Swamp Gas Journal - 1982 Volume 2 Number 4 and 5

Magazine Overview

Title: The Swamp Gas Journal
Issue: Volume 2, Numbers 4/5
Date: January, 1982
ISSN: 0707 7106
Publisher: Chris Rutkowski
Country: Canada

This issue of The Swamp Gas Journal, dated January 1982, features a lead article titled "Shoestring Space Science" which critically examines the state of science in the face of budget cuts and public skepticism. It delves into the challenges facing ufology, the debate between creation and evolution, and reviews Robert Sheaffer's book "The UFO Verdict". The journal also includes a list of recently received zines and books, and a section on "Current Articles of Interest".

Shoestring Space Science

The lead article, "Shoestring Space Science," opens by noting the dramatic cuts to NASA's budget, which are hindering astronomical and space research. This occurs concurrently with the creation versus evolution debate in courts and a US Federal court ruling against CAUS's attempt to obtain secret UFO papers from the CIA. The author questions the direction of science, contrasting the "computer age" with plummeting science budgets and societal issues like unemployment and starvation. The article posits that science is "under fire."

It questions whether ufology can survive, referencing David Swift's article "A Tale of Two CETIS" which outlined problems for exobiologists and ufologists. The author notes that CETI researchers focus on communication across space, while ufologists argue ET life is already present but unresponsive. The article highlights that ufologists are unfunded, while CETI research faces elimination due to political pressure (e.g., Senator Proxmire), yet the Space Shuttle receives more funding, framed as a defense instrument rather than a scientific tool.

The piece discusses the public's distrust and rejection of science, attributing it partly to the use of "complicated" terminology. It acknowledges that many scientists admit a large percentage of published papers are of little consequence, contributing to the "publish or perish" academic culture. The author states that science cannot solve all problems, such as inflation or unemployment, which can be described by equations but not solved by them. Science is presented as a way for mankind to understand its existence, and rejecting it is akin to refusing to understand the universe or oneself.

The creation/evolution debate is deemed illogical, as "believing" in evolution does not preclude an act of creation, and vice versa. The author questions the relevance of this debate beyond being another rejection of science.

Senator Proxmire's criticism of CETI programs for lacking immediately observable benefits is acknowledged as valid in one sense, but it fails to consider the "human" aspect of science. Astronomy is presented as a means to keep human egos in check, highlighting humanity's insignificance in the universe. CETI (or SETI) is described as a necessary reaching-out exercise for thinking individuals, beyond the scope of mere equations.

The article then references Carl Sagan's response to Senator Proxmire's comments on space research funding, where Sagan questioned how long humanity would be around, implying the urgency of space exploration.

Why Are We Doing This, Anyway?

This section reflects on the purpose and accomplishments of ufology. The author notes that while the idea of examining values and achievements is necessary, ufologists have often been dismissed by skeptics as misguided. However, the article points to Raymond Fowler's statement in "Casebook of a UFO Investigator" that "CIVILIAN UFO RESEARCH IS AT A DEAD END." This statement prompts a deeper consideration of what has been achieved in over 30 years of UFO research, with the admission that the true nature of UFOs remains unknown.

The author discusses the issue of misidentifications, noting that Klass, Oberg, and Sheaffer have pointed out that many "good" cases were poorly investigated. Oberg's winning of the Cutty Sark UFO Contest is mentioned, with his assertion that UFO research has gone nowhere. Hynek's astronaut UFO sightings are noted as having been qualified after Oberg's critique.

The role of debunkers like Klass is examined. While they are criticized for encouraging negative views of "pseudoscience" subjects like UFOs, they are also seen as serving a useful purpose by questioning commonly accepted beliefs and pointing out flaws in investigations, thereby stimulating UFO researchers to produce better work.

The article questions what spurs UFO researchers, noting that it is largely a hobby, often an "obsession," pursued without financial gain. It then asks if these efforts have been worth it, concluding that they have, in a sense, by providing interesting accounts and exploring Nature's whims.

The author defends the objective investigation of UFO reports in the name of science, regardless of whether UFOs are real. The question of whether civilian UFO research is at a dead end is revisited, suggesting that while file-reporting groups may be unproductive, the role of civilian groups in information gathering and proliferation is essential for the continued reporting and noting of UFO phenomena.

Book Review: The UFO Verdict - Examining the Evidence by Robert Sheaffer

This review analyzes Robert Sheaffer's book, which is described as a contribution from "the other side of the fence" of ufology and a classic example of the debunkers' style. The book is recommended for both "believers" and "non-believers" for its aim to assist readers in critically analyzing UFO accounts.

The review highlights Sheaffer's investigation of the Jimmy Carter UFO, which he identified as Venus, noting that his investigation relied on luck. Sheaffer's discussion of the "UFO movement" and its infighting is mentioned, along with a brief critique of the Condon Report, where the review suggests Sheaffer's explanation for the unidentified reports is flawed.

Sheaffer's chapter on evidence is discussed, with points about "landing rings" and the mention of "little green men in pickle jars." The review finds his discussion of the Hill abduction and the "dream or reality" problem to be well-written.

However, the review criticizes Sheaffer's chapter on photographic evidence for its sarcastic style. His comment on the McMinnvile photo's "antenna" is cited as an example. Sheaffer's conclusion that the lack of good UFO photos means no genuine UFOs exist is noted, with the reviewer agreeing that while many photos are fakes or misidentifications, it doesn't disprove the existence of UFOs.

The review mentions Sheaffer's analogy that UFOs do not exist, similar to how fairies were once believed but later disproven. Sheaffer's theory on why 100% of UFOs cannot be explained is presented as a "noise" in the system, a "skeptics' cop-out" or a sensible way to deal with unexplained sightings.

Sheaffer's chapter on Exeter is described as a good review. His chapter on SETI is found curious, as he is pro-SETI but notes the trend that ET life does not exist. The term "jealous phenomenon" for UFOs is discussed, and the lack of multiple independent photos of the same UFO is questioned.

The review notes Sheaffer's facetious account of the Spaur UFO chase, where he attributes the sightings to Venus. Sheaffer's prediction of a flap following the CE3K movie is mentioned, along with his explanations for the Kaikoura UFO.

Ultimately, the review concludes that while Sheaffer's book is full of detailed case investigations and derisive comments, his strong anti-UFO bias weakens its "objectivity." Nevertheless, he is recognized as a good writer who has produced a book noteworthy for its skeptical view.

Journal UFO and Other Books

The "Journal UFO" is noted as having published its last issue in 1981 due to financial burdens, leaving Canada without a comparable ufozine. The section "More Books Recently Added to the UFOROM Library" lists several titles:

• Canada's Psi-Century by W.G. Barton (ed.): Accounts of psychic experiences, including UFO-like ones.
• Pulse of the Universe: Harmonic 288 by Bruce Cathie: An explanation of his "field lines" for UFOs.
• UFO Encounters by R.G. Gelman and M. Seligson: A children's book on UFOs.
• Paranormal Borderlands of Science by K. Frazier (ed.): A collection of articles from "The Skeptical Inquirer" strongly "anti-pseudoscience."
• The Dyfed Enigma by R.J. Pugh and F.W. Holiday: Discusses UFO sightings in Wales, including animal reactions.
• UFO's and the Limits of Science by R.D. Story: Presents noted cases with analysis from both debunkers' and proponents' perspectives.

"Current Articles of Interest" lists:

• "The Discovery, Care and Feeding of Intelligent Aliens" by Peter Molton: A CETI article on contact prospects.
• "Galactic Civilizations: Population Dynamics and Interstellar Diffusion" by W.I. Newman and C. Sagan: An article explaining why Earth has not been colonized by extraterrestrials.
• "On the Formation of Ball Lightning" by P.A. Silberg: Postulates ball lightning formation.

The issue concludes with a list of "Blatant, everyday lies" and the journal's contact information.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the challenges and criticisms facing scientific inquiry, particularly in the fields of astronomy and ufology. There is a strong emphasis on skepticism towards UFO claims, exemplified by the review of Robert Sheaffer's debunking book. The journal appears to present a balanced, though leaning towards skeptical, perspective on paranormal phenomena, acknowledging the value of critical analysis while also defending the importance of scientific curiosity and the pursuit of understanding the unknown. The editorial stance seems to advocate for a rigorous, evidence-based approach to science and ufology, while also recognizing the inherent human drive to explore and question.