1994 06 00 OMNI - Stacy - Cosmic Conspiracy - Article 4 of 6 - INCOMPLETE

Magazine Overview

Title: OMNI
Issue: VOL. 16 NO. 10
Date: JULY 1994
Publisher: Omni Publications International Ltd.
Country: USA
Price: $3.50

This issue of OMNI magazine, dated July 1994, presents a compelling cover story titled 'TARGET JUPITER,' focusing on the impending crash of a comet into the planet Jupiter. The cover also highlights 'UFO COVER-UPS CONTINUE: PART FOUR,' suggesting a continued investigation into government secrecy surrounding UFO phenomena. The magazine features a diverse range of articles, from scientific explorations and historical anniversaries to personal accounts of alien encounters and practical advice on longevity.

Departments

The issue opens with a variety of departments covering diverse topics:

• First Word: By Jon Cypher.
• Communications: A section for reader correspondence.
• Law: By Peter Callahan.
• Office 2020: By Paul McCarthy, discussing the disappearance of bar codes.
• Electronic Universe: By Gregg Keizer.
• Digs: By Paul McCarthy, focusing on trophy skulls.
• Wheels: By Steve Nadis.
• Mind: By David Snyder.
• Space: By James Oberg.
• Animals: By Nina L. Diamond.
• Earth: By Kent Patterson, discussing the taming of toxic waste.
• Games: By Scot Morris.

An accompanying image and caption notes that the impending crash of a comet into Jupiter offers a glimpse into cosmic forces and a reminder of the brevity of our space explorations. The cover art is by Kim Poor.

Features

The magazine's main features delve into significant topics:

• Continuum: (Page 27)
• Target Jupiter: (Page 35) By James Oberg. This feature explores how modern astronomy is presented with a unique opportunity to study a comet on a collision course with Jupiter.
• Politics of Apollo: (Page 44) By Piers Bizony. This article celebrates the twenty-fifth anniversary of Apollo 11, reflecting on the real heroes involved in America's journey to the moon.
• Cosmic Conspiracy: Six Decades of Government UFO Cover-ups, Part IV: (Page 54) By Dennis Stacy. This installment continues the investigation into alleged government UFO cover-ups over six decades.
• Fiction: Queen of Angels: (Page 58) By Kathe Koja.
• Cartoon Feature: (Page 65)
• Interview: Gary Nabhan: (Page 69) By Carol Goodstein.
• Antimatter: (Page 77) This section provides a UFO update, with a focus on a Harvard psychiatrist's views on alien encounters.

Antimatter: UFO Update

This section features Dr. John E. Mack, a Harvard psychiatrist and Pulitzer Prize winner, who has studied UFO abductions for decades. Unlike many previous researchers who viewed aliens as malevolent, Mack suggests that abduction experiences can be spiritually uplifting and a pathway to inner growth. His book, 'Abduction: Human Encounters with Aliens,' chronicles the stories of abductees who report personal growth, past-life recall, and a deepened concern for Earth. Mack posits that the alien presence, however traumatic, might be part of a larger process guiding humanity back to its 'common source.'

However, Mack's views are not universally accepted. Other investigators, like historian David Jacobs, have not found positive spiritual components in their research and note that most abductees view the phenomenon negatively. Some abductees, like Wendy and Sheila, strongly disagree with Mack's interpretation, comparing the idea of spiritual benefit from abduction to an Auschwitz survivor benefiting from being treated as a laboratory animal.

Mack's colleagues at Cambridge Hospital, such as CEO John O'Brien, support his research. The American Psychiatric Association does not officially endorse his work, but its spokesperson noted that scientific research into human behavior is generally considered useful.

Cosmic Conspiracy: FOIA and UFOs

This article, continuing from page 56, details the efforts of groups like CAUS (Citizens Against UFO Secrecy) to utilize the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to obtain government documents related to UFOs. The FOIA, signed into law in 1966, was intended to provide public access to government records, with specific exemptions for national security and foreign policy.

In the mid-Seventies, the Nixon administration enhanced FOIA by imposing time limits for agency responses and empowering courts to review document release decisions. CAUS, with the help of UFO researcher Brad Sparks and attorney Peter Gersten, actively pursued UFO-related documents. A key early case involved a request concerning Ralph Mayher's 1952 UFO film, which had been turned over to the CIA. Despite initial resistance and heavily redacted documents, the CIA eventually released approximately 900 pages of UFO-related material. Many agencies, including the FBI, released thousands of pages of documents in response to requests.

However, the process was fraught with difficulties. The article notes that the effectiveness of FOIA was later diminished by Executive Order 12356, signed by President Ronald Reagan, which removed the requirement for agencies to respond within a reasonable period. Searches could then take years, and fees became exorbitant, with one agency citing a $250,000 search fee. Despite these challenges, CAUS was instrumental in the release of between 7,000 and 8,000 UFO-related documents from various government entities, including the Air Force, Navy, and NSA.

Notable revelations included a series of sightings reported by northern Air Force bases in 1975 and an incident involving an Imperial Iranian Air Force jet that reportedly locked onto a UFO before its electronic weapons system failed. CAUS's most significant legal action was a suit against the National Security Agency (NSA) in December 1979.

Peter Gersten expressed disappointment that not all documents were released but conceded that some might have been withheld for legitimate reasons, such as protecting intelligence sources. He estimated that his pro bono work for CAUS would have cost nearly $70,000 in 1970 dollars. Barry Greenwood, the current CAUS director of research, lamented the weakening of FOIA due to Reagan's secrecy order, making document retrieval a lengthy and discouraging process.

Pennsylvania researcher Robert Todd expressed disillusionment, stating that while much material might still be withheld, he does not believe it proves a government conspiracy, but rather a bureaucratic tendency to control information.

Longevity: Rejuvenetics

This section promotes 'REJUVENETICS' and 'MORE REJUVENETICS,' workout videos starring Kathy Keeton, President and founder of Longevity magazine. These videos are designed to slow the effects of aging and promote a more youthful body. REJUVENETICS incorporates non-aerobic movements like ballet, t'ai chi, and yoga, while MORE REJUVENETICS focuses on body sculpting to build lean muscle mass and boost metabolism. Each 30-minute program is recommended to be followed three times a week for results. The videos are available for $14.99 each, with ordering information provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of OMNI magazine consistently explores the intersection of science, technology, and the unexplained. A recurring theme is the ongoing debate and investigation into government secrecy surrounding UFO phenomena, highlighted by the 'Cosmic Conspiracy' series and the use of the Freedom of Information Act. The magazine also delves into the mysteries of space, as seen in the 'Target Jupiter' feature and James Oberg's 'Space' department. Furthermore, it touches upon psychological and philosophical interpretations of unusual experiences, exemplified by Dr. John E. Mack's controversial views on alien abductions as potentially spiritual. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting diverse perspectives and encouraging readers to engage with complex and often controversial subjects, while also covering more conventional topics like health and technology.