SUN 03 (May 1990)

Magazine Overview

This issue of the SKEPTICS UFO NEWSLETTER, dated May 1990, is edited by Philip J. Klass and published from Washington D.C. The newsletter presents a critical perspective on UFO phenomena, often questioning the claims of UFO proponents and offering skeptical analysis.

UFO Returns to Gulf Breeze--Under Wind Power:

The lead article discusses recent UFO sightings in Gulf Breeze, Florida, following Ed Walters' book tour. Unlike earlier photos taken by Walters, which showed a craft-like object with illuminated portholes, new photos from April 1990 only depict a blob of light. The article speculates that these sightings offer insights into UFO propulsion, suggesting a 'wind-power' system. Several sightings on April 11, 13, and 17 are detailed, noting that the observed movements of the red glowing objects corresponded with the prevailing wind directions at the time. Two witnesses reported the object appeared to be a balloon carrying a flare. A January 8th sighting described a glowing object about 1 ft. in diameter at an altitude of 1,300 ft. Ed Walters took photos with a 35mm camera and a 200mm telephoto lens.

Walters Urged To Alert Congress to UFO Dangers:

This section reports on a press release from CSICOP's UFO SUBCOMMITTEE challenging Ed Walters and his wife Frances to seek a Congressional Investigation into alleged UFO dangers. CSICOP urged Walters to write to his Congressman, Earl D. Hutto, to initiate such an investigation. The newsletter includes a draft of a letter Walters was urged to send, which describes encounters with UFOs, claims photos are authentic, and requests an investigation into a 'clear and present danger' to national security. The newsletter notes that there has been no response from Walters.

Reviews of the Walters' Book:

The newsletter presents a mixed review of Ed Walters' book. It mentions a brief, error-filled review in The Washington Post, which noted that the Walters took lie-detector tests and turned down a deal with The National Enquirer. However, the Post's reviewer was skeptical, likening their belief to Nixon's denial about Watergate. The article quotes the Post reviewer stating the Walters 'believe they have seen and photographed UFOs.'

A more critical review comes from Bob Girard of Arcturus Book Service, who calls the book 'shockingly shallow' and suggests the authors' motive was greed or deception, predicting the country would eventually laugh it off. The article also mentions Dr. Bruce Maccabee, a U.S. Navy physicist and head of FUFOR, who strongly endorsed Walters' photos. It notes that Maccabee has not challenged reports of being paid approximately $20,000 for his contribution to the book, though he has not confirmed the exact amount. Maccabee was voted the person who made the greatest contribution to UFOlogy in the previous year by MUFON members.

Other UFO News and Reviews:

• Stanton Friedman's MJ-12 Report: There is growing suspicion that Stanton Friedman's long-awaited report on his $16,000 FUFOR-funded study of the MJ-12 papers has been delayed, with the expected completion date slipping from late last year to 'spring of 1990.'

• Whitley Strieber's 'Communion': The movie 'Communion' is now available on video cassette. Reviews are mentioned, including one from People magazine that is critically dismissive.

• Whitley Strieber's 'Majestic': Strieber's new book 'Majestic' also received poor reviews, with the San Diego Union describing it as boring and upsetting. The publisher is noted for not clearly stating it's a novel on the cover. The Washington Post reviewer, however, characterized it as 'intriguing, intelligent, exciting.'

• Strieber's Newsletter: A rumor suggests Strieber might be suffering depression due to critical reception, partly because his newsletter, 'The Communion Letter,' is overdue.

• UFO Landing Facility: Plans for a major UFO landing facility near Elmwood, Wisconsin, have encountered financial difficulties, with Thomas Weber stating that if people had contributed $5-$20 per letter, the project would be operating.

• Gulf Breeze as Landing Site: The article suggests Gulf Breeze might be a better location for a UFO landing site due to frequent reported visits, humorously noting Ed Walters might make a contribution based on his book advance and TV rights.

• Science Teachers Briefed: MUFON representatives briefed science teachers on UFOs and critical thinking at a National Science Teachers Association conference in Phoenix.

• UFO Speakers at Conference: Four pro-UFO speakers participated in a session on UFOs, including Marge Christensen, Dr. Michael D. Swords, Dr. Richard F. Haines, and John Schuessler, all focusing on using UFOs to spark interest in critical thinking.

• Condon Report: The newsletter recalls Dr. Edward U. Condon's advice from the University of Colorado UFO investigation, warning against children studying UFOs, as it could retard the development of critical thinking and scientific evidence analysis. Condon urged teachers to focus on astronomy and meteorology instead.

• Peru UFO Tour: A 'STAR PEOPLE TOUR to PERU' is advertised for September 12, including leaders Brad and Sherry Steiger, a flight over the Nazca Lines, and night sky viewing at Lake Titicaca. The tour price is $2,799.00.

• 'UFOs: The Best Evidence' Documentary: A two-hour documentary produced by George Knapp won first place in the Donald E. Keyhoe Journalism Award competition, receiving $1,000 from FUFOR.

• Philip J. Klass on Knapp's Program: Klass appeared briefly on George Knapp's TV program as a 'token UFO-skeptic,' where Knapp commented that Klass's explanations had proven false and that some UFO researchers consider Klass a government agent. Stanton Friedman also appeared, criticizing Klass.

• Psychic Prediction (Dr. Eric Walker): Dr. Eric Walker, an 80-year-old scientist who reportedly served in the Pentagon in the 1940s, claims to have attended Top Secret meetings about a recovered crashed saucer at Wright-Patterson AF Base. He believes the saucer still exists but denies dead ETs were recovered, stating four 'normal (live) individuals' were absorbed into American culture. The article speculates these individuals could be Steve Jobs, Mohammed Ali, Ivan Boesky, or Ronald Reagan.

• Stanton Friedman's Interview: Stanton Friedman reportedly interviewed Dr. Eric Walker and was impressed by his credentials. It is suggested Walker might make his formal debut in UFOlogy in Friedman's overdue MJ-12 report.

• UFOlogy in the U.K.: A report from the U.K. suggests UFOlogy is in a state of alarm due to Stanton Friedman's legal actions against BUFORA and Jenny Randles over their criticism of MJ-12 papers.

• Klass's Government Payment: Klass clarifies that he has been paid by the U.S. government for his UFO activities, receiving $100.00 for an appearance on a Voice of America radio talk-show where he and Mark Rodeghier discussed UFOs. He notes this averages out to roughly $4.00 per year over his 24 years of debunking.

• Ed Walters and Larry King Live: Ed Walters refused to appear on Larry King Live when he learned Klass would also be a guest. He had previously threatened to walk off a Boston talk show upon learning of Klass's participation. Walters eventually agreed to stay. Bruce Maccabee offered explanations for Walters' cancellation from Larry King Live, which Klass challenged, leading to differing accounts from Maccabee regarding Walters' awareness of Klass's appearance and his willingness to appear with credible skeptics. Maccabee admitted there were no credible UFO skeptics who had investigated the Gulf Breeze case to meet Walters' requirements.

• Budd Hopkins Newsletter: The first issue of Budd Hopkins' UFO-abduction newsletter, 'IF: The Bulletin of the Intruders Foundation,' is described as 'terribly dull.'

• Wilbert Smith Article: An article by Christopher D. Allan in 'Orbiter' discusses the late Canadian UFOlogist Wilbert Smith, whose writings may have inspired the MJ-12 papers counterfeiter.

• MUFON Criticism: Bill Pitts attacks MUFON leadership for endorsing the Gulf Breeze case, stating MUFON director Walt Andrus and Bruce Maccabee should be banned from responsible positions in UFOlogy.

• Dr. Rima Laibow: Jim Moseley's newsletter reports that Dr. Rima Laibow, a psychiatrist who broke ties with Budd Hopkins, is apparently an abductee. Laibow responded that Moseley's publication was inaccurate but did not flatly deny being an abductee.

• Upcoming MUFON Conference: Laibow and Hopkins are scheduled to speak at MUFON's conference in Pensacola.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around skepticism towards UFO claims, particularly those associated with Ed Walters and the Gulf Breeze sightings. Philip J. Klass, the editor, consistently questions the evidence presented, highlights inconsistencies, and contrasts purported UFO phenomena with conventional explanations like wind power or misidentification. The editorial stance is clearly that of a UFO debunker, aiming to critically analyze and often refute claims made by UFO proponents. The newsletter also touches upon the business and media aspects of UFOlogy, including book sales, media appearances, and the financial challenges faced by some UFO organizations and projects. There's a consistent effort to expose what Klass perceives as flaws in research, questionable motives, and the lack of credible evidence in many UFO cases.