Stigmata - Issue 18

Magazine Overview

Title: STIGMATA
Issue: 18
Date: Third Quarter - 1982
Publisher: PROJECT STIGMA
Country: USA
Price: $1.50

This issue of STIGMATA, titled "THE PROJECT STIGMA REPORT ON THE CONTINUING INVESTIGATION INTO THE OCCURRENCE OF ANIMAL MUTILATIONS," presents a collection of reader letters and commentary on the ongoing investigation into animal mutilations. It also touches upon related topics such as government secrecy, UFOs, and ancient texts.

Subscription and Back Issue Information

STIGMATA is published quarterly. Annual subscriptions for addresses in the United States, Canada, and Mexico are $5.00 (U.S. funds). Subscriptions for all countries outside the U.S., Canada, and Mexico are $10.00 (U.S. funds) per year. The publication prefers to accept subscriptions for calendar years. Subscriptions beyond 1982 will not be accepted before the publication of STIGMATA no. 19 (Fourth Quarter, 1982).

Back issues available include numbers 13, 14, and 15 (from 1981) at $2.00 each (U.S., Canada, Mexico) and $3.00 each (all other countries). Individual copies of the 1982 issues (16, 17, 18, and the upcoming 19) are $1.50 each (U.S., Canada, Mexico) and $2.50 each (all other countries).

Subscribers are informed that payment must be in U.S. cash, U.S. money orders, Canadian cash, or checks drawn on United States banks. For foreign subscribers facing accommodation issues, they are encouraged to contact PROJECT STIGMA for exchange arrangements.

The address for PROJECT STIGMA is P.O. Box 1094, Paris, Texas 75460, U.S.A. The publication also announces "CRUX IS COMING," a new publication.

Letters and Commentary

Brian Parks (Torrance, California)

Brian Parks expresses that while animal mutilations are not his primary interest, he finds STIGMATA to be informative and more responsible than mainstream media. He notes that Dr. Vallee is one of the few popular writers giving the subject serious attention. Parks is glad to see increased interest and hopes for success in the research, suggesting that organized data may lead to answers.

Parks' attention was caught by the report on "Grudge 13," referencing Project Grudge/Blue Book Report Number 13. He cites Stanton T. Friedman, who mentioned that indications suggest Blue Book Report 13 existed and was classified. Friedman questioned the validity of report #14, noting that if it were Blue Book Special Report Number 14, people would have asked for reports one through 13. Reports 1-12 surfaced in the 1960s and were classified. Friedman argues that their classification would be hard to justify if there was no security angle, especially if they were admitted in 1955. He recounts being told by two individuals that they had seen a copy of report #13 and that it was Top Secret.

Parks agrees that much information remains classified, and the Freedom of Information Act has been largely ineffective, particularly when document existence is classified. He highlights the difficulty of accessing classified material without proof of its existence, stating that "National Security" reasons allow for classification.

He also notes that information has surfaced regarding crashed UFOs and subsequent retrievals, with the Roswell case being thoroughly investigated and corroborated. Parks requests any information PROJECT STIGMA might have on crashed UFOs and retrievals, as well as abductions and close approaches. He mentions John Keel's indication that the Air Force took a serious interest in these cases long before civilian researchers, and that abductions and contactees gained popularity in the 1970s.

John A. Keel

John A. Keel offers a speculative prediction that the animal mutilations may have served their purpose, and something entirely new and unexpected might occur in 1981 or 1982. He anticipates a diversion tactic that will mislead "ufonuts" into feuding over it, diverting attention from the real issue.

Frank Colacarro, Jr. (Colonia, New Jersey)

Frank Colacarro, Jr. discusses the STIGMATA #13 article on the Iona Hoeppner case. After extensive reading on cattle mutilations, he has narrowed down the possibilities to two theories:
1. Secret autopsies by intelligence agencies or military for testing biological weapons or monitoring environmental pollution.
2. Extraterrestrials conducting a biological survey of Earth.

Colacarro believes the Hoeppner case supports the extraterrestrial theory due to the microscopic examination of a hide sample, which showed cuts between cells without damaging them—a feat beyond current technology. He also points to the red liquid found near the calf's mouth with strange rectangles and the two break-ins at the school. He suggests that intelligence agents might have stolen samples, explaining the mystery helicopters seen near mutilation areas. He concludes that the government is heavily invested in investigating these events clandestinely.

Paul Faughnan (Flushing, New York)

Paul Faughnan suggests that the "mystery helicopters" sector of mute reports is a fruitful area for investigation. He proposes mapping sighting locations to identify potential logistical supply bases and inquiring with manufacturers about large commercial copter purchases in mute-prone areas.

Faughnan also notes an article discussing chemical and biological warfare, finding similarities between the techniques used in muting cases and those used by chemists to determine the toxicity of C-B agents. He suggests examining incidents of rape and missing persons reports in cities near mute sites, paying attention to victim status, and posits that psycho-sexual terrorism might be a driving force.

Vince White (Kansas City, Missouri)

Vince White, a ufologist, provides historical context on Project GRUDGE, initiated on February 11, 1949. He describes it as part of an "AF-staged farce" involving ATIC and the Pentagon. He references Ruppelt's account of the early UFO era. GRUDGE, part one, was reborn as GRUDGE TWO on February 27, 1951.

White views studies like BLUEBOOK as elaborate security facades, with Air Force personnel being used as "cutouts." He finds it curious that a real covert project would share the name "Project GRUDGE" with a low-level PR tool. He supports Stan Friedman's assertion that Project #13 contains much more information than has been leaked. He believes numerous volumes of reports exist, but Project GRUDGE report #13 is a separate question. He notes that with increasing computerization, hard copy reports are becoming less available, which is both a strength and a weakness for information access.

White suggests that early UFO history (1945-55) provides insight into early security methods, where secrecy and smoke generators sometimes failed, revealing operational procedures. He contrasts this with today's more seamless, centralized policy control systems. He specifically mentions the ROSWELL INCIDENT as an example of early leaks and rash PR statements due to a lack of refined policy. He believes a UFO crash today would not result in an AF base commander speaking freely to reporters due to established ground rules.

He criticizes the movie "Hanger 18" for its crude depiction of government operations, portraying isolated UFO incidents divorced from a larger context. However, he acknowledges that the film did convey a sense of how far decision-makers would go to withhold information and that individuals appearing foolish might not be so.

White also read the "Covert Capers Crown Colorado Cow Case" with appreciation, noting the alliteration and the importance of the data and its subsequent handling. He views the "burglary" and other events as indicative of a vast, well-organized intelligence and counterintelligence operation concerning muting and UFOs.

He posits that anyone involved in mute research is likely computer dossiered, with systems like HARVEST (NSA supercomputer) potentially monitoring communications. He suggests that security alerts might be triggered by keywords related to mutilations, leading to notifications of relevant personnel, or that covert field surveillance might be employed. He also mentions the possibility of military choppers monitoring mute activity and investigating humans.

Further Commentary on GRUDGE 13

George Andrews (Drury, Missouri) comments on Project Grudge Report Number 13, drawing parallels between its language and Sanskrit. He suggests that the phenomenon might represent the return of Indra and his companions, the "soma-drinkers." He quotes passages from the "Yajur-Veda" and the "Atharva-Veda," translated from Sanskrit, which describe Indra, soma, and celestial beings, relating them to concepts of power, light, and overcoming foes.

Commentary on Soma

The text elaborates on soma, describing it as a liquid chlorophyl infusion with specific alkaloidal content, prepared similarly to ayahuasca potions. It notes that original texts describe soma as a creeping plant, not a mushroom, though psychedelic mushrooms might have been added later. The text speculates that the soma plant, once valuable, could have been over-harvested to extinction. The author's guess is that a vine related to the ayahuasca vine once grew in northern India but was over-harvested.

The Vedic hymns suggest that during their composition, contact between humans and non-human celestials was socially approved and religiously significant. This is contrasted with modern attitudes that dismiss such manifestations as foolish or insane. The text states that plants with soma-like effects are now illegal. It concludes by suggesting that instead of renewing an "ancient alliance" with celestial beings, politicians chose war, which could have devastating consequences. The author humbly opines that for civilization to survive, humanity must recognize these beings and attempt to renew the ancient alliance.

E. Edwin Austin (Orange, California)

E. Edwin Austin describes "the incident which put me into animal mutilation research." In early 1980, while driving towards Los Angeles, he conversed with a truck driver on CB channel 19 about cattle mutilations. The driver mentioned mutilations around Grand Junction, Colorado, and described a "weird hunting incident" in "24 Mile Canyon." The canyon is known for outlaws and sightings of weird lights.

Intrigued, Austin arranged to visit Grand Junction. The trucker, his wife, and Austin went to 24-mile Canyon with three high-powered rifles and ammunition. Inside the canyon, an unmarked helicopter appeared, veered out of sight, and landed beyond the rim. About half an hour later, they heard a warning shot fired from the rim. They took cover and moved towards the shot's source but took no further action. They then proceeded to explore, finding an old, long-unused cult site at the entrance to a mine, and a modern, military-style message drop in a rock crack, which was empty. They also found two obvious sentry points, suggesting two individuals were present, one with adult shoes and the other with very small shoes, neither with treaded soles like ranchers or prospectors.

On their way out, they encountered a middle-aged man and a young boy on horses, dragging a pack horse, heading up the canyon. Everyone was armed, so no sudden moves were made.

They returned to Grand Junction and went to the airport, where they saw the returning helicopter. The pilot and a passenger, claiming to be a Forest Service Ranger and a charter pilot, stated they were there to count horses. Austin notes that there is no National Forest in the area and very few horses. They left laughing.

Frank Leano (FAA Flight Standards District Office, Long Beach, California)

Frank Leano discussed with the author the lack of visible markings on a helicopter, noting only small license numbers on the tail boom. He stated that FAA regulations (FAR 45:27 and FAR 45:29) require twenty-inch license marks on the fuselage and six-inch marks on the sides under the windows, which this helicopter lacked. Leano suggested that "white spots" on helicopters potentially linked to muting might be whitewashed, allowing pilots to hose them off before returning to base.

Tome To Torpedo Mutes

This section reviews the upcoming book "Mute Evidence" by Daniel Kagan and Ian Summers, to be published by Bantam. The book's publication date has been repeatedly pushed back, with the latest expectation being spring of 1983. The author expresses doubt about Bantam's hesitation, questioning whether there is a market for such a book or if other reasons are at play. They suggest that Bantam may have missed an opportunity by not publishing the book in October 1982 to coincide with the release of the mute movie "Endangered Species."

The article notes that Kagan and Summers gathered data and interviewed mute researchers. Initially, some wag suggested they were urban individuals unfamiliar with the subject. However, they impressed most people as serious, and it was expected that the book would provide a fair and intelligent airing of the mute phenomenon.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of STIGMATA revolve around the persistent mystery of animal mutilations, the perceived lack of transparency and the existence of government cover-ups regarding UFOs and related phenomena, and the exploration of ancient texts for potential connections to modern unexplained events. The editorial stance, as inferred from the selection of letters and commentary, is one of critical inquiry, skepticism towards official explanations, and an openness to unconventional theories, including those involving extraterrestrial intelligence and historical/mythological parallels. The publication actively encourages reader participation and values diverse perspectives on these complex subjects.

This issue of STIGMATA, spanning pages 11 through 19, focuses heavily on the ongoing debate and investigation into cattle mutilations, while also touching upon UFO phenomena and alleged government cover-ups. The publication critically examines various theories and reports, presenting a complex picture of the subject matter.

Analysis of Kagan and Summers' Theory

The issue begins by discussing the book by Kagan and Summers, which largely denies and debunks the reality of classic mutilations. Reporter Chas S. Clifton's article in the COLORADO SPRINGS SUN is highlighted for tying together elements of the 'mute problem' and focusing on Kagan's denouncement of mutes. According to Clifton's excerpts, Kagan accepts only seven cases as 'classic' mutilations, attributing them to cultists. Kagan and Summers' theory suggests that the mutilation wave enabled Americans to project social feelings and fears of the mid-1970s (Watergate, OPEC embargo, Vietnam War withdrawal) into conspiracy theories about big business, government, intelligence agencies, and warped combat veterans. They posit that the helicopter, a symbol of the Vietnam War, played a large part in these stories. The explanation offered for the few accepted cases is that members of Satanic cults, inspired by media reports, decided to replicate them. Kagan is quoted as saying, "The ghost has not been laid to rest because there is no ghost," implying that "copycat" mutilators were copying a myth born from psychological unrest and natural predator damage.

Project Stigma's Counterpoint to Occam's Razor

Reporter Clifton further commented in a letter to Project Stigma, describing mutilations as an 'octopus' of a case. He noted Kagan's tendency to point out how reporters and 'mutologists' fit facts to a pre-conceived theory, such as 'cult/UFOs/coyotes.' Clifton acknowledges that Kagan's and Summers' explanation fits 'Occam's Razor' due to its simplicity and minimal extraterrestrial involvement, but suggests they might be overlooking something.

Project Stigma agrees with the tendency toward presumption but finds 'Occam's Razor' doesn't always pass the 'smell test.' They suspect that some situations require more complex explanations and that apparent complexity can arise from the inclusion of peripheral or disinformation. The issue refers to two events involving Kagan & Summers in 1982, including a panel discussion on mutilations organized by Peter A. Jordan. During this panel, Dan Kagan vehemently argued that mutes are a myth, accepting only six 'classic' cases and dismissing peripheral evidence like tracks, UFO sightings, and helicopters.

Project Stigma argues that peripheral evidence should not be ignored, as it may prove as relevant as direct evidence. They suggest that Kagan and Summers might be misjudging farmers and ranchers, accusing them of ignorance of basic anatomy and disease, and suffering from a 'mass-mythic-hysteria.' Project Stigma believes Kagan and Summers are wrong and their book, while potentially well-written, will be ultimately irrelevant.

Peter Jordan's Research and Publications

Peter Jordan, who conducted paranormal classes in New Jersey, authored 'GLIMPSES THROUGH A LOOKING GLASS,' a monograph on psychic analysis of mutilation data. This work is being reprinted in 'FORTEAN TIMES,' and Jordan is writing an article for 'APPLIED PSY.' He previously sold an article on mutilations to 'SCIENCE DIGEST,' which the magazine has not yet published.

GRUDGE 13 UPDATE

The issue details an investigation into 'Toulinet,' who claimed intimate knowledge of 'Project Grudge Report No. 13' and human mutilations. An anonymous ufologist investigated Toulinet's claims, which were later criticized by 'X-9.' The investigator, however, rejected 'X-9's assessment. The report includes details of a B-52 aircraft crash in Vietnam, allegedly investigated by Toulinet and Special Forces personnel. The B-52 was found intact, with crew bodies on board, after reportedly being attacked by a UFO or a 'large light.' Communication had been received from the B-52 before it went down. 'X-9' questioned Toulinet's military rank and background. The investigator found that Toulinet was 'separated' from the service and underwent a 'reindoctrination' program, with his hospitalization for a 'nervous breakdown' being a cover story. This led Toulinet to a 'Listening Post' near London, where he examined 'Grudge 13.' The investigator and Toulinet reportedly investigated human mutilation reports and knew the identities of some victims, but concluded writing a book about it would be 'too dangerous,' citing attempts on Toulinet's life.

William L. Moore, co-author of 'THE PHILADELPHIA EXPERIMENT' and 'THE ROSWELL INCIDENT,' offers a different assessment, calling Toulinet's 'Grudge 13' story 'garbage' and stating Toulinet is unreliable. Moore, citing two sources privy to information about the alleged 'Grudge 13,' states their testimony does not align with Toulinet's story. Moore also claims Toulinet lacked proper security clearance and that Toulinet admitted to making up the 'Grudge 13' story. Moore has obtained documentation that sheds light on 'Blue Book Report 13,' suggesting it dealt with the reality of UFOs as extraterrestrial craft rather than crashed saucers and alien bodies.

MUTILATION DATA CENTER REPORT

E. Edwin Austin provides an interim report on his research into livestock mutilations as of March 1, 1982. His foundation is built on a year and a half of study of media, science, and personal investigations, including a careful study of 201 case histories.

Chemical/Biological Warfare and Mutilations

The issue explores the theory that armies use chemical/biological weapons, which are hampered by environmental factors. Experimentation has been extensive since the 1940s, with the U.S. using delivery systems originally developed for agriculture. In 1969, the U.S. Department of Agriculture operated a biological warfare research facility on Plum Island, Connecticut, focused on livestock diseases. Numerous corporations and universities were involved in anti-food warfare research. The U.S. conducted a large-scale test of anti-food warfare on Vietnamese crops and livestock and, between 1949 and 1969, conducted 239 secret chemical/biological warfare experiments on its citizens. The article criticizes the tendency to attribute mutilations to UFOs or 'little green men from Mars,' suggesting that military agents and propagandists interfere with local law enforcement. The presence of military-connected companies and university researchers suggests genetic and trace element research are involved.

Cults as a Mutilation Explanation

Cults are presented as a source of animal and human mutilation deaths, with intelligence agents gathering data on these events. The military is considered a primary source of cult mutilation information, as cultists attack only animals used in rituals, whereas military experimentation affects entire herds, leaving detectable residues. New Mexico State Police Officer Gabe Valdez and civilian investigator Howard Burgess are mentioned in relation to this.

Physical Evidence and Investigation

Robert Blake, a Simla, Colorado rancher, found a white powder on a mutilated horse that showed a penetration characteristic consistent with military chemical/biological warfare agents. Sheep nearby began displaying metabolic disturbances and glowing eyes. Slight damage to nearby vegetation was consistent with helicopter downwash. The issue notes two incidents where farmers were fired upon by occupants of military-type helicopters. The article also discusses 'psychotics' as a cause for mutilations, characterized by frenzy and crude weapons, citing the case of Richard Trenton Chase. 'Food' is identified as another category, where parts are taken, with three STIGMATA cases ruled as such by law enforcement.

A new line of investigation is suggested, focusing on examining nearby living animals and vegetation with ultra-violet and infrared light for anomalous substances and disturbances, drawing parallels to findings regarding chemical war weapons used in Cambodia, Afghanistan, and Yemen.

The 'Cult' Scapegoat Tactic

E. Edwin Austin's late report from April 1982 suggests a danger to the Vampire Information Network and unusual religions, which are being used as scapegoats for chemical/biological warfare experiments on livestock. The military's attempts to explain mutilations as predator activity or 'little green men from Mars' failed. The next tactic was to blame 'cults,' with Dr. J. Allen Hynek allegedly setting up convicted felons to provide information about cultists involved in rituals. Propagandists then used this to present 'cults' as the sole source of mutilations. The FBI took over investigations in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and ridicule was directed at those who refused to accept this narrative. The article mentions James Stewart, Dr. Henry Montieth, and Kendrick Frazier as individuals promoting these views. Despite some cultists being convicted, the rural population has become hostile to unusual religions.

Mute Movies: 'The Return' and 'Endangered Species'

The issue reviews two films related to mutilations. "The Return," a 1981 film acquired by Home Box Office, is described as a disappointment, featuring a plot element of classic mutilations involving cow parts being sucked into a "black hole" in New Mexico. The film is criticized for its lack of plot development despite having notable actors. "Endangered Species," formerly titled "Cows," starring Robert Urich and JoBeth Williams, is scheduled for release in October 1982. The publication expresses hope that this film will offer a decent rendering of a mute-related plot.

New Mutilation Publication: 'Altered Steaks'

Tom Clark, Lewis Macadams, and David Perkins (aka Izzy Zane) have published 'ALTERED STEAKS,' a colloquium on cattle mutilations. It is described as a transcript of a conversation, with some factual errors and controversial viewpoints, but offering a good grasp of Izzy's perspective.

Announcing CRUX: A New Publication

Project Stigma is launching a new Fortean and paranormal newsletter called CRUX, which will extend beyond the bounds of mutilation situations and include data that doesn't fit into STIGMATA. The newsletter aims to reflect the 'chaos of civilization' and will cover UFOs and cryptozoology, among other topics. CRUX will initially be a one-shot publication, with pre-publication orders accepted for issue no. 1 at $3.00. If CRUX receives positive reception, it may be published regularly, potentially alternating with STIGMATA or replacing it. The verdict on CRUX will be announced in STIGMATA no. 19 or 20.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of STIGMATA revolve around the persistent mystery of cattle mutilations, the skepticism and alternative theories proposed by researchers like Kagan and Summers, and the potential for government or military involvement, including chemical/biological warfare. The publication consistently questions simplistic explanations, particularly 'Occam's Razor,' and advocates for the consideration of all evidence, including peripheral data. There's a strong undercurrent of distrust towards official narratives and a belief that significant phenomena are being deliberately obscured or misinterpreted. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, open-mindedness to unconventional explanations, and a dedication to uncovering the truth, even when it challenges established beliefs or involves potentially dangerous information.