SUN 34 (July 1995)

Magazine Overview

This issue of the Skeptics UFO Newsletter (SUN), dated July 1995, is edited by Philip J. Klass and focuses on critical examination of UFO-related claims and research. It features several articles that question the credibility of witnesses, researchers, and alleged evidence within the UFO community.

Key Roswell "Witness" Shifts Location Of UFO "Impact Site" 50 Miles And Sells Exclusive Rights to Roswell's International UFO Museum

This lead article details a significant change in the account of Jim Ragsdale, one of two alleged eyewitnesses to the Roswell crash. Ragsdale, who previously told Kevin Randle and Don Schmitt that the flying saucer crashed 35 miles north of Roswell, has now altered his story to place the "impact site" approximately 50 miles west of Roswell. Furthermore, Ragsdale has entered into an agreement with the Roswell's International UFO Museum and Research Center, selling exclusive rights to his story and the designation of the site as "The Jim Ragsdale" incident and site. Under this agreement, Ragsdale is to receive 25% of any net proceeds realized by the museum from exploiting this information for his lifetime, while the museum retains 75%. The article notes that museum officials had previously attempted to purchase the land from owner Miller (Hub) Corn, who declined to sell and whose offer to lease the site was also rejected. Ragsdale's recollections have reportedly improved over time, now including details of getting close enough to pull off an ET's helmet, a detail not present in his earlier accounts to Randle and Schmitt. The article also mentions rumors that the Museum may have purchased the land, though museum president Walter Haut stated it was "unknown to me" but confirmed that officials were checking land ownership with the Bureau of Land Management. Kevin Randle is described as finding this development "most embarrassing."

Dr. Mack/Harvard To Conduct Controlled Experiment On "Abductees"

The newsletter reports that Harvard University has accepted a proposal from Dr. John Mack, a professor of psychiatry, to conduct a controlled test to determine the nature of individuals who report UFO abduction experiences. The test will involve 40 self-proclaimed abductees and 40 control subjects. Mack, who has previously faced scrutiny over his research methodology, is reportedly undergoing a faculty committee investigation. Skeptics are concerned that Mack might influence the test results, while the newsletter speculates that if the tests confirm his hypothesis, he might attribute any psychological disturbances to childhood UFO encounters or "hyper-dimensional universe" explanations.

IS MACK'S HARVARD TENURE AT RISK? HIS LAWYER SAYS "YES" AND "NO"

This section delves into the faculty investigation of Dr. John Mack. His attorney, Rod MacLeish, gave an ambivalent response regarding Mack's tenure. MacLeish clarified that the committee is examining whether Mack has complied with Harvard's standards and whether the university should investigate his views, rather than directly seeking to remove his tenure. He emphasized that the issue is about "academic freedom" and the right to speak without fear of reprisal, citing other academics who have published on UFO-related topics without threat to their tenure. MacLeish stated that Mack's case is unique because he is a psychiatrist, implying a greater responsibility to distinguish fact from fantasy. The newsletter editor, Philip J. Klass, characterizes Mack's approach as a "credulous collector of 'Old Wives' Tales.'" MacLeish also mentioned that the faculty committee has met extensively to gather facts and has received numerous letters of support from tenured professors.

#### Lawyer's Claims Are Challenged By Mack's Published Statements

This sub-section challenges MacLeish's claims by referencing Mack's own published statements. While MacLeish suggested Mack does not claim specific events occurred as described, Mack's paper from the 1993 MUFON conference stated, "I am now persuaded that these [abduction] experiences are real." Furthermore, Mack's published paper noted "physical evidence" such as unexplained scars and "little implants" found in abductees. The article also touches upon Mack's reported belief in reincarnation and his encounters with abductees experiencing past-life regressions.

Roswell Researcher Schmitt Finally Admits Falsehoods, Resigns One CUFOS Post But Remains On Its Board

Donald R. Schmitt, co-author of books on the Roswell Incident, has admitted to making false claims about his educational background and employment. In a "Clarification" statement in the International UFO Reporter (IUR), Schmitt acknowledged he does not have a Master's Degree and has worked for the U.S. Postal Service since 1974, contrary to earlier denials. He resigned as CUFOS's Director of Special Investigations but remains on its Board of Directors. The newsletter's comment suggests that CUFOS may have lower ethical standards for board members than for its Director of Special Investigations. Schmitt's tendency to "play loose with the facts" is further illustrated by his appearance on a TV show where he claimed "over 550 witnesses" to the Roswell event, handling debris and seeing ET bodies. The newsletter refutes this, stating there are only about a dozen such witnesses, and only one known person who handled debris (Bessie Brazel Schrieber), whose testimony debunks the crashed-saucer claims and was omitted from Schmitt and Randle's books. Jim Ragsdale is again mentioned as a witness whose story has changed due to "monetary inducements."

Whitley Strieber Returns To UFO-Abduction Field With New Book

Whitley Strieber, author of "Communion," has returned to the UFO-abduction field with a new book, "Breakthrough: The Next Step." Strieber had previously withdrawn from the field in 1991, citing media attacks and criticism of "UFO-ologists." In his new book, Strieber describes profound discoveries, including ETs bringing dead relatives, "teleportation," and time travel. He recounts an experience where a "visitor" stayed with him for months, exhibiting abilities like floating, disappearing, and walking through walls. Strieber also describes an incident where he was awakened by a creature and, in fear, grabbed a gun, causing the visitor to flee through the ceiling. The article notes that Strieber's wife, Anne, was present during the visit but never saw the visitors. The newsletter points out that Strieber's claims about "time travel" are similar to those made by Billy Meier, which were rejected by most pro-UFOlogists.

STRIEBER (UNKNOWINGLY) REVEALS NEW EVIDENCE THAT BILL (MJ-12) MOORE'S CLAIMED TOP INTELLIGENCE SOURCE ("FALCON") IS SGT. RICHARD C. DOTY

This section reveals that Strieber's book inadvertently confirms the identity of "Falcon," a purported high-intelligence source for UFO information claimed by William L. Moore. Strieber interviewed Sgt. Richard C. Doty after his retirement from the USAF. Doty repeated a story about the capture of a living alien in 1947, whose vocal cords were rebuilt by Air Force surgeons, and who liked strawberry ice cream. This matches "Falcon's" description given during a disguised interview on a TV show. The newsletter notes that Doty had previously denied any knowledge of MJ-12 or secret government agencies investigating UFOs. The article details Doty's career history, including his transfer to West Germany, charges of submitting spurious reports, and his eventual reduction in rank and discharge from AFOSI.

British UFO Magazine Editor Questions "Roswell Autopsy" Film

Graham W. Birdsall, editor of Britain's "UFO" magazine, has challenged the authenticity of the film presented by Ray Santilli, which purports to show an autopsy on an ET recovered from the Roswell incident. Birdsall notes that Philip Mantle of MUFON has known about the film for nearly two years without verifying its 1947 vintage. Attendees at an Italian symposium viewed seven slides from the film, with descriptions of the ET's features including "two human-like ears," "large Communion-style black eyes," and a hand with six fingers. However, Edoardo Russo, who viewed the slides, observed that "organic liquids are visible and abundantly flowing in the video, nothing at all is visible in the slides," and that the medical equipment and table were clean, contrary to what would be expected during an autopsy.

Mysterious Tiny Circles And Events Puzzle MUFON Investigator

Joe Barron, MUFON's Chief Investigator for Gulf Breeze/Pensacola, reports discovering mysterious tiny circular depressions in his carpet, which he attributes to tiny UFOs landing inside his house. He also describes hearing strange noises and female voices. The article notes that Barron's investigation prompts him to conclude that "contact was established with me by some entity which, at this moment, is a mystery to me." The newsletter adds a comment that these are the same individuals who "endorse" numerous UFO photos and videos from Gulf Breeze and are unable to find prosaic explanations for sightings.

Walt Disney's "Alien Encounters" TV Show Deserves "Enema Award"

This short piece criticizes a Walt Disney World TV show promoting a new UFO attraction. The show presented an FBI memo suggesting "NO JURISDICTION" for investigating UFO sightings, implying that even the President lacks access to "UFO Secrets." The newsletter dismisses the show's premise, noting that the FBI has never had jurisdiction over UFO sightings. It also highlights the show's promotion of the idea that Americans are more likely to experience extraterrestrial contact than win a state lottery, and that Disney World's exhibit aims to acclimate the public to "inevitable Alien encounters."

SHORT SHRIFT

This section contains brief updates:

• Rudd Hopkins is reportedly looking for a publisher for his book on the Linda Napolitano abduction case.
• The General Accounting Office (GAO) is reportedly not satisfied with the Air Force's explanation for the Roswell Incident, but GAO officials emphatically state that no one involved in the audit believes the Air Force is covering up a UFO incident.
• An "unreliable source" suggests the GAO is investigating a "flying disk" press release as a cover for sexual harassment, involving a supposed Air Force organization called "Flying Sorcerer" and a claim that two pathologists sexually harassed a nurse-friend, leading to the "ET bodies" tale about ETs having no genitals.

Subscription Information

The newsletter provides subscription details for Skeptics UFO Newsletter (SUN), including rates for U.S./Canada and overseas airmail.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of UFO claims, particularly those related to the Roswell incident and alien abductions. The editorial stance, as represented by Philip J. Klass and the Skeptics UFO Newsletter, is one of skepticism towards unsubstantiated witness accounts, questionable research methodologies, and alleged evidence. The newsletter actively seeks to debunk or question sensational claims, highlighting inconsistencies, admitting falsehoods, and challenging the credibility of individuals and organizations within the UFO community. There is a consistent effort to present a rational, evidence-based perspective, contrasting with what the newsletter perceives as credulity and exploitation within the UFO field. The articles frequently expose perceived flaws in research, personal backgrounds, and the interpretation of events, aiming to provide a counter-narrative to mainstream UFO reporting.