MUFON Minnesota Journal - No 148

Magazine Overview

This issue of the MUFON Minnesota Journal, dated March/April 2011, Issue #148, features a lead article titled "Angel Hair" by Dick Moss, exploring the phenomenon of a mysterious white fibrous substance associated with UFO sightings throughout history. The journal also includes articles on UFO disclosure, internal MUFON politics, and a section on hypnosis.

Angel Hair

The article "Angel Hair" by Dick Moss details numerous historical accounts of a strange, white, fibrous substance reported to fall from the sky, often associated with UFOs. This substance, resembling glass wool or cobwebs, has been observed since at least 679 AD. Eyewitness accounts from various locations, including Ohio, Japan, France, Australia, and the USA, describe it falling in strands or clumps, sometimes covering trees and wires. The material is noted for its ephemeral nature, often vaporizing or sublimating away shortly after landing. Chemical analysis of some samples indicated a composition of boron, silicon, magnesium, and calcium, differing from known natural fibers like silk or wool. The article lists historical incidents dating back to 1500 years ago and more recent events from the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s, highlighting its consistent association with unusual aerial phenomena.

Key characteristics of the substance include its instability, rapid evaporation, and a tendency to become gelatinous upon contact with living tissue. It also burns quickly without residue. The article presents a chronological listing of sightings, starting with an incident in Osaka, Japan, in 679 AD, and continuing through various centuries and locations, including a significant fall in England in 1741 and multiple reports from Japan and Europe in the 18th and 19th centuries. Modern accounts from the mid-20th century detail UFOs discharging this material, such as a cigar-shaped object over Ohio in 1954 and disc-shaped objects over Florence, Italy. Incidents in Australia and California in the early 1950s also describe similar phenomena. Later reports include a substance falling over Rome in 1954 and an event over Tennessee in 1966 where the material caused an itchy sensation and nausea. The article concludes that angel hair often appears in close relationship with UFOs and similar events have been witnessed for centuries.

Focus of UFO Disclosure Should Be on Meaningful Factors

This article, by Steve Hammons, discusses the book "A.D. After Disclosure: The People's Guide to Life After Contact" by Richard M. Dolan and Bryce Zabel. The authors argue that the question of whether Earth is being visited by intelligent craft has moved beyond debate and is now established. Instead, they propose focusing on the implications of this reality for human society, including psychological, emotional, spiritual, and societal adjustments. Hammons highlights the book's premise that acknowledging UFOs are real and not necessarily terrestrial will lead to more questions and a new phase of the mystery. The article touches upon the desire for full disclosure and the debate around "need-to-know" guidelines for sensitive information. It suggests that discussions should shift to understanding the nature of potential visitors, their origins, and intentions. The role of defense, intelligence, and scientific communities in gathering information on the subject is also noted as an area of interest.

Leslie Varnicle and MUFON

Authored by Bill McNeff, this section details the controversy surrounding the firing of Leslie Varnicle, the Colorado State Director of MUFON. Varnicle, an electrical engineer with extensive experience, had been with MUFON for 41 years and had built the Colorado organization significantly. The article suggests her firing was a result of internal MUFON politics, including policy disagreements and distrust, stemming from the "James Carrion - Robert Bigelow era." Varnicle reportedly questioned the mismanagement of funds related to a contract with Robert Bigelow, which led to the termination of that contract. She also expressed disillusionment with MUFON's structure, particularly the marginalization of state chapters and the secrecy surrounding investigations, including "background checks" and "non-disclosure" forms. Varnicle believed these procedures were inadequate and potentially compromised personal information. The article implies that Varnicle was scapegoated and that the MUFON Board avoided telling the truth about her dismissal to prevent embarrassing and controversial issues from surfacing.

An accompanying article by Elaine Douglass, "Why was MUFON Colo SD Leslie Varnicle fired? Mystery solved!", further elaborates on the reasons for Varnicle's dismissal. It highlights her questioning of the Board's actions regarding James Carrion's alleged mismanagement and the Bigelow contract. Varnicle's concerns about the lack of state representation in MUFON's governance and the implementation of secrecy measures, including background checks and non-disclosure agreements, are detailed. She felt that MUFON's mission was to provide information to the public, not to enforce secrecy. The article also mentions Clifford Clift's alleged misrepresentation of Varnicle's statements regarding a radio program, which was used as a pretext for her firing.

The CE4 Corner – March/April 2011

This section, written by Craig R. Lang, MS CHt, explores the nature of hypnosis. Lang defines hypnosis not as magic or evil, but as a natural state of the human mind characterized by selective focus and a temporary suspension of disbelief. He draws parallels to everyday experiences like being engrossed in a book or movie, or deep prayer. Lang argues that hypnosis is a powerful tool for healing the subconscious and enhancing performance, and that common misconceptions stem from media portrayals in shows like CSI and science fiction. He recounts an interaction with a Muslim individual who initially viewed hypnosis as forbidden magic, but was open to understanding its true nature. Lang emphasizes that hypnosis is neither good nor evil, but a gift of the mind that allows individuals to access their subconscious and achieve positive change.

The very word "secrecy" is repugnant in a free and open society.

This is a quote from John F. Kennedy, delivered on April 27, 1961. The quote emphasizes the opposition to secret societies and proceedings in a free society, arguing that the dangers of concealment outweigh the cited justifications. Kennedy stresses the importance of informing the public and the role of the press in holding the government accountable. He advocates for transparency and candidness about errors, believing that public scrutiny is essential for understanding and support. The article also notes Kennedy's assassination, linking it to his plan to end the Vietnam War, which was allegedly a secret.

SECRECY REFORM STYMIED BY THE PENTAGON

This article, by Steven Aftergood, discusses the Obama Administration's efforts to reform the national security classification system, which are being undermined by the Department of Defense. Despite a Presidential directive, the DoD has failed to update its internal regulations on information security, leading military components to follow outdated and misleading guidance. The article highlights the U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM) as an example of a component unaware of current requirements for updating classification guidance.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the persistent mystery of unexplained aerial phenomena, particularly the "angel hair" substance, and the ongoing debate surrounding UFO disclosure. Internally, the journal addresses MUFON's organizational challenges, including issues of transparency, governance, and the handling of sensitive information, as exemplified by the Leslie Varnicle controversy. The editorial stance appears to favor transparency and open discussion, questioning secrecy within organizations like MUFON and advocating for a more informed public. The inclusion of the CE4 Corner on hypnosis suggests an interest in exploring various aspects of human consciousness and perception, often linked to paranormal experiences. The inclusion of historical quotes and analyses of government secrecy indicates a broader concern with truth, accountability, and the public's right to know.

This issue of the Minnesota MUFON Journal, dated January 26, 2011, focuses on government secrecy, information security failures, and the ongoing search for extraterrestrial life. The cover story highlights US State Department cables that reportedly warned against discussing UFOs entering Earth orbit, and criticizes the Pentagon for its outdated classification policies.

Information Security and Government Compliance

The issue begins by detailing a perceived failure of the Pentagon to comply with President Obama's Executive Order 13526, which required a Fundamental Classification Guidance Review. The article points out that DoD's internal regulation 5200.1-R on classification policy had not been updated since 1997, thus blocking the transmission of President's instructions to classifiers. William J. Bosanko, director of the Information Security Oversight Office (ISOO), is quoted emphasizing the importance of timely regulation updates for maintaining confidence in the classification system and holding officials accountable. He states that ISOO was pressing for agency compliance and that the status would be addressed in the forthcoming FY 2010 ISOO Report to the President. The outdated DoD regulation 5200.1-R is noted as one of the most frequently downloaded publications on the DoD directives website.

US State Department Cables and UFOs

A significant portion of the journal discusses leaked US State Department cables. Gordon James Gianninoto is credited with bringing attention to mentions of UFOs in these cables. Larry Bryant, an information activist, identified a November 2005 cable from the US State Department to its embassy personnel in Ukraine. This cable specifically instructed staff not to discuss 'UFOs entering Earth Orbit' or any concerns the Department of Defense might have regarding such matters. The article suggests that these cables indicate a directive to refrain from discussing the reality of alien spacecraft (UFOs) reconnoitering Earth.

UFO Disclosure Debate

An article by RW Benjamin titled "UFO Disclosure - ET Disclosure - Why it will never happen from the President" (dated January 25, 2011) argues that official UFO disclosure is unlikely to come from the US government or the President. Benjamin posits that the frequent release of UFO-themed Hollywood movies, starting from 'War of the Worlds' (1953) to more recent films like 'Skyline' (2010), serves to prepare the public's minds. However, he contends that these movies often portray aliens as hostile invaders, and their primary purpose is financial gain due to a large audience. He dismisses the idea that Hollywood is being paid by the government for this purpose. Benjamin also notes that despite thousands of UFO sightings and abduction reports from reputable individuals over decades, the government consistently denies the presence of alien visitors. He concludes that disclosure would only occur if aliens themselves initiated a mass unveiling, due to the potential global chaos and fear it would incite.

Scientific Search for Extraterrestrial Life

An article by Clara Moskowitz, "Earth-Like Worlds Might Be as 'Common as Ants at a Picnic'" (February 7, 2011), discusses findings from NASA's Kepler Space Telescope. The telescope identified 1,235 planet candidates beyond our solar system, with 68 estimated to be Earth-sized and 54 located in habitable zones where liquid water could exist. Seth Shostak, senior astronomer at the SETI Institute, expresses optimism about these findings, suggesting that Earth-like worlds might be abundant. However, he cautions that more data is needed to confirm habitability and the existence of life. The article also touches upon the Drake Equation, a formula used to estimate the probability of finding intelligent extraterrestrial civilizations, and how Kepler's data helps refine some of its parameters. SETI scientists are using the Allen Telescope Array to observe some of the newly identified Kepler candidates.

Donald Rumsfeld and UFOs

The issue includes a section on Donald Rumsfeld and UFOs, referencing his past involvement with congressional committees related to space and astronautics. It includes quotes from Rumsfeld and mentions his remarks at the Seventh Annual Space and Missile Defense Conference in August 2004, where he welcomed Dr. Allen Hynek. A personal anecdote is shared about Dr. Hynek's attempt to discuss UFO phenomena with Rumsfeld.

MUFON Events and Information

The final pages provide information about upcoming MUFON events, including a meeting on March 12, 2011, in New Brighton, Minnesota, where MUFON members from various states and Canada will discuss UFO sightings. Contact information for Minnesota MUFON leadership and the Minnesota MUFON Journal (MMJ) is provided, along with details on how to subscribe to the free PDF publication. A national MUFON hotline number is also listed for reporting UFO news and sightings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are government secrecy and its impact on transparency, particularly concerning UFO phenomena. The journal appears critical of government agencies that fail to comply with directives or that seem to suppress information. There is a strong interest in UFO sightings, potential extraterrestrial visitation, and the scientific search for life beyond Earth. The editorial stance seems to favor open access to information and a critical examination of official narratives, while also acknowledging the scientific efforts to understand the universe and the possibility of life elsewhere.