MUFON Minnesota Journal - No 167

Magazine Overview

This issue of the MUFON Minnesota Journal, dated May/June 2014 and identified as issue #167, features a cover headline "The wonder in our back yards" and explores various facets of UFOlogy and related phenomena. The journal is published by MUFON and covers topics ranging from personal close encounter experiences to scientific research and historical controversies.

The CE4 Corner – May/June, 2014: The wonder in our back yards

This section, written by Craig R. Lang, MS CHt, discusses the author's experience attending the Ozark UFO Conference in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. He emphasizes the importance of being in the presence of others who take the UFO and close encounter question seriously. Lang shares his journey with fellow enthusiasts, highlighting conversations about the subconscious mind and the alien agenda. He recounts meeting Sherry Wilde, an experiencer whose childhood encounters occurred near his own home, reinforcing the idea that these phenomena are not distant but local. Lang also mentions receiving calls from experiencers around the country and locally, noting the common phrase "you're going to think I'm crazy but..." when people share their experiences.

Are we ready for contact with extraterrestrial intelligence?

This article, referencing a SINC news item from May 5, 2014, questions humanity's readiness for contact with extraterrestrial civilizations. It discusses the SETI project's evolution from passive listening to active messaging (Active SETI) and the risks highlighted by figures like Stephen Hawking. Neuro-psychologist Gabriel G. de la Torre's study surveyed university students on their knowledge of astronomy, their perception of the cosmos, and religious beliefs. The results suggest a lack of public knowledge and preparation, leading to a recommendation for SETI researchers to explore alternative strategies. The article notes that a cosmic awareness needs to be promoted through education, and that reliance on religious moral points might be misguided when considering extraterrestrial intelligence.

Scientists have built an 'off switch' for the brain

This piece by Heather Saul, dated April 26, 2014, reports on the development of an 'off switch' for the brain using optogenetics. Stanford scientist Karl Deisseroth's work in 2005 led to the ability to switch individual brain cells on and off using light. Recent advancements have made it possible to shut down neurons more effectively. Thomas Insel, director of the National Institute of Mental Health, believes this will help researchers understand brain circuits related to behavior, thinking, and emotion. The technique could also lead to treatments for brain diseases by allowing problematic parts of the brain to be switched off with minimal intrusion.

The Rosetta Deception

James Carrion introduces his book, "The Rosetta Deception," which posits that the US and UK created the modern UFO myth starting with the 1946 Ghost Rockets. The book details a post-WWII scenario where nations were divided between communism and capitalism, and the US faced infiltration by Soviet spies. Carrion suggests an organization of 'magicians' used dark arts and illusion to counter these spies, creating a myth that persists today.

Dr. Roger Leir, Podiatrist and Researcher of Alien Implants, Dies

This article announces the death of Dr. Roger Leir, a renowned expert in alien implants. He passed away on March 16, 2014, after complications from a previous car accident. Dr. Leir was known for his work in investigating alleged alien implants, performing surgeries, and presenting his findings at international conferences. His research involved scientific investigation of removed objects by prestigious laboratories, with findings including unusual metallurgical anomalies and biological tissue growth.

STRANGE DEATHS AND DISAPPEARANCES HAUNT UFOLOGY

Written by Brad Steiger and Sherry Hansen Steiger, this section details a pattern of suspicious deaths among UFOlogists. It references Otto Binder's 1971 article "Liquidation of the UFO Investigators," which documented numerous deaths under mysterious circumstances. The article then focuses on several specific cases:

• Phil Schneider: A geologist and explosive expert who claimed to have worked on deep underground facilities and alleged government treaties with Gray aliens. He died in 1996, reportedly by strangulation with a catheter, but his death is considered controversial, with claims of previous assassination attempts.
• Ron Rummel: Ex-Air Force intelligence agent and publisher of "Alien Digest," who allegedly committed suicide in 1993. His death is questioned due to lack of blood, a possible left-handed suicide note, and the smell of sodium pentothal.
• Ron Johnson: MUFON's Deputy Director of Investigations, who died suddenly in 1994 at a scientific meeting. Circumstances included a gasp, purple face, and blood oozing from his nose. His death is considered suspicious, possibly related to his work on UFO propulsion systems and high security clearances.
• Ann Livingston: A MUFON investigator who died of ovarian cancer in 1994. Her apartment was illuminated by a silver-white flash, and she was later accosted by Men in Black. Her case is linked to suspicions about past UFO abductions potentially poisoning her system.
• Danny Casolaro: An investigative reporter looking into UFO cases and government bioengineering, who died in 1991, ruled a suicide.
• Brian Lynch: A psychic and contactee who died in 1985, purportedly of a drug overdose, but with claims of being approached by intelligence operatives.
• Capt. Don Elkin: An Eastern Airlines pilot who investigated the UFO cover-up and committed suicide in the 1980s, with reports of negative psychological interferences.
• Dean Stonier: Organizer of the Global Sciences Congress, who died of a heart attack in 2001.
• Jim Keith: Author who died in 1999 during surgery to repair a broken leg.
• Ron Bonds: Author on unsolved mysteries, who died in 2001 after severe vomiting and diarrhea, linked to a high level of Clostridium perfringens Type A in food.
• M.K. Jessup: An astronomer and archaeologist who died in 1959, ruled a suicide. His death is questioned due to unusual circumstances, including the use of washing machine hose for exhaust and alleged visits by Carlos Allende.
• Dr. James McDonald: A physicist who worked to convince Congress to hold UFO meetings, died in 1971 of a gunshot wound to the head, initially ruled a suicide but later considered suspicious.
• Frank Edwards: A news commentator and author who died of an alleged heart attack in 1967, coinciding with a World UFO Conference where he had received threats.
• Dorothy Kilgallen: A journalist who reported on a secret meeting of military heads and a statement about flying saucers being staffed by small men, died in 1955, possibly due to her reporting.

Bizarre Death of Scientists

This section details deaths associated with SDI (Star Wars) research at Marconi Ltd. in England between 1985-1988. Several scientists died under bizarre circumstances, including suicide with a shotgun, falling from a hotel room, tying a rope around their neck and stepping on the gas, carbon monoxide poisoning, and electrocution. The article speculates that these deaths might be related to the nature of the research, potential alien involvement, or an espionage offensive by the Soviet KGB to slow down the project.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the pervasive nature of UFO phenomena, the potential dangers and mysteries surrounding close encounters, and the suspicious deaths of researchers in the field. There is a strong undercurrent of government cover-up and the possibility of extraterrestrial influence on human affairs, including technology and even human biology. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into these subjects, acknowledging the lack of definitive answers but advocating for continued research and awareness, while also highlighting the risks involved in such investigations.

This issue of the Minnesota MUFON Journal, dated April 7, 2014, features a prominent discussion of Milton William Cooper's influential book "Behold a Pale Horse." The journal also includes news about MUFON Minnesota, including an investigator award and contact information.

"Behold a Pale Horse" and its Theories

The journal details how "Behold a Pale Horse," published by Cooper in 1991, has become influential among UFO and militia circles. It is described as a "manifesto of the militia movement" and a "chaotic farrago of conspiracy myths" designed to expose a looming world government imposed on Americans. Sociologist Paul Gilroy notes Cooper's claim of an elaborate conspiracy theory covering the Kennedy assassination, secret world government, the ice age, and Illuminati activities. Political scientist Michael Barkun characterizes it as one of the most complex and influential superconspiracy theories. Historian Nicholas Goodrick-Clarke highlights its mix of conspiracy myths, laws, official papers, and reports.

AIDS Conspiracy Theory

Cooper proposed in "Behold a Pale Horse" that AIDS was a conspiracy to decrease the populations of blacks, Hispanics, and homosexuals. This theory drew criticism when South Africa's Minister of Health distributed the relevant chapter to government officials, with Nicoli Nattrass criticizing this for lending legitimacy to the denialist theories.

UFOs, Aliens, and the Illuminati

Cooper's claims about UFOs and aliens began in 1988 when he alleged seeing secret Navy documents. He expanded on this in "Behold a Pale Horse," asserting that extraterrestrials were secretly involved with the U.S. government. UFOlogists later pointed out that some of Cooper's material was plagiarized from their research, including fabricated items. Don Ecker of UFO Magazine published exposés on Cooper in 1990.

Cooper linked the Illuminati with extraterrestrial involvement, accusing Dwight D. Eisenhower of negotiating a treaty with aliens in 1954 and establishing an inner circle of Illuminati to manage relations and secrecy. Cooper believed aliens manipulated humanity through secret societies, religions, magic, and the occult, and that the Illuminati themselves were unknowingly manipulated. He described the Illuminati as a secret international organization controlled by the Bilderberg Group, conspiring with groups like the Knights of Columbus, Masons, and Skull and Bones to establish a New World Order. He also claimed they actively conspired with extraterrestrials to take over the world. Cooper connected James Forrestal's death to the alleged Majestic-12 committee and noted that JASON advisory group scientists reported to an elite group within the Trilateral Commission and Council on Foreign Relations, who were high-ranking Illuminati members.

Furthermore, Cooper claimed the "Protocols of Zion" was an Illuminati work, instructing readers to substitute "Sion" for "Zion," "Illuminati" for "Jews," and "cattle" for "Goyim."

Kennedy Assassination

Cooper asserted in "Behold a Pale Horse" that John F. Kennedy was assassinated because he was about to reveal extraterrestrial involvement in Earth's takeover. He cited a "top secret" video, which he claimed to have discovered, alleging that the driver, William Greer, used an alien-developed "gas pressure device" to shoot the president. Cooper theorized Greer turned to assess Kennedy's status before firing. Theories implicating Greer reportedly gained traction after the book's publication. However, the video was analyzed by television stations and found to be a "poor-quality fake."

MNMUFON Investigator Honored

Sue Birttnen was recognized for her diligent investigation of at least 112 cases in under two years, adhering closely to Steve Hudgeon's Report Guidelines. She received a Plaque at the April 2014 MNMUFON meeting.

New UFO Magazine Announcement

The journal announces a new online UFO magazine titled "Dave Haith," created by former policeman and UFO investigator Gary Heseltine. The first edition is available for free, with subsequent editions requiring payment. Links to the free PDF copy and the magazine's website are provided.

MUFON Minnesota Information

Contact information and website links are provided for MUFON Minnesota, including State Director Craig Lang, Assist. State Dir. and Field Invest. Coord. Bill McNeff, and Journal Editor and Webmaster Joel Henry. Information is also given for MUFONET and the National MUFON Hotline for reporting UFO news and sightings.

Copyright and Submission Notice

A note clarifies that copyrights for the articles belong to the originators, and articles are reprinted with permission or are believed to be in the public domain. Permission to use or reprint must be obtained from the original author(s). A map of the area around Veterans Park in Minnesota is also included.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around conspiracy theories, particularly those popularized by Milton William Cooper in "Behold a Pale Horse." These include UFOs, alien contact, the Illuminati, and alleged government cover-ups. The journal also touches on the controversial topic of AIDS denialism. The editorial stance appears to be informative, presenting these theories and related news from the MUFON perspective, while also highlighting the investigative work of its members and promoting UFO-related publications. The inclusion of the "Conspiracy Theory" image and the quote "What if there is no CONSPIRACY and our government really is that stupid?" suggests an engagement with, and perhaps a critical or questioning approach to, the nature of conspiracy narratives.