SUN 64 (July 2000)

Magazine Overview

Title: Skeptics UFO Newsletter
Issue: SUN #64
Date: July 2000
Publisher: Philip J. Klass

CNI News Survey Of Leading Pro-UFOlogists Is Very Illuminating

A survey of 32 prominent pro-UFO researchers and authors, conducted by Michael Lindemann for his "CNI News" subscription report, revealed insights into the state of UFOlogy. When asked about progress in understanding UFO phenomena during the 1990s, only 15% of respondents reported "great progress," while 42% indicated "some progress." A significant 21% stated "no progress," and 15% believed the field "went backward."

The "lights-in-the-night-sky" incident on January 5 in Southwest Illinois was cited as the most significant UFO case of the preceding eight months, receiving four times more votes than any other incident. The survey also assessed the perceived significance of various UFO-related topics:

• Ancient Astronauts theory: 24% "high," 33% "medium"
• Crop Circles: 22% "high," 16% "medium"
• Livestock Mutilations: 22% "high," 44% "medium"
• Alien Abduction claims: 54% "high," 34% "medium"
• Face on Mars: 13% "high," 16% "medium"
• Area 51: 13% "high," 28% "medium"

Brief comments from respondents included Jan Aldrich's observation that the press and some in the UFO field tend to sensationalize events. Gildas Bourdais noted the weakness of UFO research in France and the critical reception of the "Cometa Report" by UFOlogical circles. Dr. Eric Davis highlighted the improvement in organized UFO research with the entry of the National Institute of Discovery Science (NIDS). Dr. David Jacobs expressed concern over the field's contentiousness but optimism regarding abduction phenomenon insights. Dr. Bruce Maccabee suggested that while much is known, the "final answer" may be overlooked due to its simplicity.

UFOlogy's Scientists Ignore A Crucial Issue

This section argues that pseudoscience is characterized by a lack of increased knowledge over time, contrasting UFOs with fields like AIDS and Continental Drift. It questions whether UFO lights are part of the propulsion system or a means of attracting attention. The author suggests that the variety of colors and configurations might indicate propulsion system status or interaction with Earth's magnetic field. Despite numerous reports of triangular UFOs, no active scientists in UFOlogy are known to be investigating the relationship between their lights, colors, and propulsion or shape.

New UFO-Abduction Poll Yields Different Results Than 1991 Survey

A 1998 Roper Organization poll of 5,955 American adults, funded by NIDS, indicated significantly fewer individuals might have experienced UFO abduction compared to a similar 1991 poll funded by Robert Bigelow. The survey questions, designed by abductologists Budd Hopkins and David Jacobs, were phrased to ask "How often has this occurrence happened to you?" rather than a direct "Has this happened?"

The 1991 poll used a criterion where subjects indicating at least four of five specific paranormal incidents were considered likely abductees. This resulted in 2% of respondents (approximately 3.7 million adults) being classified as abductees. The 1998 poll, using the same criterion, indicated only half as many American adults (1.85 million) had been abducted.

Key questions and percentages from the surveys:

• Waking up paralyzed with a sense of a strange person or presence: 1991 (18%), 1998 [11.6%]
• Experiencing a lost period of time (1 hour+): 1991 (13%), 1998 [6.4%]
• Feeling you were flying: 1991 (10%), 1998 [4.8%]
• Seeing balls of light in a room: 1991 (8%), 1998 [5.3%]
• Finding puzzling scars: 1991 (8%), 1998 [4.5%]

"Technical Error" Challenges Validity Of Hopkins/Jacobs Criterion

The NIDS website posted results from both surveys, noting a "technical error" in the 1998 survey where a question about "vivid dreams about UFOs" was reworded to "been abducted by the occupants of a UFO." Only 0.3% of the 1998 respondents answered "yes" to this, a stark contrast to the earlier poll. NIDS dismissed this as not serious enough to invalidate the results. The newsletter also notes that more people reported seeing a ghost than a UFO in both surveys.

Friedman And Wood To "Debate" Authenticity Of Cooper's "New Majestic Documents" At MUFON Conference In St. Louis

Stanton Friedman and Dr. Robert Wood are scheduled to debate the authenticity of "new Majestic documents" allegedly obtained by Tim Cooper. Wood initially learned of these documents through Friedman. The article recalls Wood hiring Friedman in the late 1960s to "reverse engineer" UFO technology for the USAF.

How Sharp-Eyed Is Wood's "Questioned-Document Examiner"?

This section scrutinizes Dr. James A. Black's assessment of Tim Cooper's "Majestic documents." Black concluded that two documents and a 1991 letter had similar type fonts, suggesting they were typed on the same Royal typewriter. However, Black "discounted all aspects of similarity" as expected from similar machines. The article points out a potential flaw: a slightly "elevated 8" character, which suggests Cooper may have typed the documents himself. This discrepancy has not been addressed by the Woods' Majestic Website. The article also mentions that Cooper's documents are purportedly originals and that the Woods have submitted some for forensic testing, with results yet to be reported.

NIDS Reports Analysis Of UFO Reports It Has Received

NIDS established a 24-hour UFO Hotline and analyzed 308 UFO reports. Nearly 81% of sightings occurred during darkness (6 p.m. to 6 a.m.), and 51% involved a single witness. The analysis used a "Jacques Vallee credibility index" to assess report quality. Estimated distances of unfamiliar objects at night are considered unreliable.

Recent Experiment Debunks Claim That Organized Science Ignores UFOs Because It Doesn't Want To Challenge Existing Paradigms

A June 4th article in The Sunday Times reported on experiments by Dr. Lijun Wang that seemingly demonstrated a pulse of light traveling 300 times faster than the speed of light. This challenges Einstein's theory of relativity and the principle of causality. Physicists are reportedly analyzing these results, with the possibility of organized science adapting its theories if the experiments are replicated.

University of Kansas Explains Why It Will Publish UFO-Abduction Book

Kansas University Press is publishing "UFOs and Abductions: Challenging the Borders of Knowledge," edited by David Jacobs. The press states this is an effort to bridge serious UFO research with academia, which has largely ignored or denied the field status. The book includes contributions from prominent figures like Budd Hopkins and Dr. John Mack.

Firmage Delays (Again) Publication Of His Book: "The Truth"

Joseph P. Firmage's pro-UFO book, "The Truth," based on "new Majestic documents," has been repeatedly delayed. Originally slated for Fall 1999, it was pushed to March 2000, then January 2001. Firmage is reportedly adding "very important" new material. His upcoming book, "I Am," is a fictional story. The article notes that Tim Cooper, the source of the "Majestic documents," failed a polygraph test, and Firmage's organization (ISSO) has suggested the documents are disinformation, a claim challenged by the Woods.

Maccabee's Critique Of UFO Skeptics Reveals His Own Credulity

Dr. Bruce S. Maccabee is set to criticize UFO skeptics, including the newsletter's editor, at an upcoming MUFON conference. The article details an incident involving Sheriff Val Johnson, whose patrol car was allegedly attacked by a UFO in 1980. Klass's book suggested only two explanations: malicious UFOnauts or a hoax. Maccabee commented that there are "simply no other possible explanations" if it wasn't a hoax, implying the hoax hypothesis was unconvincing. The newsletter notes that Johnson refused a polygraph test regarding the incident.

Virginia Governor Sued For Not Providing Protection Against UFOs

Pro-UFOlogist Larry W. Bryant and two associates filed a lawsuit against Virginia Governor James S. Gilmore, alleging neglect of his duty to protect citizens from UFO abductions. Bryant hopes the case will encourage whistleblowers to come forward.

GERSTEN/CAUS TO APPEAL U.S. DISTRICT COURT VERDICT

Peter Gersten intends to appeal a verdict regarding a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request for Pentagon records on delta-shaped aerial vehicles. The court ruled that the Pentagon conducted a "reasonable search."

Short Shrift:

• Lindemann closes "CNI News": Michael Lindemann is joining a new "dynamic new media project" focusing on future issues, possibly sponsored by ISSO or NIDS.
• Germany's Hesemann sharply criticizes MUFON: Michael Hesemann called MUFON "counter-productive," a "dinosaur destined to become extinct," "deeply inefficient," and an "instrument of propaganda."
• NIDS Deputy Administrator to speak at MUFON conference: Dr. Colm A. Kelleher, NIDS Deputy Administrator, will speak at MUFON, having previously focused on "cattle mutilations."
• Did Mussolini create an "Italian MJ-12" in 1933?: Italian UFOlogists claim Mussolini created a covert organization to explore UFOs and allegedly spoke of an extraterrestrial threat.
• NIDS official questions suggestion to exploit new satellite imagery: John Alexander of NIDS questioned SUN's suggestion to offer a reward for satellite photos of ET craft, citing concerns about encouraging fraud.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The "Skeptics UFO Newsletter" consistently adopts a critical and skeptical stance towards UFOlogy, particularly concerning claims of significant progress, the authenticity of controversial documents, and the methodologies of some UFO researchers. The editor, Philip J. Klass, frequently challenges sensationalized accounts and emphasizes the need for rigorous scientific investigation and prosaic explanations. The newsletter highlights instances where UFOlogists themselves express doubts or where research is perceived as lacking scientific rigor. There is a recurring theme of questioning the validity of abduction claims and the interpretation of evidence, often contrasting the views of "pro-UFOlogists" with a more evidence-based, skeptical perspective. The newsletter also points out perceived inefficiencies or biases within UFO organizations like MUFON. The editorial stance is to promote critical thinking and to debunk unsubstantiated claims within the UFO field.