SUN 19 (Jan 1993)

Magazine Overview

Title: Skeptics UFO Newsletter
Issue: #19
Volume: Ford 40
Date: January 1993
Publisher: Philip J. Klass
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of the Skeptics UFO Newsletter, edited by Philip J. Klass, critically examines several prominent UFO cases and claims, often presenting a skeptical viewpoint and highlighting inconsistencies or potential hoaxes.

New Development In "Linda UFO-Abduction" Case: Poor Dan (That S.O.B.) Is No Longer Among The Living---IF He Ever Was:

The lead article reports on the alleged death of 'Dan,' one of two security guards who purportedly witnessed the UFO abduction of Linda Napolitano in late 1989. Budd Hopkins, a proponent of the case, has hailed it as highly significant. The cause of Dan's death is unknown, with possibilities ranging from suicide in a mental institution to foul play by ETs or government agents. The article suggests that if Linda's story is a fabrication, Dan's demise is fortuitous for her, as it removes a potential witness who might have been pressured by law enforcement. It also notes internal dissent within Hopkins' own 'Intruder Foundation' regarding the Linda case, with at least three board members expressing serious doubts.

WE GOOFED...

This section addresses an error in a previous issue (SUN #18) regarding the first claim of ET implants in UFO-abductees. The newsletter clarifies that while Whitley Strieber's book 'Communion' brought the concept wide public impact, earlier claims of nasal implantation by Sandy Larson in 1976 and Betty Andreasson in 1977 existed.

MUFON'S DIRECTOR OPTS TO IGNORE RESULTS OF SALISBERRY INVESTIGATION AND WILL SOON "RE-ENDORSE" THE ED WALTERS/GULF BREEZE PHOTO-CASE:

Walt Andrus, MUFON Director, is expected to announce MUFON's reinvestigation of the Ed Walters/Gulf Breeze case has confirmed its importance. However, the newsletter details how the reinvestigation, led by Rex and Carol Salisberry, uncovered significant evidence of a hoax. This evidence includes a UFO model found in the attic of Walters' former residence that matched details Walters later revealed in his book, and discrepancies in house plans used to construct the model. Despite this, Andrus maintains the case is valid.

JOURNALISM PROFESSOR (AND FORMER USAF OFFICER) "MANUFACTURES" A TALL UFO TALE, THEN ACCUSES THE GOVERNMENT OF COVERING IT UP:

This section scrutinizes the claims of Dr. Robert Jacobs, a journalism professor and former USAF officer, who wrote an article in the National Enquirer in 1982 about a UFO sighting filmed during an Atlas missile test in 1965 (later corrected to 1964). Jacobs alleged a government cover-up of UFO knowledge. The newsletter contrasts this with an article by Kingston A. George in the 'Skeptical Inquirer,' which explains the incident as a classified military test where a new TV camera captured debris from decoy releases, leading to a security classification upgrade from 'SECRET' to 'TOP SECRET.' George states the cover-up was related to the technical findings, not UFOs. The article also details Jacobs' reluctance to provide George's report and his admission that he sold the story to the Enquirer for $500 after failing to sell it to Omni magazine.

KEY HOPKINS "ABDUCTEE" CHANGES HIS TALE TO CONFORM TO LATEST DOGMA:

The newsletter examines the testimony of 'Steve Kilburn' (Michael Bershad), a subject featured in Budd Hopkins' book 'Missing Time.' Bershad's account, particularly regarding a sexual encounter with ETs, has reportedly changed to align with Hopkins' current theories on abduction and cross-breeding. The article highlights discrepancies between his earlier hypnosis sessions and his later TV appearance, suggesting a revision of his story to fit the prevailing abduction narrative.

FRIEDMAN'S PARTNER ADMITS CONCERN OVER ANDERSON'S TALE OF SECOND "CRASHED SAUCER" AT SAN AGUSTIN:

Don Berliner, co-author with Stanton T. Friedman of a book on a crashed saucer at San Agustin, New Mexico, admits reservations about the story of witness Gerald Anderson. Kevin Randle and Don Schmitt, who co-authored 'UFO Crash at Roswell,' have also denounced Anderson's tale as a hoax. Berliner expresses discomfort with certain aspects of Anderson's story, suggesting it would be better if it could be moved out of their claims.

IF YOU SHOULD SEE A GIANT UFO AT SUNSET...

This section describes an unusual mirage effect observed by yachtsman Jack D. Harvey, characterized as a 'pale white light' and an 'enormous pale disk' appearing from dark clouds. The National Weather Service identified this phenomenon as 'Clear Shine,' a rare projection of the sun caused by diffraction and scattering of light through atmospheric dust layers.

Kevin Randle Complaint:

This section details a dispute between the newsletter's editor and Kevin Randle and Don Schmitt regarding a review of their book 'UFO Crash at Roswell.' The editor noted that two key witnesses had recanted or changed their stories. Randle and Schmitt questioned the editor's characterization of these witnesses, and after a lengthy exchange, Randle refused to provide a list of whom they considered key witnesses.

Short Shrift:

This section provides brief updates on several UFO-related topics:

• Dr. Michael Swords challenged the genetic basis of the Hopkins-Jacobs UFO-abduction theory.
• Dr. John Mack, a Harvard psychiatrist, has joined the Hopkins-Jacobs bandwagon and was elected to MUFON's Board of Directors.
• Linda Napolitano, described as Hopkins' new 'Queen-Bee Abductee,' has gained international attention, with claims of mysterious events occurring in her apartment.
• A Manhattan doctor, Stephen Kurzweil, who believes UFOs are part of a Nazi plot, has been allowed to continue practicing medicine despite his beliefs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of UFO claims, the investigation of potential hoaxes, and the questioning of government secrecy or cover-ups. The editorial stance is clearly skeptical, aiming to debunk sensational claims and present evidence-based analysis, often highlighting inconsistencies in witness testimonies and the methodologies of UFO proponents like Budd Hopkins and Stanton Friedman. The newsletter emphasizes the importance of rigorous investigation and challenges the uncritical acceptance of UFO phenomena.