MUFON NYC Newsletter - Vol 2 No 2 - 1993-94

Magazine Overview

Title: MUFON-NYC NEWSLETTER
Issue: Vol. II No. 2 Issue 7
Date: Winter 1993-4 (Published 4 times a year by NYC-MUFON.Opinions herein are those of individual authors and witnesses.)
Editor: Eugenia Macer-Story

This issue of the MUFON-NYC Newsletter is a transitional one, with the editor, Eugenia Macer-Story, taking over and aiming to make the newsletter a more publicly visible printed item. The issue features a centerfold of pictures from a "UFO demonstration" at the United Nations. The editor emphasizes a commitment to publishing a wide range of opinions and evidence related to the UFO phenomenon, while also stating that she will not "pre-censor" information and that writers should be prepared for opposition. The editorial calls for an end to self-censorship in 1994.

Key Articles and Features

U PROVE IT

This column is presented as a forum for controversial ideas and experiences related to the "ufo phenomenon," with the understanding that nothing published is "scientifically proven" but represents basic human experience. The first installment reflects a trend toward exploring shamanistic experiences and ancient beliefs.

Symbolic Language: Don Conreaux proposes that the circular shape of traditional gongs and drum heads is related to the circular shape of unexplained aerial UFO craft. He demonstrated this at the "UFO Right To Know" demonstration on November 19, 1993, at Dag Hamerskjold Plaza, beside the United Nations. Conreaux believes in learning symbolic communication to interact with UFO intelligence and other cultural situations. He can be reached via RANDEE UNLIMITED.

Hot Air Balloon: Jim Woodman, with the International Explorer's Society, flew a hot air balloon over the Nasca plateau in Peru, the site of the "giant hummingbird" and other geometric designs. Woodman's project is described as "experimental archeology," based on research into ancient Peruvian techniques. The article mentions Bartolomeo de Gusmao, a Brazilian Jesuit priest who built a hot air balloon model in 1709. Woodman suggests that the existence of ancient balloon technology might explain how the Nasca designs are intelligible from high altitudes. The article notes that this does not rule out other viewing methods.

THE INDEPENDENT INQUIRER

Authored by Eugenia Macer-Story, this article draws parallels between historical European witch hysterias and modern ufology.

Witch Hysterias vs. UFO Investigations: Macer-Story argues that witch trials were not simply imaginative panics but involved the "old religion" of herbal healers and shamanistic practices. She criticizes the tendency to view these situations as mere "social and psychological case studies." The article highlights how both scholastic demonologists and modern ufologists create elaborate diagrams and specifications to categorize phenomena, leading to rigid, pre-defined expectations.

Verification and "Witches Marks": The author critiques the insistence on "verification" of UFO sightings and witness accounts, comparing it to the absurd criterion of searching for a "witches mark" to prove guilt. She argues that if such a strict criterion were applied to modern politics, no officials would qualify. Macer-Story shares a personal anecdote of breaking a school window at age ten, suggesting how zealous UFO analysts might misinterpret personal histories.

The Nature of Evidence: The article emphasizes that the most useful function of a UFO investigator is to provide a literal rendering of the witness's primary claims. It posits that beings with superior mental capacity might be using telepathy, and that examining these "messages from outer space" as communications, similar to seance messages, could be more fruitful than focusing on the personal lives of witnesses.

Photos and Coverage

The issue includes photographs from the "UFO Right To Know" demonstration held outside the United Nations on November 19, 1993. The purpose of the demonstration was to advocate for the re-opening of U.N. Decision GA-33-426, which calls for global research into the UFO phenomenon. Placards read "UFO's ARE REAL AND THE UN KNOWS IT." Elaine Douglass is identified as one of the primary organizers.

Letters to the Editor

Betty Ann Luca writes in response to a previous letter by John White. She feels that "Beings" have been liberal in giving information, but research has been slow. She argues that humans need to learn gradually, like students, and that demanding information immediately is inconsiderate. Luca suggests that a more dangerous conspiracy to enslave humanity might come from human sources rather than UFO beings. She and John White are friends who have debated this topic.

Jack Greenfield (Former Editor) replies to Betty Ann Luca, agreeing that the source of "universal evil" is on Earth, stating, "we have met the enemy...and it is us!"

Eugenia Macer-Story (ED) poses a question about whether the emphasis on overt control in abduction situations might be an indication of advanced intelligence, comparing it to a teacher using "rules and regulations" to control a class.

George C. Andrews writes a strong critique of Jack Greenfield's review of Karla Turner's book "INTO THE FRINGE." Andrews accuses Greenfield of misrepresenting the book and making "legally actionable defamation of character" and "slander" by inventing allegations about Barbara Bartholic hypnotizing everyone with a couch. Andrews demands a public retraction.

Jack Greenfield replies to George C. Andrews, defending his review and calling Turner's book "comical." He dismisses Andrews' threats and wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Editor's Note: An editor's note states that it is extremely difficult to legally verify the exact content of dreams, visions, and/or hypnotic regressions.

Upcoming Features and Contests

Upcoming in Spring Newsletter 1994: A feature article on "Economic Exploitation in the UFO Field" by Rosemary Ellen Guiley, which will be checked by an attorney beforehand.

U PROVE IT (continued): The discussion on Jim Woodman's balloon flight over Nazca is continued, noting its significance as experimental archeology and the potential preservation of ancient South American cultures. Jim Woodman's book "NAZCA.THE FLIGHT OF CONDOR" is mentioned as being first published in 1977.

Incomplete Attempts at Proof: The newsletter will include incomplete attempts at proof of exploratory ideas, with the burden of proof placed on the theorist or experimentor.

Contest: Dr. Alexander Imich announces Contest No. 5, offering a $1,000 prize for the best original paper contributing to the understanding of the interaction between the UFO phenomenon and humankind. Contact W.P. LaPurl for guidelines.

Next Issue Preview

Next Issue: Phil Lord will report on his investigation into phenomena resembling rural "Sasquatch" sightings that occurred during a snowstorm in New York City. The editor will also consult past reports to put a recent UFO light sighting in the Pocono Mountains into perspective.

Subscriptions and Contact Information

New subscriptions are welcome. Readers are asked to include their previous subscription date if they subscribed before October 1993. Checks or money orders should be made out to E. Macer-Story (Mufon) and sent to the new newsletter address: MUFON-NYC NEWSLETTER, 511 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 173, New York, N.Y. 10011-8436.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly emphasizes the importance of open inquiry and the presentation of diverse viewpoints within the UFO community, even those not scientifically proven. The editor, Eugenia Macer-Story, advocates for a non-censorship approach and encourages individuals to share their experiences and evidence. There is a recurring theme of drawing parallels between historical phenomena (like witch trials) and modern UFO investigations, suggesting that the underlying human psychological and societal factors may be similar. The issue also highlights a debate about the origin of potential negative influences on humanity, with some contributors positing human sources rather than extraterrestrial ones. The editorial stance is one of encouraging robust discussion and investigation, while acknowledging the challenges of verifying subjective experiences and the need for critical analysis without dismissing claims outright.