MUFON Minnesota Journal - No 049

Magazine Overview

This issue of the MINNESOTA MUFON Newsletter, dated September/October 1994, covers a range of topics related to UFO research, including personal accounts, debates within the ufology community, and upcoming events. The newsletter features articles by Vladimir Rubtsov, Bruce Maccabee, and reports on incidents related to Area 51.

From the State Director

The State Director recounts attending the 1994 MUFON symposium in Austin, Texas, which he found to be highly engaging with many new revelations. He mentions giving a brief account of most presentations and notes that two were omitted: one by Vladimir Rubtsov from the CIS and one by Richard Hall. The director states that Rubtsov's written account will be summarized in this issue, and Hall's in November. A central theme of Rubtsov's thinking, as presented, is how culture affects the perception of UFO experiences, from craft descriptions to abductions.

Rubtsov's Encounter Stories

Rubtsov illustrates his theme with several encounter stories. The first involves a man's 1963 experience where he noticed a curtain swaying and perceived a child-like sound. He then saw a face described as being made of dark glass, followed by a dark, voluminous shadow. The entity then laid a nude baby on the floor. Although this case did not involve a UFO, it sparked the witness's interest in UFOs.

Rubtsov believes ufology is not a scientific discipline but an interdisciplinary field akin to criminology. He notes the changes in Soviet ufology following the transition from the USSR to the CIS, with an influx of publicity-seekers and pseudo-mystical New Age types. He laments that scientists are less disposed to ufology now than 20 years prior, recalling a time when data from the USA and USSR could be independently compared.

Rubtsov then presents a case of a 35-year-old biochemist in 1977 who saw a Saturn-shaped UFO and Soviet soldiers. One entity, disguised as a soldier, conversed with her for two hours, discussing Earth's role as an interstellar communication pole and offering a negative opinion of human civilization. The entity also showed her holographic images of Earth's history. The entity then changed his appearance to that of a male acquaintance and propositioned her, which she refused. The entity left, and she later found her husband asleep.

A third case from January 1987 involved a professional painter near Yalta who was visited by 7-9 entities. These beings, described as beautiful with penetrating eyes, communicated telepathically. The painter felt joy but was also told, "We won't do you any harm. Don't be afraid." A device was placed on the piano, and a "woman" bent over it. The painter saw a light-colored disk and was told it was her ovum, which was penetrated by two or three drops. This case is noted as unusual because it did not involve a typical abduction, but the intervention in the reproductive sphere is highlighted as a typical detail. The painter has since been unable to conceive.

The fourth case, from January 1990, describes a woman awakened by a presence and seeing a man in light-colored clothes and a "dense fog" from the waist down. She also saw a luminous ball outside her window. She later found herself on her bed, with the visitor gone and the ball moving away. She felt exhausted and had dreams about UFOs. Months later, she found herself outside her house with her 5-year-old daughter, and eight luminous balls appeared in the sky. One approached closely, and a flat, blood-red spot departed from it, causing her to black out. The daughter later described a shared dream and warned, "At first they are kind, Mom, but don't believe them. Later on they are so vicious."

Rubtsov concludes his discussion by noting that while these are "just stories," they are worth listening to. He also recounts a story about increased UFO activity near the Chernobyl power station before the meltdown. After the explosion, a team of nuclear specialists observed a fiery brass-colored ball over the reactor that emitted crimson rays, which then reduced the radiation levels. Rubtsov suggests this might indicate UFOs could potentially assist in disasters, and notes that the UFO field allows for almost anything, unlike normal science.

Maccabee vs. Zechel, Round 2!

This article, written by Bruce Maccabee, is a response to an article by Todd Zechel that appeared in UFO Magazine. Zechel had previously accused Maccabee of working with the CIA to control the UFO movement and perpetuate government secrecy. Maccabee states that he answered a previous paper by Zechel in detail, denying CIA influence and pointing out errors in Zechel's AIR-1 report.

Maccabee recounts Zechel's past issues with researchers over unpaid telephone bills. He notes Zechel's return to ufology in 1993 with the AIR-1 report, which targeted him and Karl Pflock. Maccabee addresses Zechel's rehash of claims about his alleged involvement with the CIA, stating he had no communication with the CIA between 1979 and 1984, and only had repeated communications regarding Navy work and general discussions about UFO sightings afterward. He denies having "three hour meetings with CIA officers on UFOs that required a TOP SECRET security clearance."

Maccabee refutes Zechel's allegations of receiving "classified UFO reports and UFO photos from the CIA," stating he only received unclassified Foreign Broadcast Information Service documents regarding UFO events in the Soviet Union. He also clarifies that he has never received photos from the CIA or any other government agency, with any UFO photos he has received coming from photographers or civilian investigators.

He details a briefing paper he wrote for the President's Science Advisor, Dr. John Gibbons, at the request of CIA employee Dr. Ronald Pandolfi. This paper was a 1.5-page "Executive Summary" on general information about UFOs and government actions. Maccabee emphasizes that the CIA had no input into this report, nor did they make any modifications. He notes that the meeting for which the briefing was intended was rescheduled, and the paper had no effect.

Maccabee dismisses Zechel's conclusion that he is a "paid consultant for the CIA on UFOs and is considered its resident UFO expert," stating he has not been paid for lectures at the CIA or any other government agency activities. He also clarifies that Ron Pandolfi is the CIA's "resident expert."

Maccabee also addresses Zechel's suggestion that he was caught in a "web of intrigue with the CIA" and lured into supporting "hoaxers like Ed Walters." Maccabee states his support for Ed Walters is based on his own investigation of sightings and not related to the CIA. He challenges Zechel to prove that the Walters case is a hoax.

Maccabee then critiques Zechel's analysis of the Roswell case, which Zechel claims to have "solved" as a cluster of balloons with a radar dish. Maccabee questions the use of a dish-shaped reflector and challenges Zechel to provide evidence for this scenario, including how balloons could freeze and shatter in a way that would scatter fragments over a confined area. He finds Zechel's explanation "not well thought out and not likely to be true."

Finally, Maccabee addresses Zechel's "Del Rio" case investigation, challenging him to provide evidence and publish his findings, suggesting Zechel's reasons for not publishing are a "wimp-out response" or that he is bluffing. Maccabee notes Zechel's recent announcement of intent to sue various government agencies, suggesting this might indicate he does have evidence.

TV Crew's Guide to Secret Site is Arrested

This section reports on an incident involving Glenn Campbell, described as a "self-styled government oversight activist," who was arrested on Tuesday, July 19, near Area 51. Campbell accompanied a KNBC-TV news crew from Los Angeles to Freedom Ridge, 12 miles from Area 51. Sheriff's deputies requested the crew turn over their videotapes for inspection, which they refused. Campbell offered a view through the camera's viewfinder to assure the base was not filmed, but the deputy stated he lacked the security clearance to view the tapes. A sudden rainstorm interrupted the incident, and Campbell was subsequently arrested and charged with obstructing a public officer after allegedly reaching to push the locks down on the news crew's vehicle. Campbell stated it was not their intention to prevent the deputies from doing their duty. The article also mentions three other incidents where Campbell was involved with film being taken, with tapes being seized or voluntarily surrendered but not returned.

Meetings and Events

The newsletter lists several upcoming meetings and events:

• Paranormal Study Group: Saturday, September 17, 1994, 2 PM at The Irish Well, featuring "Grid Lines and Ley Lines" by Wells Horvereid. No meeting in October; next meeting November 26.
• Theosophical Society: Monday, September 12, 7:30-9:30 PM at 900 Mount Curve, Minneapolis. Public lectures are on the 1st and 3rd Mondays, except for September.
• International Tesla Society: Saturday, September 17, 1:00-5:00 PM at The Pavek Wireless Museum, St. Louis Park.

It also announces a new book, "TAKEN: INSIDE THE ALIEN-HUMAN ABDUCTION AGENDA" by Dr. Karla Turner.

George R. Coyne (1918-1994)

A brief obituary notes the passing of George R. Coyne, who joined MUFON in 1983 and served as Director for Michigan MUFON with his wife Shirley. He will be missed.

Guess What!

This section is a fundraising appeal for a new television set, noting that $142 has been collected so far. Readers are encouraged to send checks to Dick Moss at P.O. Box 36, Long Prairie, MN 56347.

The Science and Politics of UFO Research: A Symposium

This section details an upcoming symposium on November 5 & 6, 1994, at the Science Museum of Minnesota Auditorium. The cost ranges from $100 to $130 per person. The symposium aims to address the fundamental nature of the UFO phenomenon and its interaction with politics and the scientific process, rather than debating the existence of UFOs. Topics include comparing the UFO controversy with scientific revolutions, the workings of science in modern society, and why scientific research is often only deemed legitimate if government-supported. A wine and cheese reception is scheduled for Saturday evening. The schedule includes a panel discussion on "The Politics of the UFO Controversy" and an update on current UFO research. A list of speakers is provided, including Terry Hansen, Dr. Michael Zimmerman, Dr. Ron Westrum, Stanton Friedman, James McCampbell, Dr. Jack Kasher, Dr. Richard Haines, Kevin Randle, Dr. Thomas Bullard, and Dr. John Mack.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The Minnesota MUFON Newsletter consistently features a critical examination of UFO research, highlighting controversies and debates within the community. There is a strong emphasis on debunking unsubstantiated claims while also presenting witness accounts and research findings. The publication appears to advocate for a rigorous, evidence-based approach to ufology, as evidenced by the detailed critiques of Zechel's work and the promotion of scientific discourse through the symposium. The newsletter also serves as a platform for community engagement, with sections for meeting announcements, contributions, and fundraising appeals. The editorial stance leans towards investigating UFO phenomena seriously but with a healthy dose of skepticism and a demand for verifiable evidence, particularly in the face of alleged government cover-ups and questionable research practices.