SUN 59 (Sept 1999)

Magazine Overview

Title: Skeptics UFO Newsletter
Issue: SUN #59
Date: September 1999
Publisher: Philip J. Klass

This issue of the Skeptics UFO Newsletter critically examines recent developments in the UFO field, focusing on the authenticity of the MJ-12 documents, the views of UFOlogist Joe Firmage, and accounts of UFO abductions. It also touches upon efforts to achieve government disclosure through Congressional hearings.

Woods' Press Release Claims Cooper's Failure To Pass Polygraph Test On His "New MJ-12 Papers" Does Not Challenge Their Authenticity

The lead article scrutinizes a press release issued by Dr. Robert Wood and his son Ryan concerning a polygraph test taken by Tim Cooper, the source of the "New MJ-12 papers." The authors argue that the Woods' press release, while reporting that Cooper failed a polygraph test when asked if he had lied about receiving the documents, attempts to obfuscate the issue of the papers' authenticity. The article highlights that Cooper's claimed deception was attributed by the Woods to his desire to conceal the identity of his sources. The piece also references previous reports of suspicious flaws in some of the MJ-12 documents, citing SUN's own previous issues and other UFOlogists. UFOlogist Robert J. Durant is quoted as finding the Woods' press release "preposterious and deceptive."

Firmage Bedazzles MUFON Audience With Esoteric Pronouncements

Joe Firmage, a speaker at the MUFON conference, is described as impressing the audience with his sincerity and esoteric vision for the future, though he mentioned UFOs only briefly. At a press conference, Firmage stated his belief in UFOs stems from the evidence of a real, unknown phenomenon and the plausibility of advanced propulsion systems. He expressed disinterest in financing investigations into the reality of UFOs, preferring to fund projects exploring the implications of the phenomenon. Firmage also recounted an experience of a "being of light" and a subsequent "electric blue sphere," which he stated was a conversation, not necessarily with an alien or organic body, and could have been psychologically induced.

In an email interview with SUN, Firmage stated that the case for UFO reality "hinges on the number of credible cases climbing far beyond any 'top five.'" He focuses on pattern analysis and the "why" rather than the "what," believing that "Occam's Razor points toward the ET hypothesis." When asked about abduction scenarios, he rated his belief as a "7" on a scale of zero to 10, acknowledging both evidential support and anthropological sensibility, but also considering the possibility of a nonphysical, etheric nature. He also expressed openness to various conclusions from the Majestic document investigation, noting "exotic nonhuman technology" and the possibility of disinformation.

Firmage listed eight authors he found most useful: Raymond E. Fowler/Betty Andreasson, Dr. Richard Haines, Richard Hall, Paul Hill, Dr. J. Allen Hynek, Dr. Joe Lewels, Dr. Jacques Vallee, and Travis Walton.

Hopkins Faults Self For Early Skepticism About Some Abduction Tales

Budd Hopkins discussed his early skepticism regarding UFO abduction research. He recounted the case of "Sean McIntyre," who reported a "missing time" experience in 1961 involving his car being lifted and moved 100 miles. Hopkins initially hesitated to include this case in his book "Missing Time" due to the seemingly implausible nature of an automobile being lifted and moved, questioning how it could go unnoticed. However, he later changed his mind, influenced by subsequent investigations and data, particularly regarding the concept of "willed invisibility" by ETs.

Hopkins also cited evidence of ETs' power of "selective invisibility," where individuals or craft are made visible to some but invisible to others. He presented a case involving a UFO abduction where a wife and children were made invisible to a camera's film, and even to other people in a park, while the husband could still see them. Another case involved a boy who claimed to have been taken aboard a craft with his teacher, Sister Teresa, who became invisible to others during the event. Hopkins suggests that "selective invisibility" is the only explanation for such events if they are accepted as having occurred.

HOPKINS CITES ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF ETS' POWER OF "SELECTIVE INVISIBILITY"

During a presentation, Hopkins cited an incident from Brisbane, Australia, in 1992, where a photograph taken by a man allegedly showed only a seaside park because a hovering UFO had made his wife and children invisible to the camera's film prior to their abduction. The husband claimed he was frozen in place while others in the park could not see him, suggesting ETs made him invisible as well. Hopkins noted that the ETs' ability to make film show details not captured by the camera is also a factor.

New MUFON Director Accuses SUN Of Inaccuracy But Withholds Data

John F. Schuessler, who is set to become MUFON's International Director, complained about the "inaccuracy" of a previous SUN article concerning the death of Betty Cash, who was involved in the Cash-Landrum UFO case. Schuessler claimed Betty Cash died of health problems associated with injuries from a UFO encounter, citing extensive radiation exposure. SUN's article had suggested her death was from heart failure and noted her pre-existing heart problems and breast cancer. Schuessler refused to provide the death certificate or specific information about her treatment for radiation-induced health problems, leading SUN to conclude that he opted to withhold pertinent information.

Congressional Hearings Sought To Expose (Alleged) UFO Coverup

Several initiatives are underway to push for Congressional hearings on UFOs and to grant immunity to former military and government personnel to reveal alleged UFO secrets. MUFON's Directors of Government Affairs and Public Affairs are leading a "UFO Ballot Initiative" to collect signatures for a ballot vote prompting Congress to hold hearings. Stephen Bassett has created the Extraterrestrial Phenomena Political Action Committee (X-PPAC) to raise funds for candidates supporting the objective of ending the government embargo of facts about extraterrestrial life. The article also mentions a "UFO Symposium" in 1968 sponsored by Rep. J. Edward Roush, who later joined NICAP.

"UFO-LAWYER" GERSTEN QUESTIONS VALUE OF CONGRESSIONAL HEARINGS

Peter Gersten, head of Citizens Against UFO Secrecy (CAUS), questions the effectiveness of Congressional hearings for UFO disclosure, deeming them "illogical and unreasonable." He argues that immunity for informants is unnecessary, as no one has been prosecuted for revealing UFO information. Gersten believes the real issue is the presence of extraterrestrial intelligence, not the UFOs themselves, and advocates for using the judicial branch of government through the "CAUS INITIATIVE" for disclosure. He also mentioned expecting a FOIA lawsuit against the Defense Dept. to be dismissed and that CAUS would then pursue "extrajudicial remedies."

SPEAKING OF UFO ABDUCTIONS

Seven of the 13 speakers at a recent MUFON conference focused on UFO abductions, with two claiming to be abductees. Beverly J. Trout described her UFO abductions starting at age 4-1/2, including encounters with ETs dressed in country-western attire who were interested in learning "country western dancing." Betty Ann Andreasson Luca, famous for her "abduction" in 1969, has co-authored books with UFOlogist Raymond E. Fowler. Her ETs, described as tall, white-haired, and albino "Elders," are noted for having traditional religious connections, leading her to question if they are "Sons of God."

UFO-abduction researcher Thomas E. (Eddie) Bullard analyzed "content consistency" in 437 abduction cases from 1966 to 1986. His analysis suggests that abduction reports are consistent and have an experiential basis, though the article notes that this consistency might be due to researchers filtering out "wild" tales.

SHORT SHRIFT:

• Gersten appeals for funds for CAUS: Peter Gersten is seeking contributions for CAUS, noting a low response rate from members. He has decided to dedicate his time to CAUS.
• Looking at a UFO may cause "missing time": UFOlogist Dr. Bruce Maccabee suggests that simply looking at a UFO could cause "missing time," based on test-photos related to a glowing UFO sighting in Phoenix.
• MUFON official challenges authenticity of MJ-12 documents: Tom Deuley, MUFON's treasurer, has challenged the authenticity of the original MJ-12 documents, citing flaws and anomalies based on his background at the NSA.
• Derrel Sims dissolves partnership with Dr. Roger Leir: Dr. Roger Leir has resigned as medical director of FIRST, an organization for alien-implant research, following an admission of negligence in treating a patient.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The "Skeptics UFO Newsletter" consistently adopts a critical and analytical stance towards UFO phenomena and claims. The editorial focus is on questioning the authenticity of evidence, scrutinizing the methods and conclusions of UFO researchers, and highlighting inconsistencies or potential obfuscations. The newsletter often contrasts the claims made by UFO proponents with skeptical interpretations or challenges, as seen in the critique of the Woods' press release and the questioning of the value of Congressional hearings. While acknowledging the existence of unexplained phenomena, the newsletter emphasizes a need for rigorous evidence and logical reasoning, often pointing out the speculative nature of many UFO theories and accounts. The publication also serves as a platform for reporting on various UFO-related news, research findings, and debates within the community, while maintaining its skeptical perspective.