SUN 76 (Summer 2003)

Magazine Overview

Title: Skeptics UFO Newsletter
Issue: SUN #76
Date: Summer 2003
Editor: Philip J. Klass
Publisher: Philip J. Klass
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of the Skeptics UFO Newsletter, edited by Philip J. Klass, focuses on a critical examination of recent UFO-related media broadcasts and document claims, alongside discussions of emerging scientific concepts and the financial health of UFO organizations.

Sci-Fi Channel Broadcasts: A Critical Review

The lead article, "Sci-Fi Channel Broadcasts The Woods' TV Movie, Promoting Tim Cooper's 'New MJ-12 Papers,' 1941 Crashed ET Craft," addresses the Sci-Fi Channel's April 15th programming, which included "UFO Chronicles," "Alien Gods," and "The Secret." While "The Secret" was described by the newsletter's assessment as "one of the best, most convincing pro-UFO, pro-coverup TV shows we have ever seen," the overall programming was met with strong criticism from various UFOlogists. John Velez called it a "complete abortion" and "the very worst in UFOlogy." Terry Groff stated it "often hurts, true UFOlogical studies," and Tom King deemed it "the worst piece of garbage ever put on TV." The Sci-Fi Channel, through Larry Landsman, responded by stating that their independently produced documentaries do not necessarily reflect the channel's point of view but are intended to foster public inquiry. However, the newsletter notes that a commissioned documentary, "The Roswell Crash: Startling New Evidence," provided no new evidence and included questionable testimony.

Analysis of MJ-12 Documents and Alleged Crashes

The newsletter delves into the controversial "MJ-12 papers" provided by Timothy Cooper, which many UFO researchers reportedly believe are authentic. The issue highlights a planned three-day conference in Las Vegas, November 14-16, sponsored by Robert Wood and son Ryan, featuring papers on Majestic-12 Documents and claims of crashed extraterrestrial craft. Speakers like Robert Wood were scheduled to discuss "Authenticating the SOM-101 Manual," and Ryan Wood was to present on "The First Roswell-The crash-retrieval in 1941" and "Murder and MJ-12," suggesting connections to the alleged deaths of James Forrestal and John F. Kennedy to maintain UFO secrecy.

Other speakers at the conference were slated to cover various UFO crash incidents, including those in St. Agustin, New Mexico; Puerto Rico; Kecksburg, Pennsylvania; Maury Island, Washington; and Britain. The newsletter specifically debunks the Maury Island incident as a hoax, citing FBI files.

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to exposing alleged falsifying skills of Ryan Wood and Nick Redfern, comparing them to disgraced New York Times reporter Jayson Blair. The newsletter claims that documents posted on the Woods' Majestic Web-site are bogus, including one that purportedly links Carl Sagan to the Majestic 12 program. This document is criticized for its unusual security classification ("TOP SECRET JEHOVAH") and its reference to the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI), which was launched in 1983 but dropped by President Clinton in 1992, six years before the document was allegedly written.

Furthermore, the newsletter discusses the "Woods' Internet 'Version' Of The Twining Letter." This refers to a September 1947 letter from Lt. Gen. Nathan Twining, which the Woods claim confirms the reality of UFOs. However, the newsletter points out that all authors who quoted this letter omitted a crucial reference to "the lack of physical evidence in the shape of crash recovered exhibits which would undeniably prove the existence of such objects." The newsletter argues that this omission is significant and that the Woods' interpretation of the letter as evidence of a government cover-up is flawed.

Dr. Greer and "Free-Energy" Claims

Dr. Steven Greer, known for his Project Disclosure, is reported to be experiencing problems with a "free-energy" inventor. Greer had announced a $1 million prize for a testable prototype of a free-energy invention and claimed to have witnessed a demonstration of such a machine. However, his April 15th update indicated that previously undisclosed business interests of the inventor have surfaced, complicating the acquisition and testing of the technology. Negotiations are ongoing to resolve these issues.

"Zero-Point Energy" and UFO Propulsion

Dr. Hal E. Puthoff, director of the Institute for Advanced Studies, is discussed for his research into "Zero-Point Energy" (ZPE) and its potential for UFO propulsion. Puthoff's work suggests that manipulation of the underlying energy space-time metric could enable efficient interstellar propulsion. The newsletter notes that Puthoff avoids using terms like "science fiction" and "UFO propulsion," instead framing his research within a broader cosmological context.

UFOlogy's Cloudy Crystal Ball and Organizational News

The newsletter revisits a 1977 prediction by "U.S. News & World Report" about "unsettling disclosures" regarding UFOs, which did not materialize. It also provides updates on UFO organizations, noting that CUFOS (Center for UFO Studies) and MUFON (Mutual UFO Network) have faced severe financial crises and a decline in membership, with MUFON closing its storefront headquarters.

Termination of Publication

In a personal note, editor Philip J. Klass announces his decision to terminate the publication of "Skeptics UFO Newsletter" due to advancing age, physical disability, and health issues. He expresses gratitude to his subscribers and mentions his own journey from a "UFO believer" to a skeptic after investigating claims.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are skepticism towards sensational UFO claims, critical analysis of media portrayals of UFO phenomena, and the debunking of alleged evidence and documents. The editorial stance is clearly that of a skeptic, aiming to expose what the editor views as misinformation, hoaxes, and unsubstantiated theories within the UFO community. The newsletter emphasizes the importance of rigorous research and evidence, contrasting it with what it perceives as the speculative and often fabricated nature of many UFO claims. The termination of the newsletter marks the end of a long-standing voice of skepticism in the UFO field.