MUFON Minnesota Journal - No 080

Magazine Overview

Title: Minnesota MUFON Journal
Issue: #80
Date: November/December 1999

This issue of the Minnesota MUFON Journal focuses on leadership changes within the organization, a presentation on extraterrestrial intelligence and contact, and a re-examination of the Roswell crash, alongside discussions on 'reality anomalies' and advanced UFO investigation techniques.

Minnesota MUFON Leadership Shifts

The journal announces a transition in leadership for Minnesota MUFON. Dick Moss, the former State Director, is now the Assistant State Director. Bill McNeff, formerly the Assistant State Director, has taken over the State Directorship as of October 1999. This change is intended to free up Dick Moss, who has retired from teaching, to establish new sections in areas of Minnesota with fewer members or investigators. Bill McNeff, who previously served as State Director, is considered a strong choice for leadership due to his experience and accessibility.

Michael Lindemann Tells It Like It Is

Bill McNeff reports on a presentation by Michael Lindemann titled "Real Scenarios of Alien Contact," attended by approximately 93 people. Lindemann expressed optimism about Governor Ventura being an ally to the UFO research community. He approaches the subject from the standpoint that UFOs likely represent extraterrestrial intelligence and discussed the growing acceptance of the panspermia theory, suggesting life originated from microscopic creatures from space. He highlighted the abundance of water in the cosmos, the presence of comets, and evidence of water and ice on Mars, noting Europa as a prime candidate for life. Lindemann posed the question of whether extraterrestrial life is being kept secret and emphasized that its revelation must be managed carefully to avoid disrupting lifestyles, economies, and religions.

Lindemann outlined a rating system for contact scenarios, considering factors like 'Speed of Impact,' 'Manageability' by government bodies, and 'Strangeness' in relation to current paradigms and religious expectations. He categorized scenarios into:

• Scenario One: Fossils, Signs and Signals: This includes evidence of extraterrestrial life such as fossils (comparing Mars meteorite findings to Columbia basalt fossils) and possible artifacts on Mars like the "Face" and "City," as well as "out-of-place" artifacts on Earth. He mentioned a scientific study suggesting geometric arrangements of "domes" on Mars are unlikely to be natural. The discovery of exoplanets and the similarity of our sun to other stars suggest potential "homes to life."
• Scenario Two: Life (but not Intelligent Life): This scenario considers the possibility of finding life forms, such as on Europa, with moderate impact speed and strangeness.
• Scenario Three: Intelligent Life: Lindemann discussed the Drake equation, suggesting that the average lifetime of technological civilizations (L) is the key factor, estimating around 10,000 such civilizations in our galaxy. He noted that many may not use radio, making them undetectable. He also touched upon the potential for space tourism and future colonization of Mars, mentioning projects like Bigelow Aerospace and plans for a moon hotel. He also presented NASA's research into advanced propulsion physics, including faster-than-light travel and zero-point energy, suggesting these lend credibility to the idea of extraterrestrial probes. Lindemann also addressed the "Arrival: Denial" sub-plot, where governments might lie about ET arrival for national security reasons, citing historical examples like the WWII U-boat cover-up. The report mentions a French military and government report supporting UFO reality and listing significant UFO cases like Iran, Kasputin-Yar, Trans-En-Provence, Valensole, RB-47, and Lakenheath.
• Scenario Four: The Watchers: This scenario posits that ET has been present for thousands of years without interfering, and revealing this would have a moderate impact.

Lindemann concluded by emphasizing that scientists increasingly believe we are not alone, and preparing for contact with other life forms is crucial, viewing them as potential teachers and guides. He suggested that contact, while potentially shocking to human beliefs, is an inevitable part of Earth's evolution, and the planet is a valuable resource to be stewarded.

Minnesota Mufon Meetings

Announcements for upcoming MUFON meetings on Saturday, November 13th, and Saturday, December 11th, from 1:30-5:00 PM at the Roseville Community Center. The location is behind Centennial Methodist Church and offers free parking. The building is designated as non-smoking.

Walt Andrus, MUFON Nat. Dir., to Retire

Walt Andrus is set to retire as MUFON's International Director on July 16, 2000, after 30 years of service. According to MUFON Bylaws, the Deputy Director of Administration, John F. Schuessler, will succeed him. The MUFON headquarters is planned to move to the Denver area by September 1, 2000. The Board of Directors has also selected a committee to develop a 5-year plan, revise bylaws, and consider organizational restructuring.

UFOIN - A new start for British ufology

Jenny Randles reports on the launch of UFOIN (UFO Investigators Network) in Britain, an initiative by experienced investigators aiming to professionalize ufology. UFOIN is described as a non-membership group focused on objective, in-depth investigations using scientific principles, operating with openness and team-based decision-making.

College offers Internet UFO Class

Tom Bell announces an online continuing education course titled "UFOs: An Alien Connection?" offered by John A. Logan College in Carterville, Illinois. The 7-week class, costing $15.00, will cover the history of the UFO phenomenon and the possibility of alien life, utilizing various online tools.

Fear Fighter 'Extinguishes Anxiety'

This section reports on a new Walkman-like device called the Alpha-Stim, which uses cranial electrotherapy to reduce stress and anxiety. Developed by Dr. Daniel Kirsch, the device is small and clips onto the earlobes, passing a current through the brain. It is licensed by the FDA and is described as a "fashion accessory" that can provide clarity and organization.

Marcel's Last Words on Roswell Crash

Robert Scott Martin reports on a 1981 interview with Jesse Marcel, the intelligence officer involved in the Roswell crash recovery. Marcel maintained until his death that the object was not a weather balloon. Linda Corley, who conducted the interview, shares details of her conversation with Marcel and his wife. Marcel denied seeing alien corpses, stating that if they were present, he would have collected them. Corley suggests that the absence of bodies in the wreckage, despite the recovery of debris, is unusual. Marcel also dismissed the weather balloon and Mogul balloon explanations, calling the famous photo of General Ramey displaying wreckage a staged fake. Marcel expressed a desire to remain unknown and stated he had become "disinterested" in UFOs, though still curious. He described himself as ambitious and loyal to his country, hinting that his vow of silence might explain why he later claimed the interview was a lie. Corley kept the tapes for years, and they had decayed by the time Stanton Friedman became interested. The editor's note clarifies that Marcel was at the debris site, not the crash site, and suggests that recovering audio from old tapes is feasible.

MN MUFON hosts Beyond Boundaries Lecture

An announcement for a lecture by Joyce Murphy on November 19th, 7 PM, at the usual MUFON meeting room in Roseville. The topic is "Beyond Boundaries." Joyce L. Murphy is described as the president and founder of Beyond Boundaries UFO / ET / Paranormal Research Org., an organizer of international expeditions, and a source of information on current phenomena. Her work has been featured on TV and in documentaries. She has a background in mathematics and owned a travel agency, which facilitated her global research.

Field Investigator Update: Nov., 1999

Craig R. Lang provides an update on cases investigated by Wisconsin and Minnesota MUFON. The primary event discussed is a sighting near Menomonie, WI, on September 16, 1999, involving objects with flashing lights exhibiting erratic movements. A deputy sheriff also observed lights, but could not identify them. The witness described objects changing color and moving at high speeds. Another case involves a woman observing a rapidly changing ball of light. The update also mentions two crop circles in Wisconsin, one possibly a hoax and the other investigated near Verona.

Reality Anomalies in CE4 Cases

Craig R. Lang discusses "Reality Anomalies" and "Close Encounters of the Fourth Kind" (CE4s), drawing from Jacques Vallee's work. These events involve a transformation of the experiencer's reality, categorized into small anomalies (e.g., an object behaving illogically), "The Oz Factor" (an eerie, silent environment), and "spontaneous invisibility" (where only one person perceives an object or entity). The most profound type is full reality transformation, such as entering a ball of light or experiencing a highway that appears wrong. Lang suggests these might be screen memories for abductions, referencing the work of Budd Hopkins and David Jacobs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the ongoing investigation and understanding of UFO phenomena, extraterrestrial intelligence, and potential contact scenarios. There's a strong emphasis on scientific investigation, leadership within ufology organizations, and the personal accounts of experiencers. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging research and discussion while acknowledging the complexities and potential challenges associated with the subject matter. The journal also highlights the importance of documentation and investigation, as seen in the field updates and the re-examination of historical cases like Roswell.

This document is issue 11 of the Minnesota MUFON Journal. It features an article titled "Skepticism vs. Debunking" by Joel Henry, Ed., FI MN MUFON, which explores the critical differences between these two approaches within the field of ufology. The journal also includes contact information for Minnesota MUFON and the National MUFON Hotline.

Skepticism vs. Debunking

The lead article by Joel Henry distinguishes between skepticism and debunking, emphasizing its importance in ufology. True skepticism is defined as a healthy level of doubt, reserving judgment until sufficient evidence is presented. It acknowledges that each individual's skepticism is shaped by their personal experiences, education, wisdom, and beliefs. The article provides an example of a skeptic in Craig Lang, Coordinator of Minnesota MUFON's Field Investigations.

In contrast, debunking is portrayed as a prejudiced approach that outright denies ideas contradicting a debunker's personal belief systems. Debunkers are depicted as acting with extreme prejudice, akin to the "Catholic church of old," ready to condemn anyone who proposes ideas outside their narrow scope. They are accused of ignoring facts, bad-mouthing dissenters, and promoting the false notion that anyone open to new ideas is foolish or unstable. The article asserts that debunkers are as dangerous to the public as the charlatans, liars, and cheats they claim to expose, as they serve their own agendas under the guise of public service. Philip Klass is cited as an example of a debunker.

The author warns that it is easy to cross the line from skepticism to debunking by applying emotionally vested attitudes and beliefs. This requires a constant balancing act, checking and re-checking to ensure fairness and lack of bias when examining both sides of an issue. The article suggests that everyone is a potential debunker if they fail to approach subjects with an open mind and a sense of fairness.

Minnesota MUFON Contact Information

The journal provides comprehensive contact details for Minnesota MUFON:

• State Director: Richard Moss (320) 732-3205
• Assistant State Director: Bill McNeff (952) 890-1390
• Field Investigations Coordinator: Craig Lang (763) 560-1532
• Journal Editor: Joel Henry, PO Box 240631, Apple Valley, MN 55124, (952) 431-2426
• Email: [email protected]
• Web Page: http://www.mnmufon.org (Joel Henry, Webmaster)

Additionally, information is provided for MUFONET (7.237mhz Sat. at 7:00am CST, Bob Shultz, Net Control) and the National MUFON Hotline (1-800-836-2166) for reporting UFO news and sightings.

Editorial Contributions and Copyrights

Readers are encouraged to send news or editorial contributions to the editor. The journal also includes a note on copyrights, stating that articles are the property of their originators and are reprinted with permission or are believed to be in the public domain. Permission to use or reprint must be obtained from the original authors.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme of this issue is the critical distinction between genuine skepticism and prejudiced debunking, particularly within the context of ufology. The editorial stance clearly favors a balanced, evidence-based approach to investigating anomalous phenomena, advocating for open-mindedness and a commitment to factual inquiry over the imposition of pre-existing belief systems. The journal positions itself as a platform for discussion and investigation, while cautioning against the dogmatic and potentially harmful nature of debunking.