NM MUFON News - no 13 - 1994 02

Magazine Overview

Title: NM MUFON NEWS
Issue: Number 13, 13th BIG Issue
Date: February 14, 1994
Publisher: NM MUFON
Editor: Carolyn Duce-Ashe
Producer: Debby Stark

This issue of the NM MUFON NEWS newsletter focuses heavily on UFO research, government involvement, and specific case studies, with a prominent interview with Rebecca Minshall, a co-founder of Mid-Ohio Research Associates (MORA).

Exclusive Interview: Rebecca Minshall

The lead article is an exclusive interview with Rebecca Minshall, who became interested in UFOs after a sighting in Columbus, Ohio, in 1966. She co-founded MORA in 1990, an organization composed of individuals from diverse professional backgrounds. Minshall discusses MORA's work and highlights significant cases they investigated. One notable case is the Coyne helicopter incident in October 1973, near Mansfield, Ohio, which occurred during 'the year of the humanoid' due to numerous occupant encounter cases. MORA's investigation of this case involved interviewing witnesses, including a family who saw the event from the ground, which Minshall believes strengthened the case against debunking attempts by figures like Phil Klass.

Minshall also addresses the alleged 1948 UFO crash near Aztec, New Mexico. She and her colleague Bill Jones researched this event, using William Steinman's book as a source. Their investigation revealed that Steinman may have embellished his story, presenting half-truths and twisting facts. A critical flaw they found was with the map of Hart Canyon from the San Juan Assessor's Office. The document showed that the federal government owned only a small plot where the alleged crash took place, whereas the original document indicated the federal government owned all surrounding property as well. This led Minshall and Jones to conclude that the crash likely did not occur in Hart Canyon in 1948. They theorize that the Aztec and Scully incident might have been a deliberate attempt by the federal government to distract from the 1947 Corona crash, a tactic they call a 'very successful ploy.' Minshall emphasizes the importance of critical evaluation of research, stating that just because someone writes a book does not mean it is gospel, especially if it was not thoroughly edited.

Furthermore, Minshall draws parallels between the UFO cover-up and the government cover-up of the JFK assassination. She mentions researching Bill Cooper's claims about a 'secret government' and collaborated with Jim Marrs on a monograph titled 'Bill Cooper and the Need for More Research.'

From the Editor's Desk: High Strangeness in Northern New Mexico

Carolyn Duce-Ashe, the editor, discusses the recent increase in 'high strangeness' phenomena in northern New Mexico since 1947. These include the Taos Hum, cattle mutilations, the Dulce 'underground base,' alleged NASA satellite photos, sightings of strange lights and craft, the hantavirus outbreak, and demon-like apparitions. She speculates on potential causes, including proximity to Los Alamos National Labs and the psychic energy from Anasazi ruins. Some occurrences, like cattle mutilations and sightings of platform-like craft, are under active investigation. Duce-Ashe also reports on Rep. Steve Schiff's call for a GAO investigation into Roswell, aimed at releasing government files. The Taos Hum continues to be a mystery, with residents reporting unusual physical sensations. The editor also notes the lack of recent news on Ed Dames' claims about hybrid alien entities in northern New Mexico.

UFO Radio Show Possibility

This section discusses the potential for KQEO, AM 920 in Albuquerque, to broadcast Art Bell's syndicated Sunday night show, 'Dreamland.' The program manager at KQEO is interested but has concerns about timing and audience interest. Readers are encouraged to call KQEO to express their interest in hearing the show live.

Announcements & Calendar

This section provides various updates and upcoming events. Local researchers Gene Nieri and Gale Stahlin appeared on a cable channel discussing Roswell and cattle mutilations. The editor and Chief Investigator Peter Limone are scheduled to guest on the same show. NM MUFON State Director Richard Rowlette and Chief Investigator Peter Limone were interviewed for the Albuquerque Journal. Linda Moulton Howe's new book and video are mentioned. A $1000 prize contest for papers on UFO topics, organized by Dr. Alexander Imich, is announced, with a deadline of June 30, 1994. NM MUFON meetings are scheduled for the third Thursday of each month. Upcoming presentations include a video on UFOs in Brazil and a talk by Rebecca Minshall on 'UFOs - A Grass-Roots Movement.' Several UFO conferences and expos are also listed.

From Out of the Blue!

This section contains personal correspondence. Mary Hart, Arizona MUFON Newsletter Producer, sends a get-well wish and shares her positive experience at the TRIAD conference, mentioning Colin Andrews and a complex crop circle. She also suggests Bob Dean as a potential speaker for NM MUFON meetings. Chris Board, from Albuquerque, expresses his enjoyment of the newsletter and offers assistance with computer-related tasks, including graphics and article submission.

How to Use Your Government Before It Uses You!

David Crossley provides a guide on utilizing the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to obtain government information related to UFOs. He explains the process of submitting requests, the potential costs, and the agency's obligation to respond. Crossley warns that agencies may use 'sleazier ways' to thwart investigators and that the same entities responsible for cover-ups are also responsible for providing information, suggesting potential delays and obfuscation.

Richard's Ruminations

Richard Rowlette, NM MUFON State Director, questions the extent of a government UFO cover-up. He references Timothy Good's book 'Above Top Secret' but ponders whether a 'worldwide' cover-up involving all governments is plausible. Rowlette notes that many MUFON members have government backgrounds and do not perceive a cover-up. He mentions Dr. Paul Tyler, a retired government scientist, who does not believe in a cover-up based on evidence. Rowlette suggests that the government might not see UFOs as a direct threat, leading to a mindset of denial and ridicule rather than a grand conspiracy. He also touches upon the complexity of the subject and the possibility that the government may be hiding what it doesn't know or is powerless to deal with, rather than just hiding alien information.

Michael Lindemann Speaks in Albuquerque

This article reports on a lecture given by Michael Lindemann at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. The event was highly attended, with many people turned away. Lindemann's lecture, titled 'True Stories of Encounters with Non-Human Intelligence on Earth,' covered UFO history, government involvement, abductions, and the Cash-Landrum case. He also retold the Coyne helicopter case. Lindemann is described as an articulate and entertaining speaker who encourages people to believe in UFOs and use his materials for educational purposes.

Dames Forecast!

A brief, unauthorized forecast attributed to Ed Dames predicts an exceptionally cold winter with record snowfalls and a worldwide phenomenon. It notes that the forecast did not include the California earthquake.

Roswell: The Movie

Chris Board reports on the upcoming movie 'Roswell,' based on Kevin Randle and Donald Schmitt's book. The movie was filmed in Arizona and is expected to be released in the summer. A new book by Randle and Schmitt is also due out in April. Board visited the International UFO Museum and Research Center in Roswell, noting its extensive collection and Walter Haut's work. He also mentions missing the 'Outta Limits UFO Enigma Museum.'

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently explores themes of government secrecy and cover-ups related to UFO phenomena. There is a strong emphasis on critical investigation, questioning official narratives, and encouraging public awareness and research. The editorial stance supports transparency and the release of government information, as seen in the positive coverage of Rep. Steve Schiff's call for a GAO investigation into Roswell. The newsletter also highlights the importance of personal testimony and the ongoing nature of UFO research, encouraging reader participation and discussion.