REALL News - Vol 04 No 08 - 1996

Magazine Overview

Title: The REALL News
Issue: Volume 4 Issue 8
Date: August 1996

This issue of The REALL News, published by REALL (Rational Examination Association of Lincoln Land), focuses on two main areas: an in-depth examination of a specific UFO abduction case and a discussion on media ethics and truth-telling.

This One's a Keeper: The Longmont Abduction Case

This article by Martin Kottmeyer delves into the November 19, 1980, incident involving a couple near Longmont, Colorado. The couple reported their station-wagon being enveloped by a blue light, accompanied by a loud noise, causing the car to lift off the ground. They experienced a loss of over an hour of time. Following the event, the husband experienced disorientation, and the wife had a vivid dream and later contracted a severe case of streptococcal pneumonia.

Through three hypnosis sessions with social psychologist Richard Sigismond, with Linda Howe assisting, a narrative emerged. The man described being inside a craft with glowing walls, encountering a 'gray-skinned, big-bald-headed humanoid' with long fingers, wearing a shiny gold uniform. He reported being restrained, his mind being 'stripped' and then given 'knowledge' about other dimensions. He was reluctant to develop new abilities due to existing responsibilities.

The case was published in the Center for UFO Studies (CUFOS) International UFO Reporter and reprinted in Flying Saucer Review. The article highlights the case's resemblance to Spielberg's 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' and its inclusion in Bullard's top 50 abduction cases. However, Kottmeyer critically examines the case, suggesting a strong influence from a 1964 episode of 'The Outer Limits' titled "Keeper of the Purple Twilight." He points out striking similarities between the described humanoid and the alien 'Ikar' from the show, including the head shape, long fingers, and loose-fitting jumpsuits. The article also notes potential plot parallels, such as the exchange of emotions for knowledge.

Kottmeyer concludes that the case is 'flawed,' questioning whether the issues stem from the methodology (hypnosis, cryptamnesia) or a conscious invention. He acknowledges that the core experience of the car being lifted by a light and noise remains difficult to explain prosaically, suggesting it's either fiction or a genuine encounter. He argues that while ufologists might dismiss the 'Outer Limits' influence as a red herring, the similarities are too significant to ignore, and the case, despite its flaws, offers lessons about cultural influences on abduction narratives.

Letter to the Editor and REALLity Check: Media Ethics and Truth

The issue also features a 'Letter to the Editor' and a 'REALLity Check' column by David Bloomberg, which address the ethics of lying.

The 'Letter to the Editor' recounts an incident from about 15 years prior where the UK's Exchequer publicly denied a bank's impending bankruptcy, a denial that proved false, leading to the bank's collapse. The author explains the official's justification: telling the truth would have caused a bank run and greater harm to customers. This sets up a discussion on whether truth-telling is an absolute moral imperative, suggesting it depends on motive and context, citing the hypothetical of hiding Jews from Nazi SS soldiers.

This leads to a critique of David Bloomberg's cancellation of his Newsweek subscription. Bloomberg had canceled his subscription due to Newsweek's editor and writer allegedly lying about the authorship of 'Primary Colors,' which was later revealed to be journalist Joe Klein. The letter writer questions if Bloomberg's reaction is appropriate or 'decontextualized righteous indignation.'

The 'Editor's Response' acknowledges the controversy and shares his own past cancellations of Newsweek subscriptions. He then presents excerpts from Joe Klein's explanation in Newsweek, where Klein describes being caught between commitments to his publisher (Random House) and journalism, and feeling trapped by the situation. Klein expresses regret for his denials and the pain caused, but also states the world didn't need to know who 'Anonymous' was, comparing the experience to living as a politician.

David Bloomberg's 'REALLity Check' column further elaborates on the issue, criticizing the excuses given for lying, particularly the notion of 'entertainment.' He argues that such lying, especially by professionals whose honor requires truth, is 'sad, sad news' and indicative of a societal 'flight from standards grounded in objective reality.' He announces his own cancellation of Newsweek after 25 years of subscription.

Other Content

"I'm Getting A Headache"

This section critiques a company selling over-the-counter pain relief medication for its confusing commercials, one appealing to scientific studies and another to personal experience, suggesting it confuses the public about science.

"E.T. Phone Nevada"

This piece discusses Nevada's renaming of Highway 375 to the "Extraterrestrial Highway" and a Discover magazine ad promoting an "ET Experience" tourist attraction. The author expresses skepticism about the state's tourism efforts, questioning if advertising potential alien abduction is a wise strategy.

A Call for Reviews

An announcement soliciting reviews of books, films, and multimedia for an upcoming special bonus issue of The REALL News.

From the Editor

Bob Ladendorf notes Martin Kottmeyer's article and mentions Kottmeyer's inclusion in Carl Sagan's book, 'The Demon-Haunted World.'

From the Chairman

David Bloomberg highlights the receipt of the first 'real' letter to the editor, which discusses a non-paranormal but important subject. He also mentions an upcoming Skeptics Society video presentation and his own interview for a story on urban legends.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The REALL News, as indicated by its purpose statement, is dedicated to the "development of rational thinking and the application of the scientific method toward claims of the paranormal and fringe-science phenomena." The publication aims for "objective, though critical, inquiry." The articles in this issue reflect this stance by critically examining UFO lore through a skeptical lens (the Longmont case analysis) and by engaging in discussions about intellectual honesty and ethical conduct in media and public life.