SUN 22 (July 1993)

Magazine Overview

This issue of the Skeptics UFO Newsletter, dated July 1993, is published by Philip J. Klass and focuses on a significant controversy within the UFO community concerning the abduction claims of Linda Napolitano. The newsletter, identified as SUN #22, presents a skeptical viewpoint, critically examining the evidence and the methodologies of prominent UFOlogists.

Hopkins, Jacobs, and Clark Attack Critics of Linda Napolitano's Abduction Tale

The central theme of this issue is the harsh criticism leveled by UFO-abduction proponents Budd Hopkins, David Jacobs, and Jerry Clark against three individuals who challenged Linda Napolitano's abduction story. These critics are identified as Joseph J. Stefula, Richard Butler, and George P. Hansen. Their 25-page report questioned the details of Napolitano's claim of being beamed through a window into a UFO in late 1989. Hopkins, who described the case as the "most important" of the century, along with Jacobs and Clark, published an article in the International UFO Reporter (IUR) that largely attacked the critics personally rather than addressing the substance of their report. The newsletter notes that IUR did not publish the critics' report, making it difficult for readers to assess the validity of the criticisms.

The Linda Napolitano Case

Linda Napolitano, a Manhattan housewife, claimed she was abducted in broad daylight by two individuals identified as "Rich" and "Dan," who allegedly acted as "security agents." The incident reportedly occurred in late 1989. Hopkins has characterized this as a pivotal case, and Linda herself appeared at a MUFON conference to answer questions. The newsletter details how Stefula and Butler became involved after meeting Linda at an "abductee support group" meeting held at Hopkins' home. They met with Linda privately in early 1992, where she recounted further details about the alleged abductors and an incident where "Dan" allegedly tried to drown her. Hopkins' primary contact with "Dan" and "Rich" has been through letters and tape recordings, while Linda claims to have met them.

Criticism of the Critics

In the IUR article, Hopkins accused Stefula, Butler, and Hansen of harboring "serious doubts" about the case before publicizing them and of engaging in "devious and shockingly unprofessional behavior." He claimed they did not inform him of their doubts or seek logical answers. The newsletter refutes Hopkins' claims, providing a timeline of events and stating that Stefula and Butler did attempt to discuss their discrepancies with Hopkins. Hopkins also made several claims about what the S/B/H report stated, which the newsletter refutes with "SUN NOTE" annotations, indicating that Hopkins misrepresented the report's content regarding claims about Linda being an actress, agents working for the Secret Service, feelings of vibration, and nervous breakdowns.

The S/B/H Report and Hopkins' Counterclaims

The newsletter highlights that the S/B/H report did not claim Linda was an actress or that the agents worked for the Secret Service. Regarding the "nervous breakdowns," the report attributed claims of feeling strong vibrations to Linda, not the agents. Hopkins' own account from the MUFON meeting in Albuquerque is cited, where he mentioned that "Dan" suffered a "major nervous breakdown" and that "Rich" had to take a leave of absence. The newsletter also points out that Hopkins claimed Linda's son was abducted two months prior to her own abduction, a detail not mentioned in the S/B/H report but which Hopkins stated he discovered recently. Hopkins dismissed all these points as "lies, misconceptions, and false information."

Substantive Issues vs. Ad Hominems

The newsletter criticizes Hopkins for focusing on ad hominem attacks against Stefula, Butler, and Hansen, rather than engaging with the substantive issues raised in their report. Hopkins questioned their lack of published work in UFO research and their non-cooperation with established UFO organizations. He characterized Butler as having "profound naivete, insensitivity, and illogic," and Stefula as a "stupid gumshoe," despite Stefula holding a Master's Degree in Administration of Criminal Justice. Hansen was described as a "fanatic college debater" and master of "smarmy innuendo." Hopkins concluded his attack by urging civility and gentlemanly conduct.

Harvard Psychiatrist Endorses Linda's Truthfulness

Dr. John E. Mack, a Harvard psychiatrist and associate of Hopkins, is quoted as assessing Linda as "clinically, characterologically, humanly--use whatever language you like--incapable of such deception." The newsletter sarcastically comments on this endorsement, drawing a parallel to Samson and Delilah.

Interview with Linda Napolitano

A lengthy interview with Linda Napolitano, published in the MUFON-NYC Newsletter, is excerpted. Linda recounts childhood experiences with strange lights and phenomena. She discusses her abduction claims, including being interrogated by "Rich" and "Dan" and an incident where "Dan" allegedly tried to drown her. She expresses fear of reporting these incidents to authorities, worrying about being seen as ridiculous or facing government reprisal.

The "Queen-Bee of Abductees"

Linda Napolitano is referred to as the "Queen-Bee of Abductees." She expresses a surprisingly positive view of Philip Klass, calling him "cute" and noting he calls her "Queen Bee of Abductees." This is contrasted with her saying, "You're judged by the company you keep. Lie down with dogs, wake up with fleas."

Hopkins to Present Linda Case Update at MUFON Conference

The newsletter reports that Budd Hopkins plans to present an update on the Linda Cortile case at an upcoming MUFON conference. It is noted that Hopkins claims his critics have only seen a small portion of the evidence. SUN calls for Hopkins to make more evidence public to allow for credibility assessment, suggesting he might be withholding evidence for his planned book.

Confirmation from Javier Perez de Cuellar

SUN also calls on Hopkins to obtain confirmation from Javier Perez de Cuellar, former Secretary General of the United Nations, regarding Linda's abduction claim, as alleged by "Rich" and "Dan." Hopkins had previously stated he knew the identity of a "Third Man" involved.

Government Agents and Potential Threat

George Hansen's suggestion at a meeting that the alleged abductions by "government agents" should be reported to the FBI is discussed. Hansen argued that if federal agents were involved in kidnapping and attempted murder, they should be brought to justice, posing a risk to Linda and the public. CUFOS's Jerry Clark had proposed a six-month moratorium for Hopkins to investigate, which expired in April. The newsletter questions whether Hopkins, Jacobs, and Mack have alerted their other "abductees" to this potential threat.

Mack Sees ET Abductors as Benign Creatures with Ecological Concerns

This section contrasts the views of Dr. John E. Mack with those of Hopkins and Jacobs. Mack, a Harvard psychiatrist, accepts UFO abduction claims and appears to align with "Ancient Astronaut" theories. He suggests that alien visits have been documented throughout history and that abductions have increased since the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima in 1945. Mack believes ETs show humans "films" of environmental disasters to highlight the earth's destruction. His view is described as spiritually uplifting, similar to Leo Sprinkle's philosophy, and at odds with the malevolent ET view promoted by Hopkins and Jacobs. Jacobs, in contrast, states that UFO-abductions "are not benign in any way, shape or form" and suggests that ETs use visions of disaster to test human emotions, likening it to scientists manipulating lab rats. Mack admits a therapist-patient relationship involves co-creation but denies directing patients' interpretations. He sees abductions as a "cosmic correction" to advance humanity.

Different Types of ETs?

The newsletter speculates about two fundamentally different types of ETs: malevolent ETs (METs) who program victims to contact Hopkins or Jacobs, and benign ETs (BETs) who program victims to contact Sprinkle or Mack. It suggests checking this theory by having Mack and Hopkins exchange subjects to see if the abduction scenario changes.

Pentagon Labels MJ-12 Papers a Forgery

This article reports that the U.S. Air Force has officially designated the famous MJ-12 papers, which purported to show the U.S. government recovered crashed saucers, as "NOT AN OFFICIAL USAF DOCUMENT, NOT CLASSIFIED, SUSPECTED FORGERY OR BOGUS DOCUMENT." Similar stamps were applied to other related documents like "Aquarius" and "Snowbird." The delay in this designation is attributed to the fact that the documents did not originate with major U.S. intelligence agencies.

Short Shrift

• Walt Andrus Endorses Linda Napolitano Case: Walt Andrus, MUFON's international director, has strongly endorsed the Linda Napolitano case after meeting her. He believes Linda is telling the truth and predicts further evidence will confirm it as "The Case of the Century." Andrus also harshly criticized the 25-page S/B/H report.
• Ed Walters/Gulf Breeze UFO-photo Case: Andrus also endorsed the Ed Walters/Gulf Breeze UFO-photo case, suggesting it was a deliberate disclosure to gain scientific acceptance. Budd Hopkins believes the Linda abduction was also staged by ETs.
• Red-light UFO (RUFO) Disappears: The RUFO that used to visit Gulf Breeze has rarely appeared in the past year. One theory is that it got tired of trying to find Ed Walters' new house. The newsletter notes that if the RUFO was a balloon-borne road flare, the hoaxer(s) may have tired of the prank.

Police Officers Describe "Dogfight" With a UFO

This section details a report from the Louisville Courier-Journal about two Jefferson County air unit police officers who claimed to have had a "two minute dogfight" with a UFO. The object was described as a glowing, pear-shaped object about the size of a basketball, which allegedly shot three baseball-size fireballs. A police helicopter crew member confirmed seeing the object and its fireballs. However, a follow-on story in the newspaper presented a contrasting explanation: a local man claimed the "UFO" was a homemade hot-air balloon. The article quotes Officer Kenny Downs refuting the balloon explanation, stating the speeds and maneuvers were too advanced for a simple balloon. The newsletter notes that the tabloid Weekly World News featured the incident with a sensational headline.

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 logical analysis, evidence-based reasoning, and the debunking of unsubstantiated phenomena. It highlights internal disputes within the UFO community, questioning the credibility of certain researchers and their methodologies, especially when ad hominem attacks are employed. The newsletter also explores alternative explanations for reported UFO sightings and abductions, often favoring conventional or prosaic causes. The editorial stance is clearly against the uncritical acceptance of UFO abduction narratives and emphasizes the importance of rigorous investigation and transparency.