitated by isolation. The text also references Dr. David Jacobs' view that the abduction phenomenon is physical and difficult to address, highlighting the ongoing debate about the nature of these experiences.

The 'Saucer Logic' Critique

The concept of 'Saucer Logic' is repeatedly critiqued as a flawed reasoning process that allows ufologists to disregard common sense and embrace unsubstantiated claims. The article suggests that this approach prevents genuine UFO research and keeps American ufology entrenched in a 'strangely humorous Dark Ages.' The author argues that instead of seeking mundane explanations, ufologists often attribute unusual events to aliens, even when simpler explanations are available.

Book Reviews

Several book reviews offer insights into related topics:

• "The Necronomicon Files: The Truth Behind the Legend" by Daniel Harms and John Wisdom Gonce III: This review examines the Necronomicon, a fictional book from H.P. Lovecraft's lore, and its transition into perceived reality. It discusses how the book has been cited in various productions and how some people have used versions of it as 'working grimoires.' The review questions the sanity of those who promote such hoaxes and advocates for critical scrutiny of their writings.
• "A Different Sky: unusual sightings and strange phenomena over Merseyside" by Tony Eccles: Reviewed by John Rimmer, this book is praised for its concise and readable accounts of UFO phenomena in a specific geographical area. It is noted for presenting straightforward descriptions and considering possible mundane explanations.
• "The Healing of Satanically Ritually Abused Multiple Personality Disorder" by John Clark, PhD: This review highlights the book's focus on 'satanic ritual abuse' and the use of 'spiritual warfare' to cure victims. The reviewer expresses skepticism about the author's methods and the underlying beliefs, questioning the sanity of those involved in such practices.
• "Strange Skies: pilot encounters with UFOs" by Jerome Clark: The review discusses Clark's collection of pilot UFO encounter stories, noting his critical approach but also pointing out his tendency to overlook skeptical analyses and take witness language too literally. The reviewer suggests that many cases might be explained by experimental aircraft or psychological factors.
• "The Invention of Telepathy" by Roger Luckhurst: This book traces the development of the idea of telepathy in the context of fin de siècle culture and the rise of scientific modernity. It explores the connection between psychical research, society, and culture, including imperialism and the 'New Woman.' The review notes the book's focus on Britain and its sometimes dense academic style.
• "Firestorm: Dr James E. McDonald's fight for UFO science" by Ann Druffel: This biography of James McDonald portrays him as a tortured individual who channeled his energies into UFO research. The review touches upon his personal struggles, his dedication to the field, and the tragic circumstances surrounding his death.
• "Strange Secrets: real government files of the unknown" by Nick Redfern and Andy Roberts: This collection of Fortean stories from UK and US government files is noted for including interesting historical footnotes, such as the linkage of ground marks with UFOs and confirmation of the Schweinfurt foo-fighter incident, though the latter is attributed to radar confusion.

Reader's Letters

Letters to the editor include a humorous cartoon and a critique of a review, with one reader defending their work against perceived misinterpretations and another sharing personal experiences related to bars in Canby, Minnesota.

Hold the Back Page

This section features a letter from 1971 discussing the emotions aroused by Magonia's approach to ufology. It also includes commentary on Viktor Schauberger and 'Nazi UFOs,' questioning the historical accuracy of some claims and suggesting that certain UFO narratives originated as hoaxes. A report on a man arrested for 'spam rage' is also included, highlighting the extreme reactions that can arise from online harassment.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Magonia revolve around the critical examination of ufology and paranormal beliefs. The magazine consistently questions the validity of 'Saucer Logic,' emphasizing the importance of common sense and empirical evidence. There is a strong undercurrent of skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims, particularly those related to alien abduction and the Roswell incident. The editorial stance appears to favor a more grounded, scientific approach, while acknowledging the enduring fascination with mysteries and the human tendency to seek explanations for the unknown, even if those explanations are rooted in delusion or fabrication. The reviews of various books reflect this critical perspective, analyzing the methodologies and conclusions presented by authors in the fields of ufology, psychical research, and the occult.