UFO Commentary - vol 1 no 1

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO COMMENTARY
Issue: Vol. 1 No. 1
Date: Spring, 1970
Publisher: Patrick A. Huyghe
Country: U.S.A.
Language: English

This inaugural issue of UFO COMMENTARY, formerly the UFO Analysis & Research Bulletin, presents a collection of articles and letters reflecting on the state of ufology and its future directions. The cover features a somber "In memoriam" theme, depicting a gravestone for "Official Ufology" that died between 1947 and 1969, questioning when it might be exhumed for a "worldwide inquest."

Contents Overview

The issue includes a "Letters" section with correspondence from Paul J. Willis, Allen Benz, and M.L.S., discussing UFO sightings, research methodologies, and potential future trends for UFOs, including infiltration of social movements. A "COVER" note elaborates on the gravestone imagery, suggesting that while "official ufology" may be dead, the phenomenon itself has been resilient.

An "ADDENDUM" section details two UFO sightings from 1969 in Virginia: a couple reporting a large, bright, fast-moving white object over Lynchburg, and a previous incident involving a burned circular land area. It also introduces a study on the "Men in Black" (MIB) being conducted in Oklahoma, with Tony Kimery heading a panel investigating their "silencing sweep" and perceived threat.

Articles:

• "The Progress of UFology to Date" by Michel M. Jaffe: Jaffe argues that despite 24 years of study, little progress has been made in understanding UFOs. He criticizes investigative agencies and suggests that while UFOs are real, their origins and nature remain unknown. He notes the formation of a "secret society" of scientists aiming to solve the mystery, contrasting them with narrow-minded traditional scientists. The editor adds a note recommending the DATA-NET organization for its UFO reporting network and publication.

• "Directions for UFO Research in the 1970's" by Allen H. Greenfield: Greenfield proposes three research directions: in-depth investigation of individual cases and high-concentration areas, research into historical data (including "men in black" and pre-ufology phenomena), and statistical data analysis. He suggests that such work might reveal patterns, a potential "deception factor," and help establish observation sites. He posits that UFO flaps might be a myth, phenomena may remain in stable locations, and UFOs have been reported throughout history, potentially becoming predictable with enough data.

• "Further Comments on the Progress of UFology" by Dennis Stamey: Stamey observes a transition from a "kook" image to greater respectability for ufology, though amateurism and the subject becoming a "popular hobby" or "cult" persist. He anticipates new research phases, more complex theories, and improved data analysis and organization. He expresses optimism for future changes if contributors are willing.

• "The UFO as an Anti-Scientific Symbol" by John A. Rimmer: Rimmer explores the public's contradictory attitude towards UFOs, often met with laughter but also a grudging admission of possibility. He critiques the media's portrayal and the scientific establishment's dismissal. He argues that the UFO phenomenon is adopted by many as a symbol of a growing anti-scientific, neo-Luddite movement, representing a rejection of technological progress and a return to older forms of magic and wonder. He contrasts this with the scientific pursuit, suggesting that the UFO is seen as a "Holy Grail" – unattainable yet always present. He likens the UFO occupants to mythical figures and suggests that the UFO represents a perversion of orthodoxy, similar to the Black Mass being a perversion of Christian ritual. He notes the "obsessive interest" scientists have in disproving UFOs, comparing it to atheists disproving the Devil.

• "The Universe" (brief mention): This appears to be a title without a corresponding article or significant content in the provided pages.

• "Concerning the Condon Report Copyright" (brief mention): This title suggests a discussion related to the Condon Report, but no detailed content is visible in the provided pages.

• "UFO?" by John Keasler: This title suggests an article, but no content is visible.

• "Project Will-O-The-Wisp" by Edward M. Biebel: This title suggests an article, but no content is visible.

• "A UFO Reference Guide to The Books of Charles Fort.": This title suggests a guide, but no content is visible.

• "Poquoson, Va. Revisited: The UFO Nightmare of Oct. 19, 1959." by Larry W. Bryant: This title suggests a case study, but no content is visible.

• "Man in Slack Study in Oklahoma" by Tony Kimery: This article, part of the "ADDENDUM," discusses the "Men in Black" (MIB) phenomenon, describing it as a significant threat and detailing a "silencing sweep" that began on December 5, 1969. Kimery seeks information and recruits for an effort against the MIB.

Rimmer further elaborates on the anti-scientific aspect, suggesting that UFOs represent a reaction to scientific advances, possibly a movement into the past rather than the future. He notes that contactee stories often reflect a dated futurism. He concludes that the UFO mystery is complex, Gothic, and has retreated from scientific method, becoming a symbol of resistance against the Establishment's glorification of scientific progress, akin to the image of Che Guevara.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently questions the progress and methodology of ufology, advocating for more rigorous, historical, and statistical research. There's a strong undercurrent of skepticism towards "official" ufology and a critique of how the scientific establishment often dismisses or misinterprets UFO phenomena. The publication positions itself as a platform for alternative perspectives, exploring the UFO not just as a physical object but as a cultural and psychological symbol, particularly in its relationship with science and societal trends. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, seeking deeper understanding beyond conventional explanations and encouraging a more open-minded, yet scientifically-grounded, approach to the subject.

This issue of "UFO" (Volume 07, Issue 07), dated July 10, 1969, is published by the Merseyside UFO Bulletin, edited by John Harney, with John A. Rimmer as Assistant Editor, from Liverpool, England. The cover headline is "UFO?".

References

The issue begins with a list of references, including articles from the Sunday Mirror, MUFOB, and mentions of C. G. Jung's "Flying Saucers - A Modern Myth of Things Seen in the Skies" and Patrick Moore's "The Planet Venus." It also references Jules Feiffer's "Great Comic Book Heroes."

Advertisements

Several advertisements for UFO-related publications and organizations are featured:

• THE UFO SPOTTER: A quarterly publication offering feature articles, recent sightings, Bigfoot reports, and astronomy facts. Subscription is $2.00 per year for four issues. Contact: UFO Spotter, 6432 Mandalay Dr., Parma Hts., Ohio, 44130.
• TOPSIDE: A UFO quarterly founded by Wilbert B. Smith, in its 11th year of publication, by the OTTAWA NEW SCIENCES AND CONTACT (CANADA) GROUP. It covers UFO news and developments, including the "Ottawa's Mysterious Chunk of Hardware." Subscription is $3.00 for 4 issues. Contact: Editor of Topside, 95 Centre St., Aylmer East, Quebec, Canada.
• SPACECRAFT REVIEW: A bi-monthly publication covering UFO news, contactees, MIB, free energy, and vanishing aircraft. Rates are $2.00 per year (six issues) or $3.75 for two years (twelve issues). Contact: Dennis Stamey, 7 Clairmont Ave., Ashville, N.C. 28804.
• "THE GREAT WAVE OF 1967": A report on nearly 770 sightings in the United Kingdom during 1967. Cost is $1.00. Contact: H. E. Hill, 26 Churchside, Vigo Village, nr. Meopham, Kent, England.
• Project Will-O-the-Wisp: An undertaking by the Cleveland Aerial Phenomena Investigations Club (CAPIC) to gather data on unidentified UFO cases for scientific investigation. Participants are asked to submit their best cases. The compiled material will be assembled for publication. Contact: Edward M. Biebel, President, CAPIC, 3132 West 142nd St., Cleveland, Ohio 44111.
• Allied Saucers Association (A.S.A.): Dedicated to bringing awareness to UFO phenomena. Their newsletter, "A.S.A. CONFIDENTIAL," reports facts and findings. Rates have varied, with a June 1970 offer of $5.00 for 1 year and $10.00 for 2 years. Contact: A.S.A. CONFIDENTIAL, P. O. BOX 35, EDEN, NEW YORK, 14057. Director/Asst. Editor is Doris Fickelsher.
• TAPE RECORDINGS of the Space Brothers: Available for $3.00. Contact: Marian E. Nigl, 246 Dodge Ave., Corning, N.Y. 14930.

THE UNIVERSE: "IT'S LIKE A VAST LIVING COMPUTER"

This section discusses Dr. David Foster's theory that the entire universe is a living electronic computer. Foster, aged 60, of Windlesham, Surrey, has spent over 30 years formulating this theory, which he believes could bridge the gap between science and religion. He expresses apprehension about publishing, fearing that his ideas might be misinterpreted, as he believes has happened with other philosophers throughout history. The theory will be explained in two books: "The Intelligent Universe" and "The Immortal Robot."

FROM THE AIR FORCE: CONCERNING THE CONDON REPORT COPYRIGHT

This section details correspondence regarding the copyright of the Condon Report. A letter dated August 18, 1969, from the SAFOI office of the Dept. of the Air Force, questioned why the "Scientific Study of Unidentified Flying Objects" (the Condon Report), financed by the Air Force, was copyrighted, as U.S. Government publications are generally not copyrightable. The Air Force's Civil Branch Community Relations Division replied on September 23, 1969, stating that the report is copyrighted by the Univ. of Colorado Board of Regents as of January 1969.

A quote from John A. Rimmer is included: "Sometimes I wonder what is the most mysterious, the UFOs or the minds of UFOlogists."

John Keasler On UFO?

This personal account describes an encounter on Key Biscayne on the night of July 10, 1969. The author, John Keasler, witnessed a huge, eerie, green, motionless, tornado-shaped object hovering over the ocean. He describes it as "utterly without precedent" and compares it to a painting in the sky. After about 20 minutes, the object dispelled. Initial reports from the weather bureau and control tower indicated "no official explanation." The author contacted a cameraman, Charles Trainor, who captured the event. The incident occurred near Cape Kennedy, and the Cape Kennedy announcement of a missile launch was later given as a potential explanation, along with "iodization" and "sunglint."

Keasler's wife also witnessed shooting stars and a possible "hovering Venusian craft" or "surf fishermen with a flashlight" later that night. The author expresses a desire to see a UFO, not to be one.

A UFO REFERENCE GUIDE TO THE BOOKS OF CHARLES FORT

This section provides page references for UFO-related topics within Charles Fort's books: "Book of the Damned," "New Lands," and "Lo!" It also notes that "Wild Talents" has no relevant entries.

POQUOSON, VIRGINIA REVISITED: THE UFO NIGHTMARE OCT. 19, 1959

This article by Larry W. Bryant recounts the classic case of Mark Muza, a young man who, on October 19, 1959, was hunting in a marsh near Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, when he encountered a noisy flying object. Muza described it as a "round thing" that tipped back and forth. He shot at it three times with a 12-gauge shotgun loaded with "Maximum 4's" and a steel slug. His friend, Harold Moore, also witnessed the object, which reportedly stopped, spun rapidly, and disappeared straight up.

The author, who had been investigating UFO reports for two years, realized the significance of the case as the first public record of an "aerial anomaly" being attacked in Virginia. He notes that the Air Force did not share his enthusiasm and seemed reluctant to investigate, citing a policy of playing down public interest in UFOs. The Air Force's justification for non-involvement was that Muza and Moore did not contact them directly. Bryant argues this is an inadequate excuse for failing to investigate a sighting in their "own backyard."

Bryant also mentions that the Air Force's Inspector General issued a "brief" urging UFO investigation officers to be equipped with Geiger counters, cameras, and binoculars, with the title "UFOS-Serious Business," a title later used by journalist Frank Edwards for his book.

The article lists several other prominent UFO sightings from October 1959, including one by an Air National Guard pilot in Arkansas, two military men in Florida, a motorist in Maryland whose car malfunctioned, and an astronomer in Chile who observed an orange disc.

The Air Force's 1959 summary reported 390 UFO sightings, with October being the most active month with 47 reports, 12 of which were classified as "unidentified."

Muza and Moore reportedly declined further interviews due to fear of ridicule and a desire to move on with their lives. The article concludes by stating that Muza's shooting spree, though silent, has had a lasting impact on UFO skepticism.

NEXT PAGE, TOP: A caption refers to a 15-year-old Mark Muza making headlines for his drawing, which was inspired by the UFO encounter.

NEXT PAGE, BOTTOM: Describes the landscape of Poquoson's Ridge Road as an ideal, yet forbidding, location for UFO visitations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO sightings, investigations, and the broader implications of UFO phenomena. There's a recurring theme of skepticism towards official explanations and a critical stance on government secrecy and reluctance to investigate UFOs openly, particularly highlighted in the Condon Report copyright section and the handling of the Mark Muza case. The editorial stance appears to favor a serious and open investigation into UFOs, encouraging public awareness and data collection, as evidenced by the promotion of various UFO organizations and projects like Project Will-O-the-Wisp.