Orbiter - No 37 - 1992

Magazine Overview

Title: ORBITER
Issue: #37
Date: NOV/DEC. 1992
Publisher: The New England Aerial Phenomena Report

This issue of "Orbiter" delves into the controversial abduction case of Linda Napolitano, aiming to present information for objective research and to foster healthy debate. The cover features a dramatic illustration depicting the alleged event.

The Abduction of Linda Napolitano: A Controversial Claim

The issue opens with a brief assertion of the Linda Napolitano abduction, stating that on November 30, 1989, at approximately 3:15 a.m., she floated out of her 12th-floor apartment in lower Manhattan, followed by several figures into a hovering craft. This account is attributed to George P. Hansen.

In This Issue: A Multifaceted Debate

"Orbiter" dedicates this issue to the abduction phenomena, aiming to present another side to an exuberant claim and to test the claims for infallibility. The magazine features a general summary of the Napolitano abduction, followed by commentary. It includes findings and thoughts from George Hansen and Jerome Clark on the unfolding events in lower Manhattan. Additionally, it reproduces a Boston Globe Magazine article titled 'Alien Territory' about Dr. John Mack and a newsclipping from the NY Post detailing another Manhattan-connected abduction claim.

General Summary of the Abduction of Linda Napolitano

Budd Hopkins, an abduction mentor, took a special interest in Linda Napolitano's case, believing it had potential for crucial medical evidence. The abduction was reportedly initiated in Manhattan, NY, and the account was published in various journals and newspapers, including MUFON Journal, OMNI, Wall Street Journal, The N.Y. Times, and Paris Watch. Hopkins also presented the case at several symposiums and meetings.

On November 30, 1989, Linda Napolitano recalled under hypnosis that she floated out of her 12th-story apartment window and ascended into a hovering craft via a blue beam. Approximately one year later, Hopkins received a letter from two undercover security agents, Richard and Dan. They claimed to have witnessed a huge orange/red object with green lights above an apartment building on FDR Drive, and saw a female float out of a window with several odd forms into the object. Richard and Dan stated they were familiar with Hopkins' name and wanted to ensure the woman was alive and unharmed.

Linda informed Hopkins that Richard and Dan visited her, introducing themselves as police officers. They expressed relief that she was unscathed. Later, they sent Hopkins a cassette tape and letter describing their experiences but refused to meet. Subsequently, Dan sent followup letters, stating Richard had taken a leave of absence due to trauma and was stalking Linda. Dan revealed they were not police officers but security agents driving a VIP when the sighting occurred, and that the VIP also witnessed the abduction and became hysterical.

In the spring of 1991, Linda claimed Richard approached her near her apartment and forced her into a car driven by Dan. During a three-and-a-half-hour drive, she was interrogated about aliens and government involvement.

On October 15, 1991, Linda reported that Dan forced her into a red Jaguar and she secretly recorded part of his questioning. Dan confiscated the recorder. He drove her to a Long Island beach house, demanded she disrobe and wear a white nightgown similar to the one she wore during the abduction, and made verbal sexual advances. When Linda tried to flee, Dan caught her, forced her head underwater, and raved incoherently. A 'force' then hit Dan, knocking him down. Linda fled, and Richard appeared, suggesting he would control Dan with a 'Mickey Finn.' Inside, Richard put Dan in the shower, allowing Linda to search the premises. She recovered her cassette tape and found stationery with a Central Intelligence Agency letterhead.

In the fall of 1991, Linda saw Richard outside a Manhattan establishment and was told of Dan's worsening mental condition. A month later, she received a card and letter from Dan stating he was sedated in a mental health hospital.

Hopkins allegedly received a letter from the VIP in February detailing aliens' involvement with planetary ecological problems and their concern for ending the Cold War. Linda recalled the third man (VIP) was Javier Perez de Cuellar, former Secretary of the United Nations.

In the summer of 1991, a Connecticut woman claimed to have seen a bright object over an apartment building on the Brooklyn Bridge with figures floating out the window into a spacecraft.

Around November 1991, Linda had an X-ray taken of her nose by an M.D. concerned about her story and a claimed implant. Hopkins showed the X-ray to a neurosurgeon friend who was aghast at an object in Linda's nasal area. The abduction account and slide were presented at Hopkins' recent events.

Researchers suggest the Napolitano account resembles Garfield Reeves Stevens' science fiction novel 'NIGHTEYES,' published in April 1989, months before the alleged abduction.

Commentary on the Case and Ufology

The commentary section critiques the handling of the Napolitano case and the broader UFO community. It notes the tendency to draw lines in the sand and the 'exuberant claims' of abductees. The author likens the case to the Gulf Breeze fiasco, suggesting it relies on words rather than evidence. The commentary criticizes the public's desire for sensationalism, with media networks profiting from alien visitation themes. It argues that newcomers are being fed narratives that may not be factual, focusing on hybrid races and UFO phenomena without critical examination. The author expresses concern that the field of aerial phenomenon research is becoming akin to entertainment, with investigators prioritizing sensational stories over rigorous research. The commentary suggests that the 'N&H bandwagon' (Napolitano & Hopkins) is a potential disservice to the seriousness of the subject, driven by those motivated by the entertainment field.

A variety of individuals, including blue-collar workers and Ph.Ds, are reportedly being drawn into these narratives. The author questions the modus operandi of UFO phenomena and the motivations of those promoting these stories. The commentary also touches upon the shift from scientific inquiry (binoculars, star charts) to more subjective methods (couch, dreams) and the involvement of mental health professionals.

Attempted Murder vs. The Politics of Ufology: A Question of Priorities

George P. Hansen's article critically examines the Napolitano case, focusing on the alleged felonies committed by government agents: assault, battery, kidnapping, and attempted murder. Hansen notes that prominent ufologists like Budd Hopkins, John E. Mack, David M. Jacobs, Jerome Clark, and Walter H. Andrus, Jr. accept Napolitano's claims. However, these ufologists have argued against reporting the crimes to law enforcement, citing potential 'politically damaging' consequences for UFO research.

Hansen questions the priorities of these ufologists, particularly their opposition to a federal investigation. He details how Linda Napolitano contacted Richard Butler and Joseph Stefula, a former Special Agent, expressing concern for her safety and Hopkins' ability to protect her. During a meeting, Linda recounted her alleged experiences, including the April 1991 incident where she was forced into a car and interrogated, and the October 15, 1991, incident involving sexual advances and a simulated drowning at a Long Island beach house.

Hopkins' published account of the alleged felonies is described as sketchy and potentially misleading. Hansen highlights that Linda Napolitano's claims include being struck by a car during a chase and suffering hours-long forced confinements and interrogations.

Hopkins reportedly has extensive materials, including 80 pages of letters from Richard and Dan, which could aid in identifying typewriters and potentially fingerprints. He also has tape recordings and claims to know the government agency employing the two agents and the identity of the dignitary they were guarding (identified by Linda as Javier Perez de Cuellar).

The Counsel of Ufology's Leaders

This section discusses the reactions of prominent ufologists to the Napolitano case. While the author personally does not believe Linda's claims, figures like Dr. John Mack and David Jacobs have expressed conviction in her story. Budd Hopkins presented additional evidence to Walter Andrus and Jerome Clark, who became persuaded of Linda's honesty. Andrus, International Director of MUFON, and Clark, a columnist for Fate magazine, are considered influential in U.S. ufology.

At a meeting in New York City, Linda expressed willingness to testify, but Hopkins, Andrus, and Clark vigorously objected to a federal investigation, deeming it 'politically damaging' to ufology. Hansen was puzzled by their reasoning and priorities. He called Andrus, who reaffirmed his opposition, questioning Hansen's right to raise these issues. Clark also accepted Linda's statements and reaffirmed his opposition to reporting the crimes.

Hansen argues that the safety of Linda and the general public is at risk if federal agents engaged in such acts are not brought to justice. He calls upon Clark, Andrus, and Hopkins to publicly explain their rationale.

"Torquemada" Responds to Jerome Clark

George P. Hansen responds to Jerome Clark's correction of his interpretation of Clark's position. Clark had urged critics to refrain from investigating the case for six months, stating that reporting it to law enforcement could be 'politically sensitive' and damage UFO research. Clark's rationale is that if the story is true, it involves a political figure of international stature, and pursuing it through official channels might alert agencies and silence those leaking information.

Hansen finds Clark's explanation candid and revealing, especially since Clark reportedly accepts Linda's story of harassment, kidnapping, and assault. Hansen questions Clark's belief in internal review and criticism within ufology. He also finds Clark's suggestion about 'alerting the relevant agency' ludicrous, given Hopkins' prior inquiries and public statements.

Hansen suggests that Clark's reasoning implies a belief in a conspiracy at the highest levels of world governments suppressing evidence of the abduction. He notes that Clark, living in isolation, seems to believe he is positioned to make recommendations affecting public disclosures.

Hansen reviews Clark's earlier writings on conspiracy theories, suggesting that Clark has a strong psychological charge associated with conspiracies and struggles to approach such ideas dispassionately. He points out that while Clark and Hopkins claim to have substantial evidence, they refuse to divulge it, actively impeding the enforcement of criminal laws based on a belief in a powerful international government conspiracy.

Summary of Hansen's Argument

Hansen concludes that the Napolitano case illuminates the mentality of prominent figures in ufology. He reiterates that Clark vigorously opposes reporting the alleged crimes to authorities, despite accepting Linda's story. Hansen believes Clark's position is based on a perceived special insight into the political situation, but finds no evidence to support this. He suggests that Clark and Hopkins may possess secret knowledge of a conspiracy, a thinking he terms 'Grandiose' or 'paranoid.' Hansen urges readers to assess Clark's mental state and the plausible cause of his behavior.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of "Orbiter" engages with the complex and controversial topic of UFO abductions, specifically the Linda Napolitano case. The magazine's stance appears to be one of promoting objective research and open debate, even when dealing with highly contentious claims. It highlights the internal conflicts within the ufology community regarding how to handle alleged evidence of criminal activity linked to UFO phenomena. The editorial approach seems critical of sensationalism and the potential for the field to be driven by entertainment value rather than rigorous investigation. The publication also questions the motivations and priorities of leading ufologists when faced with allegations of serious crimes, particularly when they advocate for suppressing information for the perceived benefit of the UFO research community.

This issue of "Alien Territory" (likely a special publication or section within a larger magazine, given the cover format) features a prominent article on Dr. John Mack, a Harvard psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, and his research into UFO abduction phenomena. The cover boldly proclaims "East Side MD: 'Aliens kidnapped me' DAFFY DOC!" and reports on a ruling by the New York State Board of Regents concerning dermatologist Stephen Kurzweil. The publication date is indicated as Saturday, November 21, 1992, with a secondary date of Sunday, November 22, 1992, suggesting it's from a weekend edition of the New York Post.

Dr. John Mack and the Abduction Phenomenon

The lead article, by Sara Terry, details Dr. John Mack's journey into the study of UFO abductions. Initially dismissive, influenced by Carl Sagan's views in the 1960s, Mack's perspective shifted dramatically after meeting Bud Hopkins, a New York artist and investigator of abduction claims, about 20 years later. Mack, who has a background in clinical psychiatry spanning nearly 40 years and is known for his Pulitzer Prize-winning biography of Lawrence of Arabia, found himself unable to explain the accounts of abductees.

Mack has since investigated nearly 70 abduction cases, conducting hundreds of interviews. He has organized support groups and professional conferences, and his work has been featured in a network docudrama. Despite facing criticism from the press and scientists, Mack has become convinced that abductees are not fabricating their experiences. He posits that these encounters may represent a paradigm shift for science, comparable to the Copernican revolution.

Mack describes abductions as highly traumatic, often repressed experiences. Individuals typically report being taken aboard spacecraft by small, gray beings with large, dark eyes, where they undergo intrusive, medical-like tests, frequently related to sexual and reproductive experiments. A recurring theme is that parents who have experienced abductions often find their children also become abductees. Mack notes that individuals are usually reluctant to confront these experiences due to fear of being labeled crazy or facing the implications for their worldview.

He emphasizes the consistency of the narratives told by abductees from diverse backgrounds who have no contact with each other. This consistency, he argues, points to the reality of the experiences, rather than them being products of individual psychology or imagination. Mack highlights the "tremulousness" with which people approach him, fearing both disbelief and the profound implications of their experiences being real.

Mack's research suggests that these experiences are not psychological contagion or delusions. He has found that only a small fraction of individuals he has investigated suffer from mental illness. The abductees come from all walks of life, including musicians, prison guards, housewives, and professionals.

Mack uses hypnosis as a tool to uncover repressed memories, a practice he defends despite criticism. He describes a "medical-like scenario" unique to these experiences, with details often not publicly available. He notes that abductees often describe a sense of space and time collapsing, and the feeling of being introduced to another, equally real, dimension.

Mack believes the abduction phenomenon could represent a "fourth blow" to humanity's collective ego, following the discoveries of Copernicus, Darwin, and Freud. He suggests that abductees often report seeing visual images of environmental destruction on Earth, leading them to develop a passionate commitment to protecting the planet. Mack interprets these warnings as an attempt to alert humans to the need for change and to reconnect them with spirituality, echoing the poet Rainer Maria Rilke's call to embrace the strange and inexplicable.

He acknowledges that many physical scientists dismiss his work, often due to adherence to strict scientific conventions. However, he notes that when colleagues engage with his research, they tend to become less dismissive, moving from atheism to agnosticism regarding the phenomenon.

Dr. Edward J. Khantzian, a colleague of Mack's, describes Mack's work as "very, very compelling stuff" and admits to being between disbelief and agnosticism, respecting Mack's careful clinical approach.

Mack also addresses the sensationalism surrounding UFO stories in the tabloid press but sees signs that the media and academia are beginning to pay more serious attention. He has been interviewed for major publications and participated in television programs. He notes the growing interest from philosophers, theologians, and graduate students in related fields.

Mack argues that abductees' reports suggest an intelligence that can elude man-made machines and exists in a different dimension, not necessarily in the physical universe. He criticizes the "unwillingness of the official intellectual community to be open-minded about a reality that doesn't fit their world view."

The Case of Dr. Stephen Kurzweil

The New York Post article by Chris McKenna details the case of Dr. Stephen Kurzweil, an East Side dermatologist who believes he was abducted by aliens and that UFOs are part of a Nazi plot to eliminate Jews. Despite these beliefs, the New York State Board of Regents ruled that Kurzweil could continue practicing medicine. The Regents found no proof that his beliefs had harmed his patients or impaired his practice, rejecting a finding by the state health commissioner that he posed a threat.

Kurzweil views the Regents' ruling as a "vindication" and believes it sends a message to the U.S. government. He claims to have been marked with a leg scar by Nazi-linked aliens and has put a "curse" on the U.S. government, believing it trades citizens for alien secrets. He stated that he has never seen alien creatures but believes aliens collaborated with Nazis and the American government, providing technology in exchange for abduction rights.

Kurzweil, who is Jewish, also mentioned starting a support group called "Abductees and Zionists Against UFOs." He claimed aliens were answering his office phone to "misdirect" patients and sabotage his career. He insisted he did not discuss these beliefs with patients as it was "not pertinent to their medical care."

State health officials expressed shock at the ruling, stating that Kurzweil suffers from a serious mental disorder and poses an imminent threat. However, the Regents' action closes the case, and the department may not be able to bring new charges unless harm occurs.

Closers

A brief "Closers" section notes that Neptune was the most distant planet from the sun until 1999, having been the last planet visited by the Voyager 11 probe.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue strongly focuses on the controversial topic of UFO abductions, presenting the perspective of Dr. John Mack, a respected psychiatrist, who advocates for taking these experiences seriously. The magazine appears to support the idea that these phenomena challenge conventional scientific understanding and may represent a significant aspect of human experience that is not yet understood. The inclusion of the Stephen Kurzweil case highlights the intersection of unusual beliefs, medical practice, and regulatory oversight, suggesting a broader interest in phenomena that push the boundaries of accepted reality. The editorial stance seems to be one of open inquiry into unexplained phenomena, even when they defy easy explanation or face skepticism from mainstream science.