SUN 16 (July 1992)

Magazine Overview

Title: SKEPTICS UFO NEWSLETTER
Issue: SUN #16
Date: July 1992
Publisher: Philip J. Klass

This issue of the Skeptics UFO Newsletter critically examines recent surveys and claims related to UFO sightings, ghost encounters, and alleged alien abductions. It questions the methodologies and conclusions of prominent figures in the UFO community, offering skeptical analyses and alternative explanations for reported phenomena.

Ghosts vs. UFOs: A Survey Comparison

The lead article compares findings from two surveys: a 1991 Roper Organization survey of 5,947 American adults and a 1990 Gallup survey of 1,236 adults. The Roper survey found that 11% of respondents had seen a ghost, with 3% seeing a ghost more than twice. In contrast, only 7% reported seeing a UFO, and 1% reported more than two sightings. This contrasts with the Gallup survey, which showed 14% had seen a UFO and 9% had seen a ghost. The newsletter also notes that 15% of Roper survey respondents reported seeing a "terrifying figure" as a child or adult.

Critiquing UFO Abduction Claims

The newsletter delves into the methodology of Budd Hopkins and David Jacobs, who framed questions for the Roper survey to assess "UFO-Abductions." Hopkins and Jacobs identified five "key indicator" experiences. The newsletter points out that only 0.3% of the 5,947 surveyed individuals (approximately 560,000 Americans) reported all five experiences. However, Hopkins and Jacobs relaxed their criteria to include those reporting four out of five experiences, leading to an estimate of 3.7 million "probable abductees." The newsletter challenges their interpretation, citing research by psychologists Dr. Sheryl C. Wilson and Dr. T. X. Barber, who suggest that an estimated 4% of adults are "fantasy prone individuals" whose experiences might be explained by psychological factors.

It is argued that Hopkins and Jacobs overlook or downplay psychological explanations like hypnagogic and hypnopompic hallucinations, which can involve sleep paralysis and sensing presences. The newsletter references articles from the *Skeptical Inquirer* and a book by Philip J. Klass, "UFO-Abductions: A Dangerous Game," that discuss these phenomena.

The newsletter also questions the Hopkins/Jacobs/Westrum approach to therapy for alleged abductees, which focuses on "ventilation of experiences" and support groups. It suggests this approach may not offer cessation of abductions and could potentially exacerbate anxiety or lead to negative outcomes, citing a case where an "abductee" reportedly turned to suicide.

The "Linda Cortile" Abduction Case

A significant portion of the newsletter is dedicated to Budd Hopkins' report on the alleged abduction of "Linda Cortile" from her New York City apartment in November 1989. Hopkins described this as "the abduction case of the century," claiming it was witnessed by two security agents, an important official, and a woman driving across the Brooklyn Bridge. The newsletter questions the validity of this case, particularly Hopkins' and Jacobs' earlier claims that ETs could make themselves and their victims invisible. It asks if the witnesses in the "Linda case" possessed "X-ray vision" or if the ETs' "invisibility bubble" burst.

The newsletter also discusses the UFO Abduction Study Conference in Cambridge, Mass., co-chaired by David E. Pritchard and Dr. John E. Mack. It notes that the conference was a "closed scientific meeting" with carefully selected participants and topics, suggesting a controlled input and potential for presenters to edit their contributions for publication. The newsletter implies a "spiritual alliance" between Pritchard, Mack, and Hopkins/Jacobs, with many speakers being followers of the "Principles of UFO-Abduction" (PUFOA).

Gulf Breeze Case Analysis

The newsletter revisits the Gulf Breeze, Florida, UFO case, which gained international fame through Ed Walters' photos and claims. It notes that the local newspaper, the *Gulf Breeze Sentinel*, no longer reports on UFOs, possibly due to a change in ownership and editorial direction. The newsletter suggests that some reported "Red-light UFOs" (RUFOs) might actually be parachute-borne flares, citing similarities observed when comparing them to Coast Guard flares. It also mentions that Bruce Maccabee, a supporter of Walters, had previously admitted some RUFOs were airborne flares.

The sales performance of Ed and Frances Walters' book, "The Gulf Breeze Sightings," is discussed, with the paperback version selling poorly. The newsletter also brings up allegations from pro-UFOlogist Zan Overall, published in the *International UFO Reporter*, that Ed Walters may have used hot air balloons to generate UFO reports in Costa Rica and attempted to involve his son's friend in creating hoax UFO photos.

Other UFO Phenomena and Perspectives

The newsletter touches on various other aspects of UFO research and alleged encounters. It mentions John Carpenter's observations on different types of extraterrestrial entities, including Tall Blond (Nordic) and Reptilian types, noting their similar modus operandi. Linda Moulton Howe is mentioned for her work on animal mutilations and showing slides of ETs drawn by abductees.

Dr. James A. Harder, who investigated the Pascagoula abduction case, is discussed. Harder suggests that there might be two different groups of ETs visiting Earth: one group that focused on genetic inspection in the past, and a more recent "Johnny-come-lately group" that is now receiving publicity. Harder proposes that the "Evil ETs" be called EETs and the "Benevolent ETs" be called BETs.

Conference co-chairman David E. Pritchard is quoted recommending that NASA redirect resources from listening for extraterrestrial radio beacons to searching for extraterrestrial life on Earth, cautioning that evidence might be difficult to find due to potential optical stealth technology of UFOs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The overarching theme of this issue is skepticism towards sensational UFO claims and the methodologies used to support them. Philip J. Klass, through the *Skeptics UFO Newsletter*, consistently questions the evidence, highlights psychological explanations, and scrutinizes the motives and research practices of prominent UFOlogists like Budd Hopkins and David Jacobs. The newsletter advocates for rigorous scientific inquiry and critical analysis, often contrasting the claims of UFO proponents with more conventional explanations or evidence of hoaxes. The editorial stance is clearly critical of the prevailing narrative in UFO abduction research, emphasizing the need for verifiable evidence and cautioning against unsubstantiated theories.