SUN 21 (May 1993)

Magazine Overview

This issue of the Skeptics UFO Newsletter (SUN), dated May 1993, is published by Philip J. Klass and focuses on critical analysis of UFO-related claims and media portrayals. The cover story highlights Travis Walton and Mike Rogers' dismissal of physical evidence supporting Walton's UFO-zapping account, as discussed on the Larry King Live show.

Travis Walton and Mike Rogers on UFO-Zapping

The newsletter details the claims made by Travis Walton and Mike Rogers about a UFO incident where Walton was allegedly hit by a powerful bolt of energy and blue flame, thrown through the air, and knocked unconscious. Klass, however, challenges these claims by pointing out the lack of physical evidence. He notes that medical examinations by Dr. Kandell and Dr. Saults found no bruises or burns, only a needle mark in Walton's elbow. Furthermore, Klass highlights that the dry pine needles at the alleged site were not blasted away or burned, which would be expected if such an event had occurred. Travis Walton dismisses Klass's reasoning as a logical fallacy, equating the absence of evidence to evidence of absence.

Critics Pan "Fire in the Sky"

This section compiles negative reviews of the Paramount movie "Fire in the Sky," which is based on Travis Walton's alleged abduction. Critics from various publications like the Portland Oregonian, The Washington Post, Louisville Courier Journal, Buffalo News, The Toronto Star, Worster Telegram & Gazette, and The (Vancouver) Province, offer diverse criticisms. Common themes include the film being sleep-inducing, focusing too much on domestic issues rather than the abduction, lacking genuine drama, being tedious, and presenting a "true story" that has been discredited. Some critics noted that the special effects were good, but the overall movie was unconvincing or a "bad TV mystery."

"Fire in the Sky" and UFOlogy

Further reviews continue to critique the film. The (Baltimore) Sun describes the alien abduction movie as cheesy, deflating into nonsense. The Providence (RI) Journal suggests the film has a visually stunning climax but fails to build a good movie around it, comparing those seeking a true story to customers of P.T. Barnum. The Tucson (AZ) Citizen finds the film only interesting for the curious, with a sequence that doesn't elevate it above mediocrity. The Los Angeles Times calls it "Close Encounters of the Ersatz Kind," phony and disappointing. The Boston Globe finds it lacks spark and is not a great encounter, noting the clunky writing and direction. The San Francisco Examiner criticizes the portrayal of UFO experts as crazed kooks. The Syracuse (NY) Herald Journal states the film preaches to the UFO-converted and is for "diehard saucer buffs-and-believers."

Tracy Torme, the screenwriter, predicted that "Fire in the Sky" would generate widespread media interest and convert many to believe in UFOs. He mentioned that Paramount gave an advance preview to foreign press and media outlets, and that some MUFON members attended. Torme also admitted that the film's portrayal of a UFO investigator was harsh, added at the director's request, and commented that there is a "fringe element in UFOlogy that is kind of wacky."

Torme also suggested that the Travis Walton case is not a typical abduction, describing it more as a "hit-and-run accident" that doesn't fit the patterns seen in other cases, such as those explored in "Intruders." He noted that Walton was not paralyzed, naked, or experimented on medically, nor did he have subsequent experiences or childhood memories of such events, and lacked significant scars.

The newsletter posits that the "UFO-abduction mold" did not exist in 1975 when the Walton incident occurred, suggesting it was cast later with Budd Hopkins' 1987 book "Intruders." This lack of a pre-existing mold might have forced Walton to improvise his account.

A Paramount spokesman stated that "Fire in the Sky" grossed nearly $11 million in its first two weeks and was expected to be profitable, with a production cost of $15 million.

New "Abduction" Stigmata Reported

The newsletter reports on "abductee" Cindy Vodovoz, who claims ETs inserted a "B.B." type pellet through the palate of her mouth. Dr. William Cone, a psychotherapist counseling abductees, noted that Vodovoz showed him holes in her mouth and stated she was the third person he had seen with similar holes, finding it interesting and unusual.

However, the newsletter points out a discrepancy in Cindy's account. On KFI radio, she described her abduction as a child in Alabama, involving a missing hour of time. Later, on a TV show with Budd Hopkins, she told a different story about her mother waking up while driving to her brother's house.

Dr. Cone's work with abductees is described, noting that he sees some as scared and distressed, others as delusional, borderline psychotics, or sensation-seekers.

Harvard's Dr. John Mack

Dr. John Mack, a Harvard psychiatrist and protégé of Budd Hopkins and David Jacobs, is noted for developing a different dogma regarding UFO abductions. Unlike Hopkins and Jacobs, who focus on traumatic procedures by uncaring ETs, Mack's subjects, like those of Dr. Leo Sprinkle, often describe enjoyable abductions by gentle ETs. Mack's view is that initial abduction experiences may be traumatic, but acknowledging their reality leads to spiritual growth and personal transformation, which the newsletter sarcastically rephrases as "When rape is inevitable, relax and enjoy it."

CUFOS Criticizes Hopkins/Jacobs UFO-Abduction Survey

The Hynek Center for UFO Studies (CUFOS) issued a press release criticizing a Roper Organization survey that claimed up to 2 million Americans were victims of alien abductions. Sociologists Robert L. Hall and Mark Rodeghier, along with psychologist Donald A. Johnson, argued that the survey's questions were poorly written and tested, and the results misinterpreted. The newsletter notes that this criticism echoes earlier points made by SUN. Despite the flaws, the authors concluded that the survey served a purpose by calling attention to the phenomenon and encouraging psychotherapists to seek training.

The newsletter raises questions about potential conflicts of interest within CUFOS, noting that Jerome Clark, CUFOS vice president, is a close friend of Budd Hopkins and admitted owing him favors.

Former Soviet Space Official on UFOs

Dr. Roald Z. Sagdeev, former chief architect of the Soviet space program, stated in an interview that the Soviet space program found no evidence for UFOs. He explained that any observed phenomena were likely artifacts of electromagnetic interference or natural atmospheric phenomena, and that no one in Russia worries about UFOs.

Hopkins, Jacobs Continue To Ignore "Missing Fetus" Challenge

This section revisits the "missing fetus" cases, a cornerstone of the theory proposed by Budd Hopkins and David Jacobs. The newsletter highlights that when one such case was investigated by pro-UFOlogists Ann Druffel and Georgeanne Cifarelli, a prosaic explanation was found. Dr. Richard M. Neal, an obstetrician/gynecologist, also investigated three "missing fetus" cases and found prosaic explanations, questioning why top researchers fail to produce verifiable cases.

Dr. Neal has offered $500 to any case that proves a female abductee had a missing pregnancy without a reasonable doubt. The newsletter predicts that Hopkins and Jacobs will not submit any cases to Dr. Neal.

Former Supporter Reveals More "Crashed Saucer Witness" Misdeeds

Hypnotherapist John Carpenter, a former supporter of Gerald Anderson's "crashed saucer" story, reveals Anderson's alleged "hanky-panky," including the counterfeiting of documents. Anderson's diary pages, claimed to be from 1947, used ink not available until 1970. Carpenter speculates that Anderson might have been given genuine data about a crash to deliberately leak, allowing him to pass polygraph tests. The newsletter concludes that Anderson might have been following orders, suggesting "Yes, the Devil's."

SUN "Clarifies" Its Editorial Policy

The editor clarifies SUN's editorial policy, stating that SUN never errs, but when it does, it doesn't admit it, though "clarification" may be appropriate. Two clarifications are provided:

1. Clarification #1: Regarding the Travis Walton case, SUN corrects its previous report that Walton said he was "bleeding very heavily" when he reappeared. Tracy Torme correctly pointed out that Walton said he was "breathing very heavily." Klass acknowledges this and will set the record straight.
2. Clarification #2: Kevin Randle challenges SUN's report that he and Don Schmitt would unveil their third "Roswell crashed-sancer scenario." Randle states they are still working on the first scenario and have had to modify it based on new data. He confirms SUN's scoop that the crash site was 30-40 miles from the debris field, not two or three miles. However, Randle disputes SUN's characterization of his current stance on the Barney Barnett story, stating "we don't know how it fits into the picture."

Short Shrift

IUR editor Jerry Clark briefly responded to rumors about recovered Roswell crash-saucer pieces, stating that the investigation is in a sensitive phase and the full story will be told. The newsletter recalls a similar promise from Clark three years prior regarding the Roswell incident.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are skepticism towards UFO claims, critical analysis of media portrayals of UFO phenomena, and a focus on debunking or providing alternative explanations for alleged encounters. The editorial stance is clearly that of a "skeptic," as indicated by the newsletter's title and the editor's consistent questioning of evidence, highlighting logical fallacies, and pointing out inconsistencies in witness accounts and research. The newsletter actively seeks to counter what it perceives as sensationalism and unsubstantiated claims within the UFO community, particularly those promoted by researchers like Budd Hopkins and David Jacobs, and those amplified by popular media.