The Canadian Ufologist - 1997 07 - vol 4 no 3

Magazine Overview

This issue of The Canadian Ufologist, Volume 4.3, dated July-August 1997, is published by The Mutual UFO Network of Ontario and features a cover headline about 'THE 1997 MUFON INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM'. The magazine provides extensive coverage of UFO-related events, research, and personal accounts.

The 1997 MUFON International Symposium

Drew Williamson reports on his attendance at the MUFON symposium in Grand Rapids, Michigan, from July 11-13, 1997. He notes that Eastern Canadians present included members from MUFON Ontario and OVNI Quebec. Williamson highlights the opportunity to connect with individuals he knew through the internet, such as Jan Aldrich, Ed Stewart, Eddie Bullard, Tom Swiatek, and Dominique Weinstein. He also mentions the absence of Phillip Klass due to medical reasons. The symposium was described as having a moderate attendance, possibly impacted by the Roswell celebrations. Key speakers included Warren P. Aston, who discussed the 1940 Wartena contact case, and Jan Aldrich, who presented on Project 1947. Project 1947 aimed to document UFO sightings from 1947 by screening newspapers, with the goal of demonstrating that it was a significant 'wave' year for UFO activity. Aldrich presented selected cases from 1947, including some from outside the United States.

Sault Ste. Marie Abduction Case

Michael Deschamps reports on a possible abduction case in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, involving a Registered Nurse named Rosemary and her two daughters, Kay and Ali. The report details accounts of UFO sightings and strange events experienced by the family, beginning in 1987. Kay recounts seeing a massive, dull-grey disk hovering above an apartment building. Ali describes a recurring dream involving a white room, being strapped to a table, and a thin, elfin-like child with large eyes, which she believes to be her alien-human hybrid child. Rosemary also shares experiences of multiple miscarriages where no fetus was found, and a period of missing time while driving with Ali, during which they observed a bright, white light from an object in the sky.

1947: How to Build a Conspiracy Theory

Drew Williamson revisits his earlier idea of constructing a conspiracy theory around the year 1947. He posits that this year holds special significance in ufology due to increased media attention, the Roswell incident, and potential technological advancements influenced by alien technology. Williamson notes that while the Kenneth Arnold sighting is often cited as the start, there were earlier waves of UFO sightings. He connects the Roswell incident to potential restructuring of intelligence agencies and military operations. The article also touches upon the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls in the spring of 1947 and the Book of Enoch, which discusses 'Gods from the Sky.' In terms of technology, Williamson contrasts the attention given to the ENIAC computer in 1946 with the minimal attention received by the transistor, invented in 1948 by Bell Labs physicists. He suggests that the military might have been trying to develop craft capable of chasing UFOs, referencing the breaking of the sound barrier by Chuck Yeager in 1947. The article also mentions Tesla's work and the mysterious 'Foo Fighters' of WWII and 'Ghost Rockets' of 1946.

The U.S. Airforce and Roswell

Gary Alevy discusses a recent posting on UFO UpDates regarding the application of physiometric polygraph testing and voice stress analysis (VSA) to UFO cases. He notes an article discrediting VSA, attributed to the Department of Defense. Alevy connects this to an article in the National Enquirer which claimed that a VSA expert analyzed the U.S. Air Force spokesman's report on Roswell and concluded he was lying. The article excerpted from the National Enquirer states that a lie-detector expert, Alfred F. Starewich, analyzed a videotape of Air Force Colonel John Haynes' press conference debunking the Roswell incident. Starewich concluded that Haynes was lying and showing deception, with his voice exhibiting stress indicative of a 'heart attack.' Haynes' statements about bodies being test dummies and 'aliens' being crash-test dummies were found to be particularly stressful according to Starewich.

Roswell Moments We Wouldn't Have Missed

This section features various perspectives on the Roswell 50th Anniversary celebration. Mayor Tom Jennings is quoted on Roswell's transformation into a major tourist destination and industry driven by UFOs. John Velez expresses disappointment with the commercialization of Roswell, finding it lacking in dignity and preferring the quiet of Rachel, Nevada. He contrasts Roswell with the 'UFO Capital' status, viewing it as 'big league alien exploitation.' Velez also shares positive impressions of individuals he met, including Sue Kovios, Rebecca Keith, Dennis Stacy, Stan Friedman, and Kevin Randle. Mike (City tv) and Cathy Woods are described as a 'nice folks.' Michael Lindemann is praised as an intelligent and articulate speaker and moderator. Mr. and Mrs. Bill Hamilton are noted as lovely people. The section also mentions other notable figures present, such as Whitley Strieber, John Mack, Bob Dean, Travis Walton, Yvonne Smith, Linda Moulton Howe, and Jesse Marcel Jr.

Anne Midgette, writing for The Wall Street Journal, describes Roswell's transformation from a town known for 'absolutely nothing' to a hub of UFO-related tourism and merchandising. She notes the ubiquitous alien imagery and the town's embrace of its UFO identity, including UFO museums and themed businesses. Midgette questions the accuracy of attendance figures for the anniversary week and mentions the government's alleged suppression of information about the incident.

James W. Moseley, editor of 'Saucer Smear,' attends the Roswell Fiftieth Anniversary Festival. He describes the event as somewhat smaller than anticipated, despite extensive publicity. Moseley notes the confusion regarding event locations and the widespread adoption of an alien motif by local businesses. He mentions the presence of speakers like William Shatner (who canceled), Karl Pflock, Kevin Randle, and others. Moseley also recounts his purchase of books, including Kenneth Arnold's 'The Coming of the Saucers' and Richard H. Hall's 'The UFO Evidence.'

Other Articles and Features

• Intelligence Agencies: The article notes that the CIA and NSA were established on July 26, 1947, under the National Security Act, with the mandate to coordinate U.S. intelligence activities. The author suggests that the timing of the CIA's inception, shortly after the alleged Roswell crash, might be significant.
• Life on Mars?: A brief mention of scientists being astounded by the announcement of potential past life on Mars, based on meteorite findings, with some cautioning that the results need validation.
• Notable Quote: A quote from Retired Rear Admiral Delmer S. Fahrney about the speed and directed motion of unidentified flying objects.
• MUFON Ontario Meeting: Announcement of the MUFON Ontario meeting on August 27th, featuring Drew Williamson discussing 'Dark White' and Victor Vigianni leading a discussion on UFO phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the UFO phenomenon with a focus on historical cases, eyewitness accounts, and the potential for government cover-ups and conspiracy theories. There is a clear interest in the year 1947 as a pivotal period for UFO activity and its subsequent impact on technology and intelligence agencies. The publication also engages with the commercialization of UFO culture, particularly in relation to the Roswell incident, while maintaining a stance that encourages serious research and discussion. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into the UFO mystery, acknowledging both the sensational aspects and the need for critical analysis.