The Enigma

Magazine Overview

Title: The Enigma
Issue: Number 57, Volume 11
Date: March 1991
Publisher: UFO Study Group of Greater St. Louis
Location: St. Louis, Missouri, USA

This issue of The Enigma, published by the UFO Study Group of Greater St. Louis, focuses on recent UFO and paranormal activity, with a particular emphasis on local reports and broader implications for understanding potential alien contact.

February and March Report

Margaret Myers reports on the February UFO Study Group meeting in St. Louis. The group, which meets at Tyler Place Presbyterian Church, decided to change its meeting day to the third Wednesday of each month. Upcoming meetings were scheduled for April 17 and May 15. Editor J.L. Palermo apologized for publication delays due to a malfunctioning word processor, assuring timely delivery henceforth. Palermo noted an increase in UFO and possible alien activity in the Collinsville, Illinois area, citing two startling experiences reported by locals. One involved a confrontation with a presence while driving, during which blood was drawn. Another described a creature's face appearing at a woman's bedside as she woke, identified by the woman as matching an illustration from Budd Hopkins' book "Intruders."

The Russian Report

By Irina Grebenyuk, via teletype from Wade Havlat (February 19, 1991), this section details UFO sightings over Uzbekistan. Locals suspect aliens are after their gold, but ufologists are taking the reports seriously. Newspapers reported alien robots visiting Daugyztau in central Kyzyl Kum, described as "truncated pyramids" with metal scales and antenna-like sprouts. These creatures moved in jumps, hovering before landing. Powerful magnetic fields were detected at the site. The Soviet Astra Centre has established a branch in Zarafshan to study these anomalies.

Face to Face with an Alien Race

In this feature, Editor J.L. Palermo poses a thought-provoking scenario: what questions would you ask an alien race if you were in telepathic communication with them? He emphasizes that understanding their origins, duration of visits, and purpose is crucial. Palermo stresses the need for diplomacy and conviction in any interaction, referencing Ronald Reagan's idea of a joint US-Soviet defense against an alien attack. He encourages readers to consider their own questions and to write in with their responses, highlighting that "NO ONE, alien or human, can do anything to you unless you submit to them." The article also touches on the current focus of MUFON investigators on learning how to deal with abductees who report communications.

Bob Lazar and Groom Lake

Ken Hanke and J.L. Palermo reported on Bob Lazar, a young scientist allegedly requested to work at a facility at Groom Lake, Nevada. Lazar's purported work involved back-engineering the propulsion systems of several types of UFO/IACS. Despite strict secrecy orders, Lazar reportedly shared information with a friend, leading to the video taping of evening test flights of a UFO/IAC. Lazar allegedly received death threats and went public with assistance from a local news station, resulting in a five or six-part news series titled "Best Evidence." The issue discusses "Element 115," a power source mentioned in the series, described as a small, dense, triangular crystal used in UFO/IACS to create gravity. Experiments with it reportedly caused time distortion, slowed light, and even froze a candle flame in time.

Media and UFO Reporting

Bruce Widaman, State Director for Missouri MUFON, writes about a meeting of the Professional Society of Journalists where the question of whether local news can tell the truth without alienating its audience was discussed. Anne Keefe, moderator, noted that while the public may demand hard news, marketing studies show audiences tune out when tough questions are presented. Bill Berra of KTVI Channel 2 indicated that media "meters" and daily ratings can force "knee jerk decisions." However, the article highlights George Klass of KLAS-TV in Las Vegas for producing the nine-part documentary "UFO's: Best Evidence," and mentions a CNN report from the early 80s on the Bentwaters Case as examples of challenging journalism.

UFO Study Group Meetings and Activities

Several upcoming meetings are announced: the Parapsychology Committee on April 17, the UFO Study Group of Greater St. Louis on April 8, and the St. Charles UFO Research Committee on April 16. The Collinsville UFO Research Group's meeting is scheduled for April 30. The March 10th meeting included a reminder from Treasurer Spencer Wolling for members to pay their $8.00 dues to remain on the mailing list. Walter Palmer recapped the previous Parapsychology Committee meeting, which included a viewing of "Unsolved Mysteries" segments on hauntings. J.L. Palermo provided an update on the Saint Charles UFO Research Committee, mentioning the "Show Me UFO/IAC Conference" and the development of a college-level UFO course. Alex Horvat, Public Information Officer for Missouri MUFON, gave a talk on the "Tau Ceti Connection" case, discussing aspects not covered in a previous article by Forest Crawford.

Other Topics

An audience member shared a story about a Paul Harvey radio program discussing a UFO sighting that was subsequently ignored by other news outlets, suggesting a possible government effort to suppress such reports. The discussion also touched upon the possibility of efforts to discredit UFO groups and organizations, citing computer bulletin board networks as an example. Forest Crawford mentioned attending an "invitation only" conference in January where topics included implant technology and unusual abduction cases.

Letters to the Editor

Letters praise the investigative team of Jeanne Robinson and Vince Serenko for their handling of a recent cow mutilation case. Another letter discusses the challenges local news faces in reporting on sensitive topics without alienating audiences, referencing the media's focus on ratings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently highlights the challenges of UFO reporting in mainstream media, emphasizing the influence of ratings and potential government suppression. There's a strong encouragement for public engagement and critical thinking regarding UFO phenomena and potential alien contact, as seen in Palermo's editorial. The publication serves as a platform for local UFO groups to share information, meeting schedules, and research findings, fostering a community dedicated to exploring the unexplained.