Georgia Sky Watch - 2000 Q2 - no 17

Magazine Overview

Title: Georgia Sky Watch
Issue: Number 17
Volume/Date: Summer 2000
Publisher: MUFON of Georgia
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of Georgia Sky Watch, published by MUFON of Georgia, focuses on organizational updates, UFO analysis, and upcoming events. It features messages from the State Director and the International Director, discusses proposed bylaw revisions, and details restructuring within the Georgia chapter.

State Director's Message

John Schuessler, the new International Director of MUFON, is implementing changes to keep the organization current. The Georgia chapter is preparing for potential new bylaws, with procedures to be implemented regardless of their passage. These changes include more frequent meetings and enhanced training. The proposed bylaws would nullify existing State Section boundaries, which will be redrawn based on local knowledge. State Section Directors (SSDs) will be reappointed, with a focus on proactive Field Investigators (FIs) who actively recruit new members. Schuessler reflects on his tenure since 1998, noting the removal of inactive members and expressing appreciation for dedicated members. The State Headquarters will also be modified, with Mark Ausmus serving as the sole Assistant Director. Three Deputy Director positions will be created, subordinate to the Assistant Director. The Chief Field Investigator role will be incorporated into 'Deputy Director for Georgia Investigations' (DDGI), with Jim Clifford retaining this position. A 'Deputy Director for South Georgia' (DDSG) will be established, with John Bodin assuming the role. Additional Deputy Director positions for Central and Coastal Georgia may be created later. The 'Deputy Director for Science, Georgia' (DDS) will be filled by geologist Ralph O. Howard Jr., who will serve as chief science officer.

The UFO Phenomenon: An Alternative Analysis

This article by John C. Thompson explores a potential connection between UFOs, aliens, and demonic dimensions. The author suggests that 'aliens' involved in abductions are evil and that calling for divine help can stop or reduce alien activity. He critiques abduction researchers like David Jacobs and John Mack, arguing that their hypnosis-based findings are based on subjective 'mental images' without independent witnesses or physical proof. Thompson posits that there may be no true physical UFOs, but rather 'inner-terrestrials' (INTs) or 'manifestations' that can project illusions. He concludes that the preponderance of evidence points to a non-physical, dimensional intelligence rather than extraterrestrial craft.

Calendar of Events

• The issue lists several upcoming MUFON of Georgia events:
• September 23, 2000: MUFON of Georgia general meeting (details on page 8).
• September 23-24, 2000: 37th Annual National UFO Conference in Corpus Christi, TX.
• October 7, 2000: MUFON of Georgia & ISUR sky watch on Fort Mountain (details on page 6).
• October 28, 2000: John Thompson UFO Lecture at Coca-Cola Space Science Center, Columbus State University.
• November 4, 2000: Moultrie, Georgia meeting & sky watch.

New MUFON Bylaws

An appeal is made to MUFON members to vote on the proposed new bylaws, emphasizing that this is the first membership vote on bylaw revisions in many years. The bylaw committee worked to create a modern set of bylaws for consideration.

Recent UFO Books

• Several books are recommended for ufologists:
• LEAP OF FAITH: AN ASTRONAUT'S JOURNEY INTO THE UNKNOWN by Gordon Cooper: Details UFO cases, including a personal encounter over Germany.
• UFOS AND THE NATIONAL SECURITY STATE: AN UNCLASSIFIED HISTORY - VOLUME ONE: 1941-1973 by Richard M. Dolan: Considered a definitive history of UFOs.
• THE UFO BRIEFING DOCUMENT by Don Berliner, Marie Galbraith, and Antonio Huneeus: A document prepared for Congress and the Senate.

MUFON of Georgia Meetings and Events Details

• Detailed information is provided for upcoming meetings and events:
• MUFON of Georgia Summer Meeting: Saturday, September 23, 2000, at Gwinnett County Justice and Administration Center in Lawrenceville. Includes Field Investigator's Training and public presentations focusing on 'Science and the UFO Phenomena' with keynote speaker Ralph O. Howard Jr.
• John Thompson UFO Lecture: Saturday, October 28, 2000, at Coca-Cola Space Science Center, Columbus State University, Columbus, Georgia. The lecture is titled 'UFOs over the Piedmont: An Analysis of a Phenomenon'.
• MUFON of Georgia Autumn 2000 General Meeting: Saturday, October 4, 2000, at Moultrie-Colquitt County Library, Moultrie, Georgia. Agenda includes Field Investigator's Training, public presentations, and a potential sky watch.
• MUFON of Georgia Autumn Sky Watch: Saturday, October 7, 2000, at Fort Mountain, Georgia. Attendees are advised to bring chairs, snacks, and binoculars.

Investigations and Cases

• The magazine highlights several recent investigations and cases in Georgia:
• A highly unusual object following power lines in Carrollton.
• A low and slow fly-over of a gigantic dark triangle observed by a state official in Wrightsville.
• Another low and slow giant triangle sighting on I-85 near Palmetto.
• A witness in Marietta observed a rotating disc hover over trees and approach her skylight.
• Unusual lights were seen in Tucker on the same night as the Marietta sighting.
• A close encounter in Douglas, Georgia, involving a newspaper columnist, led to three ongoing investigations.
• A 1970 UFO sighting in Rincon where a craft paced a car at over 100 mph.
• A law enforcement UFO case in Polk County investigated by Mary Dee Janssen.
• The issue also mentions that the MUFON of Georgia Staff will discuss cases from the 1960s and 1970s, and Michael D. Hitt will present his book 'Georgia's Aerial Phenomenon 1947-1987'.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are organizational development within MUFON of Georgia, the analysis of UFO phenomena with a critical perspective on extraterrestrial explanations, and the promotion of upcoming events and investigations. The editorial stance, particularly in the 'State Director's Message' and 'The UFO Phenomenon' article, emphasizes a need for modernization, rigorous investigation, and a questioning approach to conventional UFO theories, leaning towards a non-physical or dimensional explanation for sightings. There is a strong emphasis on member participation and the importance of dedicated Field Investigators.