SUN 13 (Jan 1992)

Magazine Overview

This issue of the Skeptics UFO Newsletter, dated January 1992, focuses on a critical examination of UFO abduction claims, particularly challenging the widely publicized 'genetic experiment' hypothesis proposed by Budd Hopkins. The newsletter presents a more skeptical perspective, offering prosaic explanations for alleged phenomena and questioning the evidence presented by prominent figures in the UFO community.

Investigation of 'UFO Abduction/Missing Fetus Case'

The lead article details an investigation into a case that initially resembled those reported by Budd Hopkins, involving alleged extraterrestrial genetic experiments where women are impregnated and then have their fetuses removed. The case at the center of this investigation involved a woman, referred to as Mrs. V.K., who reported numerous encounters with 'entities' between 1987 and 1991. These experiences included a home invasion by a short, white-skinned entity who performed a gynecological procedure. Following this, Mrs. V.K. and her husband reported finding a large burned grass circle in their backyard, and their son recalled nighttime visits by entities and 'trips on spacecraft.' Despite having previously agreed not to have more children due to their ages, Mrs. V.K. felt an 'unexplained desire' to have a second child.

In early 1988, Mrs. V.K. contacted Budd Hopkins, who referred her to ufologists Cheryl Fernandez and Dr. Richard Neal. She joined one of Hopkins' 'self-help for abductees' groups. Her 1989 pregnancy terminated mysteriously, and she had read about other 'abductees' reporting 'missing fetuses.'

During her pregnancy, an ultrasound scan by Dr. Levine initially showed the fetus was fine. However, a later scan in March indicated no cardiovascular activity, leading to a referral to Dr. Holland, a perinatologist, who confirmed the fetus was dead. When Mrs. V.K. went to the hospital for the procedure to remove the fetus, Dr. Levine later showed her the pathologist's report, which indicated 'no fetal parts,' thus a 'missing fetus.' Dr. Levine reportedly stated he could not explain the absence of the fetus.

While awaiting the procedure, Mrs. V.K. reported a 'small-statured person' entering her room, speaking sympathetically and patting her head. She described this entity as having bony arms and hands, long fingers, and pointed, sharp features, and not wearing a traditional nurse's uniform. This entity reportedly left when Mr. V.K. entered the room.

Suspecting this entity was an alien who had removed the fetus, Mrs. V.K. sought medical records from the pathologist and perinatologist. Dr. Levine, when interviewed by investigator Ann Druffel, explained that the initial ultrasound might not detect cardiovascular activity under certain conditions. He also stated that medical science is uncertain how a pregnant woman's body terminates a pregnancy. Crucially, Dr. Levine was unaware of Mrs. V.K.'s UFO interests, so he could not know that his explanation would be interpreted as confirmation of her beliefs. The pathologist learned that the material extracted did not technically qualify as a 'fetus.' Dr. Levine also noted that any physician encountering such a situation would be obliged to document it thoroughly, and that medical journals would readily publish such cases if documented, yet none were known to him.

Druffel's investigation, detailed in the MUFON UFO Journal, suggests that doctors would likely be eager to discuss such cases to avoid legal or medical repercussions.

Challenge to Hopkins' Hypothesis

The newsletter highlights this case as the second instance in recent months where Budd Hopkins' 'extraterrestrial genetic experiment hypothesis' has been questioned by pro-ufologists. It references a previous challenge by Michael Swords at a MUFON conference regarding the genetic possibility of ET-human cross-breeding. The article criticizes Hopkins' Intruder Foundation newsletter for not mentioning this challenge.

The newsletter sarcastically suggests an alternative hypothesis: that sexual harassment is acceptable behavior in ET civilizations, and that if abduction tales are true, ETs are violating U.S. laws. It calls for Hopkins and Jacobs to present their 'UFO-abduction evidence' to Congress.

Roswell Group Seeks Funds for UFO Research Center

Walter G. Haut, known for the 1947 Roswell 'flying disc' press release, is leading a group to raise funds for an International UFO Research Center and Museum in Roswell, New Mexico. Other members include Glenn Dennis, Max Littell, and Jerry McCormack. Contributions are sought for lifetime memberships and annual contributions.

Roswell Mayor William F. Brainerd proclaimed July 10, 1991, as 'UFO Day' in honor of Kevin D. Randle and Donald Schmitt, authors of 'UFO Crash at Roswell.' The local Chamber of Commerce expressed hope that the seminar would 'generate interest and proceeds' for a project to capture global attention.

'That's Show Biz!' - Media Critiques

'Variety' magazine gave a negative review to Henry Winkler's TV special 'The UFO Report: Sightings,' calling it 'plodding advocacy' and suggesting that airline food is a more significant airborne threat. The review noted contentions that the government, CIA, and FBI are withholding UFO evidence and that presidents Carter and Ford were unable to obtain it. Regarding UFO abductions, 'Variety' questioned why aliens would target ordinary people instead of celebrities like Arnold Schwarzenegger or Madonna, suggesting Fox should turn UFO quests over to 'America's Most Wanted.'

The newsletter also notes that MUFON's membership has grown significantly after endorsing 'bokie UFO photos and wild tales of Ed Walters.' In contrast, the Hynek Center for UFO Studies (CUFOS) has reportedly seen its membership decline, with one former member finding CUFOS's publication 'too esoteric and wordy.'

Letter to Bruce S. Maccabee

A letter, attributed to PJK, to Bruce S. Maccabee, discusses Maccabee's article 'Hiding the Hardware' in 'International UFO Reporter.' The letter questions Maccabee's conviction that a 'cover group' controls UFO information and research, citing an intermediary source ('S') who works with the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The letter suggests this 'cover group' might create disinformation to protect the 'ultimate secret.' It provocatively questions whether Maccabee himself, with his 'high security clearance' and 'mundane cover job,' might be part of this group, suggesting his endorsements of cases like Whitley Strieber's and the Ed Walters/Gulf Breeze case are part of a disinformation effort. The letter implies that cases Maccabee hails as impressive are actually hoaxes or misidentifications, not true UFOs.

UFOs and Religion: Christian, Jewish, or Other?

A letter to the editor of 'The Gulf Breeze Sentinel' by Kenneth Lloyd Larson is reprinted, questioning the timing of a UFO sighting on September 16, 1991, over Gulf Breeze, Florida. Larson notes that this date, plus 100 days, equals December 25 (Christmas Day), and that the appearance was 11 weeks before Hanukkah and 11 weeks before Passover. He questions if this is a coincidence or a message from 'somebody up there.'

MUFON Official Claims Telepathic Contact with ETs

Donald M. Ware, MUFON's Regional Director for the Eastern U.S., claims to know '60 people who have been aboard [UFOs]' and 'several credible people' who report frequent telepathic contact with ETs. Ware expressed concern that 'The Sentinel' newspaper, recently purchased by Gannett, is neglecting local UFO coverage. He believes that ETs allowed photographic opportunities for the 'Red-light UFO' (RUFO) to be seen, but notes that none of the hundreds of photos show the detailed craft described by Ed Walters, suggesting a more benign breed of ETs or that Walters' tales are 'poppycock.'

ETs Never Seem to Eat or Drink

An article co-authored by Budd Hopkins and David Jacobs, published in 'IF' newsletter, states that none of the over 400 'UFO-abductees' interviewed reported seeing ETs eat or drink. This 'uniformity,' they argue, supports the 'objective truth' of their accounts. The newsletter speculates that ETs may have a purifying system or that abductees are reluctant to invent details about onboard toilet facilities.

Why Hopkins is Convinced Ed Walters is a 'UFO-Abductee'

This section delves into why Budd Hopkins believes Ed Walters, the Gulf Breeze UFO photographer, is an abductee. During hypnosis, Walters described strange symbols identical to those Hopkins has obtained from other abductees. However, the article points out that Walters has publicly stated, 'I have never... said that I've been abducted,' contradicting his book which states he was abducted at age 41. Despite Walters' claims of abduction, the article notes that hundreds of people have reported seeing the 'Red-light UFO' (RUFO) in Gulf Breeze without reporting being zapped or abducted.

Ed Walters' Actions Speak Louder Than His Words

The newsletter scrutinizes Ed Walters' claims that his concern for community safety prompted him to release his UFO photos. It highlights that Walters never alerted his closest neighbors, the Morrises, who lived only 20 feet away, about the alleged UFO threat or asked if they had seen anything unusual. Mrs. Morris states that during the 16 months Walters claims the UFO hovered and was photographed, neither she nor any other neighbor heard or saw anything unusual, with the exception of Mr. Walters himself.

'Crashed Saucer' Proponents to Meet

Kevin Randle, Don Schmitt, Stanton Friedman, and Don Berliner are scheduled to meet to resolve contradictions in their versions of the 'Roswell crashed saucer' story. Michael Swords will serve as referee. Randle/Schmitt claim one saucer crashed with four ET bodies recovered, while Friedman/Berliner claim a mid-air collision of two saucers, with three ET bodies and one live ET recovered. The newsletter humorously notes the odds favor Friedman talking the most.

It also points out 'institutional rivalries' between CUFOS (endorsing Randle/Schmitt) and MUFON (publishing a critical review of Friedman's book).

Crop Circles Mystery Solved, According to British Magazine

An article in 'Magonia' magazine by John Rimmer suggests the crop circle mystery is solved, attributing the patterns to human creation. Rimmer highlights the complexity and precision of designs like the Barbury Castle construction and the Cambridgeshire Mandelbrot Set. He argues that subtle adjustments in the patterns, like diverting a triangle to avoid cutting into a ring, suggest human intervention rather than supernatural agency. Rimmer concludes that crop circles are man-made and that the focus should shift to identifying the creators, dismissing 'government cover-up' theories as a plot device for ufologists.

FUFOR Seeks Contributions for Crashed Saucer Cover-up Investigation

The Fund for UFO Research (FUFOR) is seeking contributions for a new attempt to convince Congress of a 'crashed saucer' cover-up. Their previous effort, including a video of witnesses, was deemed insufficient by the Senate Government Affairs Subcommittee. FUFOR plans a new hour-long video with over 30 witnesses and sworn testimony. They are requesting funds for hypnosis sessions and research at various libraries and laboratories.

Dr. Rima Laibow Expands 'UFO-Abduction' Activities

Dr. Rima Laibow, a psychiatrist who previously associated with Budd Hopkins, is expanding her annual conference, TREAT-IV, to include 'psychics' and the analysis of alleged UFO physical artifacts. The conference will dedicate a day to individuals who claim to have acquired beneficial 'psychic talents' from 'UFO encounters.' Laibow also attended a conference in Moscow, where she was given alleged UFO crash site artifacts. American labs found no anomalous properties in these artifacts, while Russian analysis of Asian artifacts yielded different results.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The Skeptics UFO Newsletter consistently adopts a critical and skeptical stance towards UFO claims, particularly those promoted by figures like Budd Hopkins. The publication prioritizes prosaic explanations, scrutinizes evidence, and questions the methodologies and motivations of ufologists. It highlights perceived inconsistencies and lack of credible evidence in abduction cases, media portrayals of UFOs, and even the interpretation of physical evidence. The editorial stance appears to be that many UFO phenomena can be explained through conventional means, psychological factors, or even deliberate hoaxes, and that the UFO community often jumps to extraordinary conclusions without sufficient rigor. The newsletter also seems to advocate for a more scientific and evidence-based approach to investigating anomalous phenomena, contrasting it with what it views as the more speculative and less critical methods employed by some within the UFO movement.