Swamp Gas Journal - 1987 Volume 4 Number 2

Magazine Overview

Title: The Swamp Gas Journal
Issue: Volume 4, Number 2
Date: August, 1987
Publisher: UFOROM
ISSN: 0707-7106
Country: Canada
Language: English

Main Article: "Martian Alive:"

The issue opens with a discussion of a Canadian Broadcasting Corporation episode of "Man Alive" aired on April 1, 1987. The program featured artist and writer Budd Hopkins, who discussed his investigations into UFO abductees. Filmed at host Roy Bonisteel's home in Toronto, the episode included interviews with individuals such as psychologist John Musgrave and Terence Dickinson. Hopkins' presentation was linked to his book "Intruders," which followed his earlier work "Missing Time." "Intruders" details multiple abductions experienced by a woman named "Kathie" and her associates, friends, family, and neighbors.

Hopkins' research suggests a pattern of experimentation by aliens on humans, akin to longitudinal studies of the human biological system. He claims to have researched an equal number of male and female abductees and presents evidence suggesting aliens are conducting genetic experiments. This is supported by hypnotic regressions where subjects recall being on spacecraft and undergoing physiological tests. Women reportedly had ova removed, and men recalled intercourse with alien females, described by Hopkins as "rape." One woman claimed to have encountered and touched her "child," a hybrid alien/human. Hopkins postulates that such accounts are numerous and come from diverse backgrounds.

A "blind" study funded by the Fund For UFO Research involved psychological examinations of several abductees by an uninformed psychologist. The subjects exhibited no psychopathology beyond what was described as "mild paranoia." The article draws an analogy between these individuals and rape victims, suggesting that if the abductions were real, the trauma would be severe.

The article critically questions the proof for these claims, noting only "odd bowl-shaped marks on the legs of some abductees, and the consistency of their stories" as potential evidence. It suggests skeptics would easily dismiss the TV show and book. Beyond the lack of proof, the article ponders the explanation for such experiments. Hopkins suggests aliens might lack emotions like love, compassion, and sympathy and are attempting to breed them into their own race. The author finds this unsatisfying, questioning why a technologically superior race would need such emotions, which are often seen as hindrances to logical deduction in humans.

The author proposes an alternative: that aliens might be trying to breed *out* undesirable human traits, such as primitive instincts and urges that drive war, violence, and pleasure-seeking. The article notes that despite advancing technology, humans still lack the capacity to utilize it wisely, leading to high-tech warfare and societal irresponsibility. It references Oppenheimer and Einstein's concerns about humanity's emotional readiness for nuclear weapons, concluding that humans generally function with primitive emotions, lacking responsibility and foresight, making them "illogical."

Speculation on Alien Motives

The author further speculates that aliens might be trying to breed logic into humans, or conversely, breed out undesirable human mentality. The article suggests that alien warnings to humans about changing bad habits (like war) could be a gentle attempt at manipulation. If these gentle methods fail, more direct manipulation might follow, with alien experimentation aimed at altering humans for the better.

The interpretation of Hopkins' research is presented as open to various directions. John Musgrave, initially a psychologist, now admits to being an abductee himself but views abduction experiences as a new class of dreams or psychological quirks. The article acknowledges the validity of dreams as an explanation, citing "Kathie's" experiences of being abducted when others were present but not experiencing it themselves, and recalling being "floated" out of beds or chairs, similar to out-of-body experiences (OOBEs).

While psychologists generally consider OOBEs to be dreams unrelated to traveling beyond time and space, the article entertains the possibility that UFO abductions could be specific types of OOBEs, whether psychological or psychic phenomena.

Skepticism and Proof

The author acknowledges the strangeness of the subject, noting the abundance of abductee stories but the lack of physical proof. The explanations offered are described as "fantastic," contrasting with "dull explanations" involving dreams and odd mental processes. Hopkins himself cautions readers that his conclusions are extraordinary and difficult to accept, a point the author agrees with, suggesting skeptics like Philip Klass and Robert Sheaffer would be alarmed. A final question is posed: "Why would they bother?" to breed logic into humans.

Book Review: "Communion"

A review of Whitley Strieber's book "Communion" is included. The book details Strieber's alleged abductions by small creatures with "fierce, limitless eyes." Through hypnosis, Strieber recalled numerous similar occurrences. The review notes the dissipation of credibility when Strieber mentions being terrified by "Mr. Peanut" as a child and speaks of tarot cards and the "riddle of the sphinx." Strieber advocates for understanding between humans and aliens, which the reviewer likens to "The Twilight Zone."

Editor's Notes and Letters

Conrad Fort, the contributor of the "Martians Alive!" piece, is noted. The editor, Chris Rutkowski, adds comments, stating that physical evidence found by investigators does tend to support abductee claims, though absolute proof remains elusive. He hopes for further exploration in both pro- and anti-UFO literature. The editor also validates Steve George's comments on Roy Bauer's evaluations, noting that Bauer offered alternatives rather than simply stating cases were unexplained. The inclusion of such speculations, the editor notes, leads to reader contemplation.

The Swamp Gas Journal is published by UFOROM, with Chris Rutkowski as Editor and Myra Banman as Editorial Consultant. The publication details and copyright (1987 by Chris Rutkowski) are provided.

Zines and Fanzines Received

A list of received UFO zines includes publications from Italy, Fawcett/Greenwood, CUFOS, Cambridge UFO Research Group, Farish, Schuessler, Broux, and others. SF Fanzines received include "Space Wastrel," "Stroon," "I'm Not Boring You Am I?," "Got It, Thanks!," "Novoid," "Meology," "Minicon," "Blotter," "Speculative Fiction Society of Manitoba News Journal," and "Neogenesis: Club Virus Newsletter."

Further Elaborations

This section discusses the author's contribution of slides to Time/Life Books Inc. for a forthcoming "The UFO Phenomenon" volume, noting that the package returned made no mention of remuneration or credit. The author expresses criticism of the Time/Life series, describing its text as "Gee, whiz" and not objective, playing up the "mysterious" nature of topics.

Two freelance writers for OMNI interviewed the author about the TST (presumably a UFO-related topic), but nothing had appeared by the August 1987 issue. The Regina Leader-Post published a two-page feature on UFOs in Saskatchewan, quoting the author, Stan Friedman, and Tim Tokayk, and was praised for being well-written and accurate.

Stanton Friedman is mentioned as returning to Winnipeg in January 1988 for a public lecture on MJ-12 documents. Grant Cameron's research on these documents is noted, suggesting potential ramifications. Barry Greenwood, however, finds the documents to have earmarks of a hoax.

On June 24, 1987, a public seminar/news conference was held at the University of Manitoba to mark the 40th anniversary of the Kenneth Arnold sighting. Despite filming by a TV news crew, none of the footage was aired because of a lack of "good visuals of UFOs."

On September 3, 1987, the author, Myra Banman, and the Manitoba astronomical community were to attend a dinner reception honoring Ian Shelton, the discoverer of Supernova 1987A. A humorous anecdote is shared about joking with Ian about returning to Chile to do "real" astronomy.

The author observes a recent increase in interest about UFOs but a corresponding decrease in sightings, noting that UFOs are considered "old hat" and the media are no longer interested. People are described as blasé about aliens and space affairs.

Finally, the author announces teaching a university course in the fall titled "Science Fiction: a Grokker's Guide," aiming to explain that SF is more than just Star Trek.

Poetry

A poem by David Citino, titled "To Kenneth Arnold, Pilot, Who Reported The First Flying Saucers, June 24, 1947," is included. The poem uses vivid imagery to describe frightening scenarios, culminating in the statement "what we are."

Comic Strip

A comic strip by Bob Stevens, titled "There I was...", is featured. It humorously depicts a B-52 mistaking a commercial airliner for a UFO during a refueling mission and other exaggerated scenarios of UFO encounters.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings, abductions, and the potential for alien experimentation on humans. There is a strong undercurrent of skepticism, with the author and other contributors questioning the lack of physical evidence and exploring alternative explanations for reported phenomena. The magazine also touches on the broader cultural impact of UFO interest, noting its decline in media and public attention. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, presenting various viewpoints and encouraging further investigation while maintaining a cautious approach to extraordinary claims.