NM MUFON News - no 18 - 1994 08

Magazine Overview

This issue of NM MUFON NEWS, number 18, is dated August 14, 1994. It is the "18th BIG Issue!" and claims to be read worldwide. The cover features a cartoonish illustration of a UFO with the slogan "ROSWELL OR BUST" and a price of $1.

Out-going State Director's Message

Richard Rowlette announces his resignation as Co-State Director for New Mexico MUFON, along with his wife Maria. He clarifies that the resignation is not due to conflicts but rather a feeling of tiredness after five years in the role and a desire to pursue other interests, particularly "Earth Changes." Rowlette highlights the significant work his wife performed in managing monthly meetings, speakers, and events. He expresses his belief that a State Director should remain open to all aspects of the UFO enigma, a stance he finds he can no longer fully maintain as his interests have narrowed. He thanks Peter Limone for his groundwork in investigations and Carolyn Duce-Ashe and Debby Stark for their outstanding monthly publication. Rowlette also notes the improved financial situation of NM MUFON, partly due to the 1992 symposium organized by Teresa Asenap. He urges members to actively support the new State Director, Dan DeMar.

A Word From Your New State Director

Dan DeMar shares his journey into MUFON, initially attending the symposium on a whim two years prior. He was influenced by Stanton Friedman's presentation, which brought seriousness to the topic. DeMar emphasizes that NM MUFON is composed of individuals with diverse experiences and encourages contributions and participation according to each member's capacity and desire. He outlines a vision for the organization to learn according to individual needs, with MUFON providing resources. He also stresses the importance of addressing the unique number and quality of "sightings" in New Mexico with maturity and preparedness. DeMar expresses gratitude to past members for building a strong foundation and hopes to continue the organization's success.

From the Editor's Desk

Carolyn Duce-Ashe explains the absence of a July issue, citing a lack of local meetings and a desire to report on events that occurred during that month. She mentions attending the MUFON Symposium with Beckie Minshall and reporting on it. Duce-Ashe thanks Richard and Maria Rowlette for their five years of service as State Co-Directors, acknowledging the significant effort involved in running the organization. She welcomes Dan DeMar as the new State Director, noting his previous role as Bernalillo State Section Director and his ideas for reorganization. A thank-you is also extended to Peter Limone for his work as Chief State Investigator, including establishing an investigator training program and developing an equipment kit. The editor mentions that Richard Rowlette was featured in an article in "August Fate" magazine and spoke on UFOs and Earth changes.

Be on the watch for...

This section announces the availability of Karl T. Pflock's monograph, "Roswell In Perspective," for $25. It also mentions upcoming MUFON events, including a potential book-signing with Karl Pflock and a viewing of Richard Hoagland's videotape on Moon anomalies. Future issues will include updates on the Taos Hum, an interview with Peter Lindemann, and a review of Karl Pflock's monograph.

Calendar

The calendar lists the August NM MUFON meeting on August 18th at Arts-In-Transition, featuring a presentation by David Crossley and an organizational discussion. It also announces the Albuquerque Intergalactic Reception on August 27th at the Convention Center parking structure, an event with entertainment, a sci-fi book fair, and "space food." Starting in September, NM MUFON meetings will move to a new, larger location at the Discovery Bookstore in Albuquerque.

Cattle Mutilations on Rise in Northern New Mexico

This article by Richard Benke of The Associated Press reports on a resurgence of cattle mutilations in northern New Mexico, with nine ranchers reporting 27 mutilations in the past 16 months. The descriptions of the mutilations—including removed genitals, tongues, and anuses, and missing eyes or ears—are consistent with reports from the 1970s. State livestock inspector Jerry Valerio rules out common predators like coyotes and bears, stating he doesn't know the cause but insists it's not predators. Rancher Eli Hronich describes the mutilations as precise and not the work of predators. The article notes that while some speculate aliens are responsible, others blame poachers. It mentions a 1985 AP report about birds carving wounds, but Valerio states predators avoid the carcasses. John Wortman, State Livestock Bureau director, is aware of the resurgence. The Sangre de Cristo Chronicle is quoted, calling for a serious response and noting the fear and financial loss ranchers face. The Chronicle editorial acknowledges the story attracts "conspiracy mongers and UFO watchers" but asserts it has "real merit." The article also touches on the motivation behind the mutilations, with Hronich suggesting it's a sophisticated, high-tech operation. Valerio suggests ranchers should report all cattle deaths, even those explainable by natural causes, to combat the issue. Gail Staehlin, a volunteer mutilation sleuth, is mentioned for her efforts in organizing ranchers. The article contrasts these views with a 1980 FBI report by Ken Rommel that blamed predators, a report Valerio finds infuriating. Dr. John Altshuler, a Denver pathologist, suggests some deaths were due to pneumonia, but the cause of mutilations remains unclear. The article notes that routine post-mortem examinations are not conducted by the state.

Newspaper Calls for Inquiry

This section summarizes an editorial from The Sangre de Cristo Chronicle regarding the recent cattle mutilations in northern New Mexico. The editorial questions whether UFOs or a "Satanic Cult" are responsible, emphasizing the seriousness of the issue for ranchers. It highlights the documented evidence of mutilations and the fear of public ridicule that may lead to underreporting. The Chronicle acknowledges the story's tendency to attract conspiracy theorists but insists it has "real merit" and should not be neglected.

1994 MUFON SYMPOSIUM: The First and the Last

Carolyn Duce-Ashe provides a recap of the 1994 MUFON Symposium held in Austin, Texas. She highlights Karla Turner and Jack Kasher as her favorite speakers. Duce-Ashe attended the state directors' meeting, where progress reports on MUFON projects, including an abduction transcription project and potential funding from the Bigelow Foundation, were discussed. The Friday evening reception celebrated MUFON's 25th anniversary. Saturday's speakers included Karla Turner, who discussed "Expanding the Parameters of the Alien-Human Abduction Agenda" and emphasized that "Abduction therapy is not abduction research." She noted that aliens are often liars, can control humans, and have physical aims that are not necessarily good, with a clear interest in the human soul. Other speakers mentioned are James Harder (APRO achievements), George Knapp (Russian UFO information), Michael Lindemann (Human-Alien Contact as 'Meta-Lever' of History), Yvonne Smith (abduction researcher), and Rev. Barry Downing (UFOs and Religion). Bob Dean spoke about the "assessment" document and his spiritual transformation. George Wingfield discussed "Crop Circles - Is There a UFO Connection?" Jack Kasher presented a "Scientific Analysis of the Video-tape Taken by Space Shuttle Discovery on Shuttle Flight STS-48," concluding it depicted a "spacecraft" and a "hostile act of war." The symposium concluded with a Q&A session. Duce-Ashe encourages readers to order the 1994 Proceedings.

Michael Lindemann Speaks Again

Debby Stark reviews a presentation by Michael Lindemann, whom she describes as the "USA Today of the UFO field." Lindemann addressed an audience of about 300, presenting a wide array of facts, figures, and pictures. Stark notes that Lindemann mentions many people in the field and their work, making him a valuable resource for audience members. She was surprised that Lindemann did not know about Hoagland's latest work. Stark recommends attending Lindemann's presentations.

An Unusual Happening in Placitas

Roberta Griffith recounts a UFO sighting experience from 1970 when she was 18 years old. While camping with three friends near Placitas, New Mexico, they heard a whirring noise and saw a disc-shaped object with an intense blue/white light descending towards them. The object hovered about 25-30 feet above them, described as pewterlike and rivetless. Griffith panicked, recalling the Betty and Barney Hill case. She ran away, but her friends stopped her. They observed a dome on top and a lit window on the craft. After about 15 minutes, the object ascended rapidly, displaying red lights before turning bright red and then white, appearing like a star. The next day, a woman from the main house mentioned that sightings were common in the area. Later that day, Griffith and her boyfriend sighted a disc-shaped object in the middle of the day.

News from Here, There and Way Out There!

This section, compiled by Debby Stark, provides various news items. It mentions a column in "Wired" magazine featuring Col. John Alexander, PhD., retired, discussing technological advances. Another "Wired" column highlights a "cool Russian nightscope" for watching UFOs or "cow-snatching mutilators." A mention is made of Microsoft's co-founder being involved in private-sector rescue of SETI's. The section also includes information on contacting Glenn Campbell regarding Groom Lake and his "Groom Lake Desert Rat" publication. Finally, it shares sad news about the suicide of K. O. Learner II, husband of Debbie Jordan Learner (also known as "Kathy Davis" from "Intruders"), who was a fan of Ecker's "Ask UFO Magazine" BBS echo and show.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the transition of leadership within the New Mexico MUFON chapter, the ongoing mystery and concern surrounding cattle mutilations, and the exploration of UFO phenomena through symposiums and personal accounts. The editorial stance, as conveyed through the Editor's Desk and the messages from the State Directors, is one of community support, open inquiry into UFOs, and a commitment to disseminating information. There is a clear emphasis on the work of MUFON and its members in investigating and understanding these phenomena. The magazine also touches upon broader topics like Earth Changes and the potential implications of UFO encounters on human understanding and spirituality.