MUFON Minnesota Journal - No 083

Magazine Overview

Title: Minnesota MUFON Journal
Issue: #83
Date: May/June 2000
Publisher: MUFON
Country: USA

This issue of the Minnesota MUFON Journal features a Directors Report by William I. McNeff, titled "WHAT SHOULD WE BE DOING?", which addresses MUFON's mission and the implications of public knowledge about UFOs and potential alien visitation. The journal also includes articles on the controversial topic of False Memory Syndrome, new developments regarding the Roswell incident, claims from Russian cosmonauts about UFOs, and discussions on government eavesdropping and theoretical physics.

Directors Report: WHAT SHOULD WE BE DOING?

William I. McNeff, in his Directors Report, reflects on MUFON's mission to systematically collect and analyze UFO data. He discusses a panel discussion on the effect of a US government revelation about alien visitation, suggesting that the public should be gradually made aware of the reality of UFOs, rather than suddenly informed, to avoid mental distress. McNeff emphasizes that while the government has a responsibility for public safety, individuals also have a responsibility to be informed about situations affecting their well-being, including the possibility of extraterrestrial visitors. He advocates for MUFON to raise public awareness about the probability of Earth being visited and related phenomena like abductions and genetic manipulations. He also touches upon a discussion where it was suggested MUFON should have a much larger membership and boldly announce that UFOs are real, without controversy, drawing a parallel to the success of some evangelist organizations.

New Research Casts Doubts On False Memory Syndrome

This article, sourced from Reuters and written by Patricia Reaney, reports on British scientists who have cast doubt on the prevalence of False Memory Syndrome. The theory, often used in child abuse defense cases to discredit testimony, suggests that recovered memories can be bogus and induced by therapists. Researchers at University College London studied data from 236 adults with recovered memories and found consistent evidence that "False Memory Syndrome" cannot explain all or even most examples of recovered memories. Dr. Bernice Andrews, who led the study, stated that there is no convincing evidence for a specific False Memory Syndrome and that a substantial proportion of these memories have been corroborated. The study also indicates that repressed memories are not exclusively about childhood sexual abuse but can stem from various traumas, and not all are recovered during therapy. Many individuals enter therapy after starting to remember past events, and while some triggers include concerns about their own children, aggressive suggestive techniques are not commonly used by therapists.

Decipher of General Ramey's Roswell Message

Neil Morris reports on the efforts of Christopher Farmer to decipher a message held by General Ramey in a 1947 photograph related to the Roswell crash. Using new commercial software, Farmer was able to decipher one line of the message. The deciphered line, "EXTRACT THE VICTIMS OF THE WRECK AND CONVAY ON TO THE" (Ft. Worth, TX), along with the context of "victims and a wreck," suggests a crashed craft rather than a balloon, supporting the theory of a 1947 Roswell crash.

Another New Roswell Witness

This section presents an account from a gunner who served in the 393rd Bomb Squadron, 509th Bomb Group, from 1947 to early 1950. He recounts transporting a classified crate from Roswell to Carswell Army Air Force Base in Fort Worth, Texas, in July 1947. The crate was guarded by armed personnel, including a Major and a Technical Sergeant, and was approximately 12 x 6 x 6 feet. The witness recalls discussions about the weight of the cargo and rumors of a spaceship crash, with the cargo being classified. He also mentions Major Jessie Marcel riding back to Roswell with his crew and a brief conversation. The witness later learned from a neighbor, whose wife was part of the cleanup detail, that he had seen something disturbing, possibly a body. The article notes that the government's explanation of an unclassified Mogul Balloon is contradicted by the presence of multiple guards and an officer of Major rank.

Four Ramey Message Comparisons

Neil Morris presents various interpretations of the writing on General Ramey's hand from a photograph taken in 1947. Several groups are attempting to decipher this message, with different readings provided by Neil Morris, Don Burleson, Tom Carey/Don Schmitt, David Rudiak, and Chris Farmer. The interpretations of Line 2, for example, include variations of "VICTIMS OF THE WRECK" and "FORWARDED TO THE". Line 5 interpretations include "URGENT. POWERS ARE NEEDED SITETWO AT CARLSBAD,NMEX--" and "URGENT. POWERS ARE NEEDED SITE TWO NW ROSWELL, N.MEX.". The article highlights that these interpretations are a work in progress and subject to change.

Brimberry Overheard General Ramey on Roswell

Researcher Tom Carey reports on an interview with Mr. Marion Brimberry, who was stationed at Ft. Worth Army Air Field in late 1947 or early 1948. Brimberry overheard General Roger Ramey telling an officer that the "weather balloon story" was the "biggest lie they ever made me tell," and that the real stuff was "Out of this world." Brimberry was a reluctant witness, and this account suggests a cover-up regarding the Roswell incident.

Expert Finds That Footprints Do Not Match Any Animals Known In This Area

Investigator Victor Espinosa of the Ecology Department, assisted by local police, found footprints that do not match any known animals in the region. The "animal" is described as one meter (3.5 feet) tall, covered in hair, with yellow eyes, and walking on two legs. It attacks hot-blooded animals but not snakes or lizards. Police also reported strange red lights (UFOs) and a perfect triangular mark found in the area, which locals had not seen before the "Chupacabra" attacks. Photos of these footprints resemble those taken in Miami during "Chupacabra" attacks in 1996.

Russian Cosmonauts Claim UFOs Are Real

Cosmonaut Alexandr Baladin stated that "flying saucers" have approached the MIR space station and the Baikonur Cosmodrome. He believes there is sufficient evidence to warrant scientific study and that world governments should acknowledge the UFO phenomenon. General Vladimir Ivanov recalled three objects flying at a considerable altitude over Baikonur Cosmodrome that were picked up on radar and could not have been airplanes. Baladin also disclosed that he and fellow cosmonaut Musa Manarov saw UFOs, with Manarov capturing the phenomenon on videotape during docking operations.

No Monopolies on Government Eavesdropping

By Joseph Fitchett, The International Herald Tribune. This article discusses concerns in Europe about US intelligence services intercepting commercial communications. Washington has dropped its denials that US agencies routinely tap private conversations on a large scale. The Echelon system is described as a post-Cold War system that can record up to 2 billion telephone messages daily. The article explores fears that the US is using intelligence to advance its global power and business interests. It mentions that listening to private conversations is common practice among governments, including Britain, Australia, and Canada. France also has its own network for international communications. The article details how US intelligence information and phone intercepts were allegedly used to influence deals in Brazil and Saudi Arabia, favoring US companies like Raytheon and McDonnell-Douglas over French rivals by proving bribery. Recent laws against corruption in sales to foreign governments have led US administrations to use secretly acquired information to prevent American companies from losing deals due to bribes.

Star Trekking

By Robert Matthews. This article discusses new calculations based on Einstein's general theory of relativity, suggesting that wormholes large and stable enough for intergalactic travel may exist. Sergei Krasnikov, a relativity expert, has found a new type of wormhole that can create its own supply of exotic matter, making it large enough and stable enough for use. While other theorists are intrigued, they remain cautious about the technical details and the theoretical possibility versus actual existence.

Physicist Ponders God, Truth and 'a Final Theory'

By James Glanz, from The New York Times. This profile focuses on Dr. Steven Weinberg, a Nobel laureate in physics, who is a leading proponent of the idea of a "final theory" that explains nature's particles and forces. Weinberg is also known for his writings on culture, religion, and the philosophy of science. He expresses skepticism towards attempts by philosophers to explain scientific theories and dismisses religion as nonsense, though he admits to being deeply touched by music and poetry. The article details his groundbreaking work on the electroweak theory, which unified electromagnetism and the weak force, and his acceptance by the scientific community. It also touches on his views on postmodernist philosophy of science and his belief that scientific effort adds dignity to human existence. Weinberg's views on religion are uncompromising, seeing it as a source of persecution and war.

Fergus Falls Meeting

A brief report on a Minnesota MUFON informational meeting held in Fergus Falls, MN, where Richard Moss explained MUFON's origin and objectives, with an emphasis on field investigations.

JOIN Minnesota MUFON Members in Laughlin UFO Conference Video Library

An announcement inviting MUFON members to join a video library of International UFO Conference lectures, with a list of speakers and details on how to participate.

UFOs On Film

This section promotes "Ultimate UFO!", a compilation of 250 UFO film clips from 26 countries, available on DVD, which also includes documents obtained under the US Freedom of Information Act and links to websites.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the ongoing investigation and public education efforts of MUFON regarding UFO phenomena, the critical examination of memory and testimony in relation to alleged alien encounters, and the exploration of scientific and philosophical questions. The journal maintains a stance of open inquiry into UFOs while also engaging with broader scientific and societal issues, such as the nature of scientific truth, government transparency, and the potential impact of extraterrestrial contact on humanity. There is a clear emphasis on documenting evidence, encouraging critical thinking, and fostering a more informed public discourse on these complex topics. The editorial stance appears to be one of advocating for a more proactive and assertive approach to UFO research and public communication, while also acknowledging the complexities and potential sensitivities involved.

Title: Minnesota MUFON Journal
Issue Date: May 2000 (Issue 11)
Publisher: Minnesota MUFON
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of the Minnesota MUFON Journal focuses on local MUFON activities, upcoming events, and the importance of timely UFO sighting reports. It includes contact information for key Minnesota MUFON personnel and details about the 2000 MUFON International Symposium.

A Note About Minnesota MUFON Field Investigations

The editorial section emphasizes the difficulty in obtaining timely information about UFO sightings while they are still 'hot'. Minnesota MUFON Field Investigators request that anyone with information about a sighting, or who knows someone who has seen something, contact them immediately. This allows for the collection of fresh evidence and corroborating reports. The article notes that obtaining information from the National UFO Reporting Center can be challenging, and local investigations are preferred. Cooperation and assistance are appreciated.

UFO Events

MUFON Presentations at MarsCon 2000:

• Date: Friday, May 12, 2000, 8 PM - 10 PM (tentative schedule)
• Location: Radisson South Hotel, Bloomington, MN
• Schedule:
• 8 PM: Don Schmitt - Current Roswell Topics
• 9 PM: Craig Lang - UFOs and Close Encounters in the Present Day
• 10 PM: Open Discussion on the UFO and close encounter phenomenon.
• Format: TBD, possibly 1:1 with experiencers or general Q&A.
• Website: http://www.MarsCon.com/

Craig Lang on Jerry Modjeski's Show:

Craig Lang, MN MUFON Coordinator for Field Investigation, is scheduled to appear on Jerry Modjeski's show 'UFO Update' on Friday night/Saturday morning, May 26/27, 2000, from midnight to 2 AM on KFAI 90.3FM in Minneapolis and 106.7FM in St. Paul. Jerry's website is http://www.scc.net/~critter/mts/, and a real-audio link from the KFAI website is available at http://kfai.org/kfai2/kfailive.ram.

The journal will continue discussions on MUFON investigation activities and close encounter work.

Minnesota MUFON Contact Information

• State Dir.: Richard Moss (320) 732-3205
• Assist. State Dir.: Bill McNeff (952) 890-1390
• Field Invest. Coord.: Craig Lang (763) 560-1532
• Journal Editor: Joel Henry, PO Box 240631, Apple Valley, MN 55124
• Phone: (952) 431-2426
• E-Mail: [email protected]
• Web Page: http://www.mnmufon.org

MUFON Communications

• MUFONET: 7.237mhz, Saturdays at 7:00 AM CST, with Bob Shultz as Net Control.
• National MUFON Hotline: To report UFO news and sightings, call 1-800-836-2166.

2000 MUFON International Symposium

• Dates: July 12-14, 2000
• Location: Sheraton West Port Hotel (Lakeside Chalet), 191 West Port Plaza, St. Louis, MO 63146.
• Confirmed Speakers: John S. Carpenter, Stanton Friedman, Irena Scott, Ted Phillips, John Schuessler, Gerald Rolwes, Linda Corley, Kevin Randle, and Stan Gordon.
• Hotel Reservations: Call 1-800-822-3535 and mention being a symposium attendee.

Journal Contributions and Copyright

News or editorial contributions to the journal are welcomed. Articles and inquiries should be directed to the Editor. The issue notes that copyrights for articles belong to the originators, and permission must be obtained from the author(s) for reprinting.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the active engagement of MUFON in investigating UFO phenomena, encouraging public participation in reporting sightings, and disseminating information through various channels like journals, radio shows, and conferences. The editorial stance is proactive, emphasizing the need for immediate action on reports and the importance of community involvement in gathering evidence. There is a clear effort to connect with the public through multiple platforms, including websites and radio broadcasts.