SUN 17 (Sept 1992)

Magazine Overview

Title: SKEPTICS UFO NEWSLETTER
Issue: SUN #17
Date: September 1992
Publisher: Philip J. Klass

This issue of the Skeptics UFO Newsletter critically examines the Linda Cortile UFO abduction case, a central piece of evidence presented by UFOlogist Budd Hopkins. The newsletter, authored by Philip J. Klass, aims to expose what it terms 'credulity in accepting tall tales' by dissecting the case's inconsistencies and questioning the reliability of its witnesses and Hopkins' methodology.

Budd Hopkins' "Most Important" UFO-Abduction Case Backfires

The lead article details the Linda Cortile case, which Hopkins presented as powerful support for the reality of UFO abductions and the accuracy of regressive hypnosis. Hopkins claimed that four witnesses saw Linda being floated from her 12th-floor Manhattan apartment, along with three ETs, into a giant UFO hovering overhead. The witnesses were described as two security agents, an important official they were guarding, and a woman driving across the Brooklyn Bridge.

However, the newsletter highlights several issues. Hopkins first learned of Linda's story in April 1989 when she contacted him about a suspected 'implant.' She later recounted an abduction experience on November 30, 1989, where she was floated out of her window by ETs and beamed into a UFO. Hopkins initially dismissed it as similar to many other cases.

A significant omission by Hopkins was that Linda's six-year-old son had also been abducted two months earlier. More notably, Linda claimed the UFO dived into the East River, where she saw wreckage of a past aircraft crash. This unique detail was withheld by Hopkins for 15 months.

The case gained new traction in February 1991 when Hopkins received a letter from 'Richard' and 'Dan,' who claimed to be police officers. They stated they witnessed Linda being floated out of her apartment window and into a UFO, which then plunged into the East River. However, Hopkins never questioned why these officers did not report the incident to the authorities. The newsletter points out the illogical nature of their letter, questioning how they knew Hopkins was aware of the incident if they didn't report it.

Hopkins later admitted that 'Dan' and 'Richard' were not police officers but 'security agents' guarding a 'very important person' (the 'Third Man'). Their story shifted, claiming their car stalled near the UFO. Hopkins' investigation with the NYPD failed to identify any officers matching their descriptions. The 'Third Man' was later identified by Hopkins as Javier Perez de Cuellar, former UN Secretary General.

Interesting Things (Allegedly) Happen to Linda

The newsletter recounts further alleged events involving Linda. She claimed 'Dan' and 'Richard' kidnapped her in broad daylight and interrogated her about government involvement or hoaxes. They allegedly examined her bare feet, fearing she might be an ET, stating, 'THEY KNOW WHAT ALIEN FEET LOOK LIKE AND THEY DON'T HAVE TOES.'

Further details emerged from 'Inside Sources' (SIS) suggesting Linda was kidnapped a second time by 'Dan' and taken to a 'CIA Safe House' on Long Island. There, she was asked to wear a white nightgown, and 'Dan' reportedly called her 'Lady of the Sands' before attempting to kill her, only to be saved by 'Richard.' 'Dan' later allegedly suffered a nervous breakdown and was reportedly in a mental institution, mailing a postcard from the UN.

New Witness Appears--In The Nick Of Time

In the summer of 1991, a new witness from Connecticut contacted Hopkins. She claimed to have been driving over the Brooklyn Bridge on November 30, 1989, at 3:15 a.m., when her car and all other cars on the bridge suddenly stopped, and the lights went out. She saw an orange-colored object hovering over a building and figures hopping out of a window, rolling like balls, before ascending into the craft. This witness's account of the UFO flying over the Brooklyn Bridge contradicts Linda's and the 'security agents'' claims that the UFO plunged into the East River.

Linda Refuses to Report Her Kidnapping to Police

When asked why she hadn't reported her alleged kidnapping to the police, Linda stated it was 'LEGAL because it had to do with National Security.' She expressed fear of retaliation from government agencies. Hopkins admitted he had been pushing her to report it, but she was reluctant.

Linda described herself as no different from other abductees, except that she has witnesses. Hopkins commented that this is a 'mighty big difference.' He suggested the case was a 'STAGED event' orchestrated by the UFOs to be seen because of the prominent man in the car, with Linda as an 'unwilling actress.'

Hopkins Rejects Warnings About Linda's Tale

Two pro-UFOlogists, Joseph J. Stefula and Rich Butler, who had interviewed Linda, noted discrepancies in her story and the language used by 'Dan/Richard.' They shared their concerns with Hopkins, who dismissed them as 'silly, preposterous' and refused to discuss them until after his new book was submitted. Linda reportedly told Stefula and Butler that Hopkins had agreed to a 50/50 split of proceeds from his planned book and movie rights.

Curious Coincidence?

A science-fiction book titled "Nighteyes," published in April 1989, seven months before Linda first informed Hopkins of her experience, features a plot with striking similarities to Linda's account, including abduction by government agents and a 'CIA Safe House' on Long Island. The author, Garfield Reeves-Stevens, is noted.

Pro-UFOlogist Obstetrician Challenges Missing Fetus Claims

Dr. Richard M. Neal, a practicing obstetrician/gynecologist, challenged Budd Hopkins' hypothesis of extraterrestrial cross-breeding experiments involving 'disappearing pregnancies.' Dr. Neal stated that three such cases he researched in Southern California had prosaic explanations unrelated to alien intervention. He questioned why researchers citing numerous 'Missing Embryo/Fetus Syndrome' cases fail to produce documented evidence.

Photo-Analyst Gives Qualified Endorsement of Ed Walters UFO Photos

Jeff W. Sainio, a MUFON State Director, presented his computer analysis of Ed Walters' UFO photos, concluding that he could not find anomalies proving they were hoaxes. Sainio expressed doubts about the explanation of Red-light UFOs (RUFOs) as balloon-borne flares, based on spectral analysis. He also analyzed a video of a UFO, calculating its speed at approximately 14,000 mph, and ventured no prosaic explanation. Sainio predicted that camcorders would revolutionize UFO evidence. The newsletter notes Sainio's background is in computer enhancement, not photogrammetry, and that William Hyzer's analysis suggested some Walters photos were hoaxes.

Spanish Air Force To Release UFO Files

The Spanish Air Force announced plans to declassify and release all UFO reports collected since 1962. Lt. Col. Angel Bastida stated that 66 case files exist, with 13 involving radar sightings and seven resulting in aircraft scrambles. The release is expected by mid/late 1993. The announcement came during a UFO conference featuring Erik von Daniken and organized by Juan Jose Benitez. A separate UFO-skeptics roundtable was also held, featuring Dr. Felix Ares and SUN's Editor.

Short Shrift: Old UFO-Abduction Tales Don't Fade Away

Several old UFO-abduction tales are being adapted into Hollywood movies. Travis Walton's 1975 story is slated for release, and the 1973 abduction of Charlie Hickson and Calvin Parker is also reportedly destined for a movie. A film titled "Snatched" based on Whitley Strieber's "Communion" is also in production.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of UFO abduction claims, the questioning of witness and researcher credibility, and the potential for hoaxes or misinterpretations in UFO phenomena. The editorial stance, as represented by Philip J. Klass and the Skeptics UFO Newsletter, is one of skepticism towards extraordinary claims, emphasizing the need for rigorous evidence and logical analysis. The newsletter actively seeks to debunk or provide prosaic explanations for alleged UFO events and experiences, often highlighting inconsistencies and lack of verifiable proof. The issue also touches upon the increasing interest in UFOs by military and governmental bodies, as seen with the Spanish Air Force's decision to release files, and the media's continued fascination with abduction narratives through film adaptations.