Steamshovel Press - Issue 04

Magazine Overview

Title: CARIES & CABALS
Publisher: STEAMSHOVEL PRESS
Issue: NUMBER FOUR
Year: 1992

This issue of Steamshovel Press, titled 'Caries & Cabals,' delves into a variety of conspiracy theories and controversial topics, presenting a collection of articles and an interview that challenge conventional narratives. The cover boldly proclaims 'Conspiracy!' and highlights key inside features such as 'Tales of Abbie Hoffman,' 'George Bush and JFK's Assassination,' 'The Kabbalah Papers,' 'Black Holes and The Trilateral Commission,' and 'Conspiracy of California Prisons.' It also teases additional content on the secret origins of AIDS, Reich and Einstein, and the 'Living Elvis.'

Tales of Abbie Hoffman

The issue features an extensive interview with Jack Hoffman, brother of the late Yippie activist Abbie Hoffman, occasioned by the publication of the book 'Live This Book' by Theodore Becker and Anthony L. Dodson. Jack Hoffman discusses his brother's legacy, his political philosophy, and his environmental activism. He expresses some reservations about the book, feeling it might oversimplify Abbie's rebellious spirit and 'fuck-the-system' ethos, potentially 'fossilizing' him for academia. Jack Hoffman addresses the persistent questions surrounding Abbie's death, asserting that his brother suffered from manic depression and that his death was a suicide, not a murder. He dismisses theories suggesting CIA involvement in Abbie's death, though he acknowledges the public's cynicism towards the agency. He also clarifies that the lawsuit involving Amy Carter was not against the CIA but for trespassing on a university campus.

Jack Hoffman shares his perspective on Abbie's final years, his involvement in environmental causes, and his research into the 'October Surprise.' He believes Abbie would have been excited about renewed discussions surrounding the 'October Surprise.' He also critiques the book for omitting Lenny Bruce, whom he and Abbie considered a significant influence.

George Bush and JFK's Assassination

An article by Paul Kangas posits that a newly discovered FBI document implicates George Bush directly in the 1963 murder of President John Kennedy. The document reportedly places Bush working with CIA agent Felix Rodriguez to recruit Cuban exiles for the invasion of Cuba. Kangas claims Bush's CIA role extended to organizing the Cuban community in Miami and that Bush met Rodriguez during his recruitment efforts in 1960-61. The article references Oliver North's diary, which allegedly documents Bush's role as a CIA supervisor of the contra supply network, contradicting Bush's statements about his knowledge of illegal supply flights. It further suggests that Bush's 'official' log placing him elsewhere during a key planning meeting was a tactic for 'plausible deniability.' The article cites a memo from J. Edgar Hoover indicating Bush was briefed on the reaction of anti-Castro Cuban exiles to JFK's assassination on November 23, 1963. It speculates that Bush, having supervised secret Cuban teams since 1960, was likely in Dallas on the day of the assassination. The article also links Bush to Texas oil interests and partners like Robert Mosbacher and James Baker, drawing parallels to individuals involved in past political events.

Further details emerge regarding Richard Nixon's alleged involvement in planning 'Operation 40,' the secret 1961 invasion of Cuba. The article suggests that Nixon, at the behest of corporations like Pepsi-Cola, Ford Motor Co., and Standard Oil, who were losing profits due to Fidel Castro's policies, promised to remove Castro if he won the 1960 election. The CIA allegedly created 'Operation 40' to invade Cuba, with George Bush put in charge of recruiting Cuban exiles. The article also mentions the 'smoking gun' conversation from the Watergate tapes, where Nixon and his Chief of Staff discussed how to prevent another crime from happening, implying a connection to the CIA's actions.

Other Articles and Correspondence

The issue includes a correspondence from Roy Lisker regarding the police action against the MOVE organization in Philadelphia in 1985. Lisker describes the event as a 'contingent conflagration' that burned down three city blocks, criticizing the mayor's pledge to rebuild the neighborhood and the treatment of its residents.

Another correspondence from X. Sharks DeSpot discusses the persistent belief that Elvis Presley is still alive. DeSpot recounts an incident where reporters dismissed the possibility, and notes the lack of voiceprint analysis on a tape of someone sounding like Elvis. The author suggests the Elvis estate may be capitalizing on this 'humbug' for financial gain.

Louis Krasser's correspondence analyzes the role of tabloids in manipulating public thought, citing the resurgence of sex scandals surrounding the Kennedys and the persistent rumors of JFK being alive as examples of how tabloids can imprint ideas and influence public perception.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are conspiracy, government secrecy, political intrigue, and the questioning of official narratives. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism towards authority, particularly government agencies like the CIA, and a willingness to explore alternative explanations for historical events and phenomena. The magazine champions investigative journalism that challenges established truths and gives voice to dissenting opinions and less-explored theories.

This issue of Steamshovel Press, identified as issue number 11, focuses heavily on conspiracy theories surrounding the assassinations of John F. Kennedy and the Watergate scandal, with a particular emphasis on the alleged roles of George Bush and Richard Nixon. It also includes articles on speculative topics such as the Trilateral Commission, genetic engineering, and the concept of multi-screen technology for enhanced intelligence.

The Kennedy Assassination and the Bush/Nixon Connection

The central thesis of the lead article posits that George Bush and Richard Nixon, along with figures like E. Howard Hunt, Frank Sturgis, and Felix Rodriguez, were instrumental in orchestrating events to gain power, including the assassination of JFK. The article claims that Bush's hands are as implicated in Kennedy's blood as Nixon's, and that this 'White House gang' fears public realization of their methods, which could lead to their downfall.

Nixon is depicted as using code words, such as referring to the JFK assassination as 'the Bay of Pigs.' The article links Robert Mosbacher, Bush's partner, to Nixon's fundraising and suggests a direct connection between Bush, Nixon, and the Kennedy assassination through evidence found on Watergate tapes. It is alleged that Nixon ordered the CIA to burglarize the Watergate to obtain photos related to the assassination. The article quotes Frank Sturgis stating the Watergate burglary was to stop news leaking about their role in the assassination.

Following his 1972 victory, Nixon is described as centralizing power and demanding resignations, with John Ehrlichman noting Nixon's view that 'George Bush will do anything for our cause.' The article further claims that Bush recruited other 'famous Watergate members of the CIA invasion,' including Sturgis, Hunt, Bernard Baker, and Rafael Quintero, with Quintero suggesting his testimony would be the 'biggest scandal ever to rock the nation.'

Preston Bush is mentioned as running Nixon's campaign in 1960, and Nixon's role in assuring the French-connection government in South Vietnam about US intervention if France pulled out, particularly concerning the 'drug trade from the Golden Triangle.'

In 1959, Vice President Nixon was actively campaigning, with Jerry Ford fundraising and George Bush also involved. The article suggests Nixon feared revealing his secret plan to invade Cuba.

The Bay of Pigs Invasion and its Aftermath

The issue details the 1961 Bay of Pigs invasion, stating that Bush, Nixon, Cabel, and Hunt initially proceeded without informing President Kennedy. When Kennedy denied US air cover, the CIA proceeded with a 'private invasion' that failed due to poor intelligence, resulting in significant CIA casualties and Cuban prisoners. The article asserts that Nixon's corporate sponsors ordered JFK to make a deal to recover the imprisoned CIA agents. Following this, the Cubans, once retrained, allegedly decided to continue the invasion of Cuba after 'getting rid of that S.O.B. Kennedy.'

The article claims that in the lead-up to the 1964 election, Nixon, Bush, and Ford conspired to eliminate JFK to prevent the Kennedy clan from controlling the White House until 1984. Cuban 'shooters' allegedly stalked Kennedy, with an attempt in Chicago thwarted by Mayor Daley. In Dallas, the article suggests an 'ace' was played through General Cabel's brother, Earl, who influenced the motorcade route to pass the grassy knoll at a slow speed. Hunt and Sturgis are accused of shooting JFK from the grassy knoll, being arrested and photographed, though the media allegedly ignored this evidence.

New photos and stories are cited to prove Nixon was in Dallas on the day of the murder, contradicting his claims to the FBI. Bush also allegedly cannot recall his whereabouts. Jack Anderson's 1988 TV special is mentioned as proving two tramps arrested in Dallas were Hunt and Sturgis.

Following JFK's murder, Nixon allegedly asked President Lyndon Johnson to appoint his friend Jerry Ford to head the Warren Commission and Judge Earl Warren to lead it. Ford is said to have interviewed witnesses and decided who would be heard. Nixon later appointed Ford as his Vice President after Spiro Agnew's ousting. The article notes that Earl Warren offered to set up another special commission to help Nixon after the Watergate scandal, and Ford pardoned Nixon for the Watergate burglary.

The article claims that 4000 hours of Watergate tapes contain clear evidence of Nixon 'confessing' to hiring Hunt to kill JFK, explaining why the investigation went into secret session and only 12 hours of tapes were released. It questions whether Congress realized Nixon and Bush had discussed killing JFK for preventing air cover for the Bay of Pigs invasion, noting Nixon taped virtually every discussion, including with Bush, to use for blackmail.

A photo of Bush reporting to Nixon in the White House in 1968 is mentioned, with the expectation that the full 4000 hours of tapes will reveal their conversations. The key to unlocking the JFK murder secrets is said to be in the unreleased White House tapes. Bush was also reportedly in Dallas the day Reagan was shot, which the article suggests may have triggered a flashback to November 22, 1963.

The article itself is noted as being reprinted with permission from 'The Realist,' Paul Krassner's newsletter.

Off The Beaten Path Radio Program

This section describes 'Off The Beaten Path,' a radio program airing on KDHX FM 88.1 in St. Louis, which features poetry readings, interviews, lectures, and panel discussions on the Beat generation. Information about obtaining copies of the program is available through Steamshovel Press. The program listings include interviews with Neal Cassady, Allen Ginsberg, William Burroughs, Jack Kerouac, Abbie Hoffman, Paul Krassner, and Kerry Thornley, among others, with several programs dedicated to JFK.

Black Holes and the Trilateral Commission

Authored by Roy Lisker, this article delves into speculative theories about secret organizations and advanced technology. It claims that documents in the Pentagon reveal the Trilateral Commission has installed a hidden sperm bank below the Rand Corporation in Santa Monica, California, used for genetic engineering research aimed at producing human clones sensitive to magnetic fields from distant stars.

The Graham-Shockley sperm bank is described as a 'Maoist Communist front,' while the Rand Corporation's bank allegedly uses sperm from fathers of Nobel laureates. The article alleges that on June 14, 1980, the national guard, under direct orders from David Rockefeller, rounded up Nobel laureates to collect sperm samples. David Rockefeller is described not as a person but as a 'robotoid' substituted 10 years prior by 'creatures of atheistic and communistic practises.'

Lisker claims to have discovered that David Rockefeller is a robotoid (and possibly Karl Marx was too) by breaking the code in music performed by the Da Capo Chamber Players, whom he believes are agents of 'sinister cosmic meta-forces.' These messages are allegedly transmitted not in the notes but in the manner of performance. He identifies 'greigles' as entities that can take any shape and exchange human sperm like money, with the goal of generating cloned slaves when Earth's resources are depleted.

Lisker attributes several events to these entities and organizations: the Ayatollah Khomeini (described as a greigle) is blamed for the Three Mile Island disaster; cancer is attributed to virologists at the Vatican; Reverend Sun Myung Moon allegedly has nuclear warheads; brain cells can be cloned from LSD; and our world is a 'two-dimensional' illusion created by mass hypnosis. He also claims nuclear power is a plot against homosexuals by Freemasons, and that a concentration camp is being built in the Antarctic for Third World peoples.

The 'greigles' are said to intend to drag Earth into a black hole in Cygnus X-I, causing a permanent energy crisis. The article lists various individuals as 'greigles' (Pinochet, Moshe Dayan, Nixon, Joan Baez) and 'robotoids' (Rockefellers, Kissinger, Giscard d'Estaing), and predicts that all white males will be sterile within three years.

Roy Lisker is identified as a mathematician, poet, and musician, publishing a newsletter called 'Ferment!'

The Multi-Screen Setup

Walter Alter's article explores the concept of 'multi-screen setup' as the intrinsic shape of the medium and a potential measure of human intelligence. He argues that big screen projection and screen insets are obsolete, and a modular multi-screen array will become universal, similar to airplane cockpit instrumentation.

Alter suggests that multiplying one's IQ by ten can be achieved by placing two TV sets side-by-side and concentrating on the information flux simultaneously. He posits that within ten minutes, one can surpass 500 years of print literacy. Multi-screen image literacy is presented as a more accurate model of the real 3-D world.

He advocates for arrays of six, eight, or ten screens, arguing that equal screen sizes create domains where information can appear anywhere, lessening the dominance of the central visual field and allowing for awareness of field interplay. Point scanning, the dominant mode of print literacy, is contrasted with the TV's electron scan, which allows for apperception in blanket areas. This leads to an increase in interpretative flexibility, a cognitive breakout from specialists' tunnel vision, and a repatterning of thought from words into pictures, which he considers a three orders of magnitude increase in efficiency.

The article discusses how the eyes rapidly scan screens, making domain boundaries permeable, which is opposed to the single-screen limitation. It suggests that societies are not single bounded areas and that singular oriented media communication is an unfaithful model of the real 3-D world. Breakthroughs in human invention are characterized by translating concepts across boundaries, requiring a breakdown of conceptual boundaries and reintegration of contents. Using a multi-monitor array facilitates this by encouraging processes to breakout and be applied synthetically.

'Activity' becomes the organizing frame of reference, involving not just shifting attention but also zooming in and out on screens. This conceptual synthesis and elasticity are crucial. The article states that a great deal of human misery stems from the inability to reintegrate new information with old. The word 'life' is used as an example of a word category that attempts to convey impossibly complex ideas. A single picture conveys more information, a motion picture even more, and an array of video screens with real-time programming can approach the necessary modeling for problem-solving.

Human visual perception, both inner and outer, is inhibited by endocrinal dampening systems. Over half the brain's neurons are used for visual input, with a bandwidth of about two gigabits per second. Enhancing visual perception is seen as key to increasing human intelligence. The article contrasts verbal communication (sequential, slow) with visual communication (simultaneous, fast), advocating for a new visual language capable of communicating within an electrical social matrix. This 'mathematical hieroglyphics' could propel imaginations at ultra warp speed.

Boundary crunching concepts are applied to organize data into temporary clumps for efficiency. The article suggests that a dimension with no time would be the most efficient, but our dimension is contained by time. The visual field, where a picture of many elements is perceived at once, is the closest approximation of trans-dimensionality. Continuity, conceptual or visual, is seen as timelessness. Overlaying visual meaning upon data fields and making the process dynamic relates them into greater efficiencies, participating more in a timeless dimension.

The author encourages readers to use two TVs to engage their 'significance amplifier engines,' focusing on cognitive tools rather than program content. The goal is to cause simultaneous mini-continuities within the maxi-continuity of consciousness. Experimenting with this setup may lead to filling screens with material that serves the primary function of gauge, as the multi-screen setup encourages domain jumping and comparative judgment free of constants. Constants are replaced with threshold awareness, leading to more efficient problem-solving actions. The only universal constants are intersections of all dimensions.

Steamshovel Press Back Issues

This section advertises back issues of Steamshovel Press, available for two dollars each. The listed issues include:

• First issue: Ram Dass Interviewed.
• Second Issue: Wilhelm Reich; Pynchon; Abbie Hoffman.
• Third issue (1991): Amiri Baraka interviewed; Poetry; Book Reviews: Flying Saucers.

The Kabbalah Papers

This is a letter dated January 17, 1978, from Luther X. Frankenfurter, Ph.D., Director of Libraries at Smythe College at San Patattoh, to Mrs. Gwedelphia Buffo. It thanks her for a donation from the papers of the late Sir Huckleberry-Bixby. The letter notes that the Huckleberry-Bixby manuscript has attracted significant interest from faculty members in mathematics, philosophy, and literature departments, as well as scientists in the Department of Materials. Mrs. Buffo is also thanked for being a patron of the Elmer F. Creamerée Building. The letter anticipates Mrs. Buffo's visit for the building's dedication.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are deep-seated conspiracy theories, particularly concerning the assassinations of prominent political figures like JFK and the alleged hidden machinations of powerful groups and individuals. There is a strong anti-establishment and anti-government sentiment, with a focus on uncovering perceived deceptions and hidden truths. The issue also explores unconventional ideas about consciousness, intelligence, and the nature of reality, as seen in the articles on multi-screen technology and the speculative theories about 'greigles' and robotoids. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism towards official narratives and a promotion of alternative, often radical, interpretations of historical events and societal structures.

This issue of Dharma Combat, subtitled '60s Into The 90s an interview anthology', includes a collection of diverse articles and interviews, covering topics from fictional islands inhabited by intelligent chimpanzees to historical messianic movements and contemporary conspiracy theories.

Articles

Vistavius and its Chimpanzee Inhabitants

The issue begins with a personal account of a visit to Vistavius, a fictional Pacific Island populated by highly intelligent and sophisticated chimpanzees. The author recounts spending over 170 days on the island and notes that the chimpanzees are literate in English. The leader, Ugasu, enthusiastically read Thomas Pynchon's 'Gravity's Rainbow' and Gershom Scholem's 'Sabbatai Sevi: The Mystical Messiah', with 'Gravity's Rainbow' becoming so popular that the chimpanzee library had a waiting list for it. Ugasu also wrote a review of 'Sabbatai Sevi' for her community.

Sabbatai Sevi: The Mystical Messiah, 1626-1676

This section delves into the life and movement of Sabbatai Sevi, a Jewish mystic who declared himself the messiah in 1665. The article, referencing Gershom Scholem's work, explains the historical context of messianic claimants in Jewish history and the unique nature of the Sabbatian movement, which garnered attention worldwide. It explores the concepts of Kabbalah, including 'En-sof', 'sefiroth', 'qelippoth', 'tiqqur', 'Shekhinah', 'maggidim', and 'gematria'. The narrative follows Sevi's journey, his interactions with his prophet Nathan of Gaza, his public declaration, his arrest and apostasy to Islam, and the subsequent reinterpretation of his movement's theology. The text highlights Sevi's erratic behavior, influenced by a 'manic-depressive psychosis', and the political and economic factors that allowed his movement to persist.

A Gemstone Darkly

Authored by Jim Keith, this article discusses the 'Gemstone File', a conspiracy theory that posits the Mafia was behind the assassinations of JFK, RFK, and MLK, with Aristotle Onassis as the alleged mastermind. Keith expresses initial skepticism but comes to consider the theory plausible after researching the subject and corresponding with Stephanie Caruana, who edited the original 1000 pages of Bruce Roberts' letters into a 24-page synopsis. The article touches upon the mysterious deaths of figures involved in conspiracy research and the paranoia surrounding the 'Gemstone File'. Keith also mentions threats received from the publisher of a competing book on the subject.

AIDS: ACT OF GOD OR THE PENTAGON?

Written by G.J. Krupey, this article examines the controversial theories surrounding the origins of AIDS. It discusses the initial hysteria surrounding the 'gay plague' and the ongoing confusion and prejudice surrounding the disease. The author focuses on a theory, once popular, that AIDS was the result of US military chemical-biological warfare research. The article references testimony from Dr. Donald M. MacArthur of the Department of Defense in 1969, who discussed the potential for creating synthetic biological agents that could be refractory to natural immunity. MacArthur's testimony outlined the feasibility, cost, and potential risks of such research, including the possibility of developing a germ resistant to human immune systems, which the author notes sounds similar to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. The article also touches upon the international treaty banning biowarfare and the subsequent loophole for 'defensive' research. It connects the emergence of AIDS in the early 1980s to the political climate and the struggles of the gay liberation movement.

Interviews

60s Into The 90s: An Interview Anthology

This section includes talks with notable figures such as Ram Dass, William Burroughs, Paul Krassner, and Amiri Baraka. The specific content of these interviews is not detailed in the provided text, but they are presented as a significant part of the issue.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue of Dharma Combat consistently explores themes of conspiracy, hidden truths, and alternative historical narratives. There is a clear interest in questioning official accounts and delving into controversial subjects, from the nature of messianic movements and the interpretation of religious texts to the alleged machinations of powerful organizations and governments. The editorial stance appears to favor critical inquiry and the presentation of less conventional viewpoints, encouraging readers to consider possibilities beyond mainstream understanding. The magazine also seems to bridge historical analysis with contemporary issues, as seen in the juxtaposition of Sabbatai Sevi's movement with the AIDS epidemic and conspiracy theories surrounding assassinations.

This issue of UFO Magazine, dated October 1991, delves into the controversial and complex theories surrounding the origin of AIDS, focusing on the possibility of it being a man-made biological weapon. The cover story, "Was AIDS an agent provocateur created to produce just the sort of internal 'clear and present danger' that would justify suspension of civil liberties and the imposition of martial law?", sets the tone for an in-depth investigation into military research, government secrecy, and alternative explanations for the pandemic.

The AIDS Conspiracy Theory

The article begins by recounting the initial reactions to AIDS, noting how it was quickly embraced by both the right and mainstream conservatives as a symbol of homosexuality's perceived immorality. It highlights the panic and confusion surrounding the disease's spread to diverse groups like IV drug users, hemophiliacs, and Haitians, leading to numerous, often illogical, theories about its origin.

One prominent theory discussed is the "African Green Monkey theory," which posits transmission from monkeys to humans in Africa. However, the article quickly pivots to more sinister possibilities, particularly the idea that AIDS was man-made and genetically engineered in a laboratory. This theory gained traction following an article in the New Delhi newspaper The Patriot on July 4, 1984, which claimed AIDS was a CBW (Chemical and Biological Warfare) agent developed at the US Army's Biological Warfare Laboratory at Fort Detrick, Maryland. The article cites alleged evidence from the Army's own publications, naming Lt. Col. Karl Pedersen, Jr. and Col. John Albertson as key figures.

International Accusations and Disinformation

The accusation of AIDS being man-made escalated into an international controversy when the Soviet journal Literaturnya Gazeta repeated the charges in October 1985. While American newspapers largely ignored the story, the Soviets continued to promote it, quoting physicians like John Seale and Nathaniel Lehrman. This led to an official protest from the US ambassador to the Soviet Union. In 1986, East German scientists Jakob and Lilli Segal further fueled the theory with their pamphlet "AIDS: USA Home Made Evil; Not Imported from Africa." Their claims were investigated by US embassy officials, who Segal believed were concerned about a cover-up.

The story gained significant attention when the London Sunday Express published an article on October 26, 1986, featuring interviews with Segal, Seale, and Dr. Robert Strecker, another proponent of the bio-warfare agent theory. This Western publication alarmed the State Department, which later released a "chronology of disinformation campaign" to discredit the New Delhi Patriot.

The Role of Fort Detrick and Military Research

The article extensively explores the potential involvement of Fort Detrick's facilities in the creation or study of AIDS. It notes that in 1969, parts of the Fort Detrick's Biological Warfare Laboratory were renamed the Frederick Cancer Research Facility and given to the National Cancer Institute. The military's continued interest in AIDS research is questioned, particularly given its record on gay and minority rights. The article suggests the military's motivation might be self-serving, citing a 1987 report that the US military was stockpiling vaccines and drugs for its own protection during a biological war, with unclassified treatments eventually finding non-military uses.

Colonel David L. Huxsoll, chief of UAAMRIID, is quoted as stating that while the Soviets claimed AIDS was disinformation, Army laboratories had screened the virus as an infectious agent. Huxsoll reportedly admitted that the Army had "definitely looked at it." The Pentagon itself admitted in April 1987 to being involved in research to find a cure for AIDS, a stance the article finds suspicious given the military's perceived lack of concern for affected populations.

The Hepatitis B Vaccine Connection

A significant portion of the article focuses on the theory linking AIDS to the hepatitis B vaccine trials conducted in New York City in November 1978. Candidates were exclusively non-monogamous males, aged 20-40, with homosexuals receiving a different vaccine. Within two months, the first AIDS case was diagnosed, and by 1984, 64% of participants in that study had AIDS. Similar "vaccination" programs were conducted in other cities in 1982, involving over 1400 gay men.

The article questions how this connects to Haitians, IV drug users, and hemophiliacs, and the AIDS plague in Africa. It dismisses the mainstream media's explanation of AIDS originating in Africa and spreading through Haitian teachers, white gay American tourists, IV drug users, and contaminated blood supplies.

Alternative Theories and Suspect Deaths

Dr. Robert Strecker's theories are given considerable attention. He concluded that AIDS was a man-made disease, not exclusively homosexual, transmissible by mosquitoes, and that condoms were ineffective. He theorized AIDS was a hybrid virus, splicing together bovine leukemia virus and sheep visna virus. Strecker predicted the decimation of Africa and warned of possible human extermination if a cure wasn't found. His views were largely dismissed or ridiculed by the media.

The article also touches upon the suspicious deaths of individuals connected to Strecker's work. His brother, Ted Strecker, died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, and Illinois state representative Douglas Huff died of a heroin and cocaine overdose. The article suggests these deaths might have been staged to discredit Strecker and his theories.

The HIV Hypothesis and Mycoplasma

The article notes that the AIDS-Biowarfare conspiracy theory is less palatable partly due to the discrediting of the HIV hypothesis. It mentions Dr. Luc Montagnier, who isolated HIV, now repudiating the HIV hypothesis and suggesting mycoplasmas as the real culprits, acting as co-factors to the HIV virus. Scientist Shyh-Ching Lo identified a previously unknown infectious agent, a mycoplasma microbe, which he named VLIA (Virus Like Infectious Agent), causing AIDS-like symptoms in monkeys. Lo's findings were reportedly kept low-profile due to "army security."

Conspiratology and Esotericism

The final section, by Tim O'Neill, titled "Mysterium Coniunctionis," explores the parallels between anti-esotericism, conspiratology, and traditional esoteric teachings. O'Neill argues that both seek a central, unified source for understanding the universe and historical events. Conspiracy theories often focus on human-based cabals (like the Illuminati), exceptional individuals (like Hitler), or non-human forces (like extraterrestrials). He posits that the core of conspiracy questing is the need to find the source of human pain and suffering, often viewing "Evil" as an absolute metaphysical reality.

O'Neill contrasts this with traditional metaphysics, where evil is seen as a tool for universal attainment and harmony. He suggests that while conspiracy theories offer panoramic vistas of hidden history, they often focus on the "shadow side" and mistake parts for the whole. The ultimate conspiracy, he suggests, involves a mysterious "Lord of the World" who transcends human and non-human categories. He concludes that the true metaphysical foundations of conspiracy originate at the end of Time and Space, and that understanding the true nature of "conspiracy" requires rising above dualistic thinking.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the potential military origins of AIDS, government secrecy and disinformation, the questioning of official scientific narratives, and the broader philosophical implications of conspiracy theories. The editorial stance appears to be one of deep skepticism towards official explanations and a willingness to explore unconventional and controversial theories, particularly those involving government and military involvement in public health crises. The magazine encourages readers to question authority and seek alternative explanations for complex phenomena.

Title: Steamshovel Press
Issue: Vol. 1, No. 3
Date: Spring 1993
Publisher: Steamshovel Press
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of Steamshovel Press features several in-depth articles exploring controversial topics, including the life and death of scientist Wilhelm Reich, a critical examination of the California prison system, and discussions on apocalypticism and UFO theories.

Wilhelm Reich Died For Einstein's Sins by Jim Martin

Jim Martin investigates the circumstances surrounding the death of Wilhelm Reich, M.D., suggesting that his imprisonment and subsequent death were not due to his therapeutic work or the orgone accumulator, but rather his discoveries concerning the biological effects of nuclear radiation. The article details Reich's "Oranur Experiment" in 1952, where he found that no shielding was possible against these effects, a finding that contradicted Einstein's theory of relativity. Martin recounts Reich's correspondence with Einstein, who initially showed interest but later discontinued communication, possibly due to pressure or a contrived explanation of convection. The author posits that the FDA, influenced by doctors threatened by Reich's work and the Atomic Energy Commission, launched an investigation that led to criminal proceedings. Reich's death, shortly after his parole date, is questioned, with his daughter Eva Reich, M.D., believing he was murdered. The article concludes that Reich's groundbreaking discoveries, which are now being used under different names, were met with a conspiracy of silence.

Hotel Kalifornia by Wayne Henderson

Wayne Henderson provides a scathing critique of the California Department of Corrections (CDC) and the broader prison system, labeling it as one of the most profitable growth industries in the state. The article highlights the immense financial transactions involved in the normal operations of the CDC and county jails, estimating billions of dollars changing hands annually. Henderson argues that a high rate of recidivism is deliberately maintained by an "unbalanced parole system" that ensures individuals are returned to prison for parole violations, even without new crimes. Despite the profitability, correctional officers are depicted as low-paid "scut-workers" who are outnumbered by prisoners at a ratio of approximately 20:1. The article suggests that the "real money" is pocketed by higher-ups, citing the example of Warden Robert Borg at Folsom State Prison, whose appointment was allegedly due to political connections rather than merit. The piece details the "criminal justice" process in California, from arrest to intake, emphasizing police quotas, the pressure to plead guilty, and the role of prosecutors in maintaining conviction rates. It also touches upon the conditions within county jails and state prisons, including the confiscation of mail and packages, and the exploitation of prisoners in "Prison Industries Authority" shops. The article also raises concerns about covert medical experimentation, mentioning the transfer of AIDS patients to Folsom and the potential for the spread of the virus within the prison population.

Or Was It The Sins of the Air Force? by Kenn Thomas

Kenn Thomas explores the potential involvement of the Air Force in the life and death of Wilhelm Reich, particularly concerning his theories on unidentified flying objects (UFOs). Thomas references Reich's "Contact With Space" and "Oranur Second Report," where Reich claimed the Air Force had a keen interest in his UFO work. The article notes that Edward Ruppelt, author of "The Report On Unidentified Flying Objects," had circulated information that Reich claimed was from high command levels of intelligence. Thomas suggests that it is not unreasonable to consider the Air Force's interest in "death ray" research during the Cold War as a motive for coveting Reich's findings. The disappearance of Reich's last manuscript, "Creation," which purportedly detailed an anti-gravity theory, is also mentioned as a suspicious event. The article concludes by stating that the threads of conspiracy surrounding Reich are difficult to follow, even decades later.

Book Reviews

Apocalypse Culture, edited by Adam Parfrey

This review discusses "Apocalypse Culture," an anthology edited by Adam Parfrey, which explores the irrationalism and paranoia of apocalyptic thinking as a dominant mode of national expression. The book is described as a sampling rather than a survey, offering discussions on the roots and purpose of apocalyptic thought. It includes contributions on historical werewolfism, modern manifestations, and interviews with various individuals associated with fringe or extreme subcultures. The review highlights essays on the case against art, the meaning of cultural trends, and the apocalyptic dimensions of nanotechnology. The book's overall view is presented as one of a culture pushed to extremes by modernism.

The Idle Warriors by Kerry Thornley

Kerry Thornley's novel about soldiers in post-war Japan is reviewed. The IllumiNet Press edition is noted as the first complete publication. The review mentions new introductions by the author and David S. Lifton, who is known for his work on the JFK assassination. Thornley's speculation that he and Oswald were part of a Nazi breeding experiment is mentioned, though this is presented as part of an unpublished effort. The book is described as containing "mondo fodder" for those interested in conspiracy theories.

Who Killed John Lennon? by Fenton Bresler

This brief mention of Fenton Bresler's book suggests that it delves into the assassination of John F. Kennedy and the subsequent impact on the American psyche, fostering a sense of distrust in institutions and a readiness to believe the unbelievable.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Steamshovel Press include government conspiracy, the critique of institutional power (particularly the prison system and law enforcement), and the exploration of fringe science and controversial theories (Wilhelm Reich, UFOs). The editorial stance appears to be critical of established authorities and supportive of investigating alternative or suppressed narratives, often framing events within a context of conspiracy and hidden agendas. The magazine seems to cater to an audience interested in uncovering perceived truths that are not widely reported or accepted by mainstream media.

Steamshovel Press, Number Four, 1992, is a publication focused on conspiracy theories, government secrecy, and alternative perspectives on historical events and cultural figures. This issue prominently features a review of Fenton Bresler's book "Who Killed John Lennon?", which alleges that the U.S. government, specifically the CIA, was responsible for the assassination of the former Beatle.

Articles and Reviews

Who Killed John Lennon?

The issue delves into Fenton Bresler's controversial thesis that John Lennon was assassinated by a mind-controlled operative of the U.S. government. The article highlights Bresler's research into government documents and the findings of the Church Committee, which revealed U.S. involvement in political assassinations abroad. It suggests that Lennon's anti-war activism and influence made him a target for "malevolent political powers-that-be" who sought to prevent his resurgence in the 1980s. The review also touches upon Mark David Chapman's background and possible connections, noting Bresler's personal interviews with individuals involved in the case, including Yoko Ono.

Reviews of Other Books

Positively Bob Dylan by Michael Krogsgaard:
This review discusses a comprehensive book cataloging Bob Dylan's tapes, song lists, and musicians. It notes Dylan's connection to John Trudell's "AKA Graffiti Man" album, which mentioned Lennon as a potential victim of a Manchurian Candidate-type plot. The review points out that while the book is a formidable reference for Dylan enthusiasts, it omits certain details like on-stage banter and lyric variations.

The COINTELPRO Papers by Ward Churchill and Jim Vander Wall:
This review examines a book that reprints FBI memoranda detailing the COINTELPRO program. The program, initially aimed at the Communist Party, expanded to harass civil rights leaders and activists. The review notes that while the book exposes various FBI activities, it leaves unanswered questions about ongoing operations, mind-control programs, and links to events like the Jonestown massacre and the spread of AIDS.

Media Control, The Spectacular Achievements of Propaganda by Noam Chomsky:
Reviewed as one of the best in the "Open Magazine Pamphlet Series", Chomsky's essay analyzes how propaganda is used to shape public perception, particularly concerning the Persian Gulf War. The review notes Chomsky's critique of how the public is manipulated by a "classist conception of democracy" but suggests the essay lacks a discussion on why people fall for these manipulations.

Conspiracies, Cover-Ups and Crimes by Jonathan Vankin:
This review positions Vankin's book as an introduction to conspiracy theories for the uninitiated. While acknowledging Vankin's detailed approach and apparent belief in his subjects, the reviewer suggests the book doesn't delve into the deepest levels of conspiracy speculation. It mentions tidbits like Lyndon LaRouche's theories and Vankin's treatment of Kerry Thornley, but criticizes the omission of Zechariah Sitchin's work on UFO origins and John Lear.

Other Content

• Quotes: The issue includes notable quotes from Timothy Leary and Leonard Cohen, reflecting on the state of education and societal behavior during catastrophe.
• Letters and Correspondence: Mentions of "Caries, Cabals and Correspondence" and "Tales of Abbie Hoffman" suggest a section on personal accounts and interviews.
• Thematic Articles: The table of contents lists articles on diverse topics including "The Role of Richard Nixon and George Bush In The Assassination of President Kennedy", "Black Holes and the Trilateral Commission", "The Kabbalah Papers", and "AIDS: An Act of God Or The Pentagon?", indicating a broad scope of conspiracy and alternative topics.
• Future Issues: The "WHAT'S NEXT" section previews upcoming topics such as "AMERICAN NAZISM AND OZARK TOURISM", "HOLOCAUST REVISIONISM REVISITED", and an interview with KERRY THORNLEY.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The editorial stance of Steamshovel Press appears to be one of deep skepticism towards official narratives and a strong interest in uncovering hidden truths and government conspiracies. The publication consistently explores themes of government overreach, manipulation of information, and the questioning of established historical accounts. The focus on figures like John Lennon, Bob Dylan, and the examination of programs like COINTELPRO suggest an interest in how power structures impact individuals and society. The magazine promotes a "NO THEORY" approach, implying a focus on presenting evidence and analysis, even if controversial, rather than pure speculation.