The UFO Enigma - 1991 05 - Volume 11 no 7

Magazine Overview

Title: The UFO Enigma
Issue: Volume 11, Number 5
Date: May 1991
Publisher: UFO Study Group of Greater St. Louis, Inc.
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of "The UFO Enigma" delves into various aspects of ufology, featuring reports from conferences, interviews with prominent researchers, and announcements for upcoming events.

The Ozark UFO Conference

The issue opens with a report on the Ozark UFO Conference held in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. The author, J.L. Palermo, commends the committee for their perseverance and notes the conference's success and surprising attendance. The selection of speakers was diverse and international, including Sergei Bulantsev from the USSR, Jorge Martin from Puerto Rico, George Wingfield from England, and Antonio Huneeus from New York. The conference provided a platform for networking and sharing the latest ufological information. One speaker, Rose Mary Docker, discussed the possibility of holograms being involved in UFO sightings, though the author suggests scheduling such speakers later in the day for better attendance. The conference's significance was highlighted by the public release of current research findings.

Conference Speakers and Presentations

Several speakers at the Ozark Conference are detailed. Forest Crawford presented on "The Revealing Science of UFOlogy: Anatomy of Abduction and Contact Correlation," capturing the audience with his professional approach and frank attitude. His research paper was in high demand, and copies are expected to be made available. A video of his presentation, along with others, can be obtained through the Eureka Springs Conference Committee. John Carpenter introduced Gerald Anderson, who was present at the Roswell, New Mexico, crashed saucer incident as a child and has vivid memories of the event. Linda Moultan Howe presented on couples whose lives were altered by alien encounters, including cattle mutilations and abductions. One woman shared a technique involving a "white light" shield to ward off abductions. The issue also commends MUFON investigators Jeanne Robinson and Vince Serencko for their handling of cattle mutilation cases in Springfield, Missouri, which led to timely sample examination.

Robert Oechsler and William Sherwood are also mentioned for their contributions. Oechsler's presentation, "UFOs: The Latest Evidence," was thorough, while Sherwood discussed "The Contactee In A Multi Dimensional Universe."

Interview with Jacque Vallee

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to an interview with Jacque Vallee, a scientist and skeptic known for his investigations into UFO phenomena. Vallee, originally from France, initially believed UFOs were explainable. However, early experiences tracking satellites in France led him to observe unidentified objects. He noted that data from these observations was destroyed, raising questions about potential cover-ups due to fear of ridicule among scientists. Vallee became convinced of a real phenomenon after working with Dr. Alan Hyneck and reviewing Air Force files containing thousands of cases.

Vallee's new book, "Confrontations," reports on his personal investigations over ten years. He believes that while many scientists dismiss UFOs, there are cases with high-quality data that remain unexplained. He is particularly concerned about witnesses who have been injured in connection with UFO phenomena. Vallee recounts cases from Brazil and other locations where people reported being hit by beams from soundless, wingless objects, resulting in injuries ranging from minor discolorations to serious harm and even death, attributed to cardiac arrest.

Vallee suggests that the typical humanoid description of aliens might not fit an interplanetary origin, questioning the sophistication of theories about why they would come here. He proposes that UFOs might represent a type of consciousness that manipulates space and time in ways we don't understand, possibly from parallel universes or other dimensions. He acknowledges the possibility of extraterrestrial life but finds the sheer volume of encounters inconsistent with simple interplanetary visitors or scientific surveys.

Regarding the Roswell incident, Vallee stated he had not investigated it himself but had read reports. He noted that Bruce Widaman of MUFON suggested Vallee was behind the times, believing strongly in the extraterrestrial nature of UFOs. Vallee, however, expressed caution, emphasizing the need for more research before drawing conclusions.

MUFON Events and Announcements

The issue extensively promotes the "1991 International UFO Symposium" organized by MUFON (Mutual UFO Network, Inc.) and the UFO Study Group of Greater St. Louis. The symposium is scheduled for July 5-7, 1991, in Chicago, IL, at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare. It features a wide array of speakers covering topics such as abductions, crop circles, Roswell, cattle mutilations, government UFO connections, and ancient astronaut theory. Details on registration fees, hotel rates, and advance reservations are provided. A "Got Acquainted" Reception is also scheduled for Friday evening, July 5th.

The "Show Me UFO/IAC Conference III," presented by the UFO Study Group of Greater St. Louis and the Mutual UFO Network of Missouri, is announced for October 18-19, 1991. This event marks the 20th anniversary of the first MUFON Conference and will feature speakers like John Carpenter and Stanton T. Friedman.

USAP Promises Announcement to Public

J.L. Palermo reports on a letter from Leo Bartsch of Coos Bay, Oregon, who experienced a sensation of weightlessness and healing, attributing it to a UFO. Bartsch had written to President Richard Nixon, and the reply, dated December 12, 1969, came from Colonel C. W. Hammond of the USAF. The letter stated that the Air Force was reviewing UFO studies, including the University of Colorado's report and comments from the National Academy of Sciences, and assured that any action taken would be publicly announced. Bartsch, however, felt the Air Force might be using the Condon report to cover up the truth about UFOs and questioned who to write to if the Air Force was actively involved in a cover-up.

Request for Articles

J.L. Palermo, as editor, thanks readers for submitting articles and encourages further contributions. He emphasizes that "The Enigma" serves as a forum for ideas and thoughts on parapsychology, ufology, and related topics, encouraging freedom of speech. Submissions should be made by the 20th of each month.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the investigation and reporting of UFO phenomena, with a focus on conferences, scientific research, and personal accounts. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging the sharing of information and diverse perspectives, while also acknowledging the need for rigorous research and caution against premature conclusions. The magazine actively promotes upcoming events and encourages reader participation through article submissions. There is a clear interest in government involvement and potential cover-ups related to UFOs, as evidenced by the inclusion of the US Air Force letter.

Title: THE ENIGMA
Issue: MAY 1991
Volume: PG.11
Date: May 1991
Publisher: THE ENIGMA
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of THE ENIGMA, dated May 1991, features a collection of letters and editorial commentary, alongside a calendar of upcoming events for UFO and parapsychology groups. The content delves into the intersection of UFO phenomena, religious interpretations, and the conduct of individuals within the ufology community.

Letters to the Editor

The primary letter, contributed by Leo Bartsch, presents a theological interpretation of UFO sightings. Bartsch posits that the 'clouds' associated with Christ's return are not natural phenomena but rather the 'twenty thousands chariots of God,' also referred to as 'chariots of fire.' He draws parallels to biblical passages such as Psalms 68:17 and Isaiah 66:15, and references Luke 17:24 and 2 Thessalonians 1:7-8 to describe a blinding light and fiery manifestation accompanying Christ's arrival. Bartsch argues that these 'UFO wonders' are signs from Heaven, as mentioned in Luke 21:11 and Acts 2:19. He criticizes religions that label UFOs as 'Satanic,' suggesting this aligns with the 'Mark of the Beast' religion, which he believes will deceive many through miracles. Bartsch further contends that the 'white horses' described in Revelation (13:15-16 and 19:11-19) are, in fact, these UFOs, characterized as 'white blinding lights' that will be used by Christ to destroy evil, akin to how angels blinded men in Genesis 19:11 and how Christ blinded Paul. This interpretation is inspired by a UFO encounter that Bartsch believes revealed the 'inner man' (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).

From the Editor

Editor J. L. Palermo uses the editorial section to comment on the conduct of ufologist Bob Oechsler, particularly concerning his behavior at the Eureka Springs Conference. Palermo states that while he is writing from a journalistic standpoint, Oechsler's actions warrant discussion. He notes Oechsler's strong background in science and extensive research in ufology. However, Palermo criticizes Oechsler for explicitly commenting on ufologists arguing over 'minor details in cases' and then, in Palermo's opinion, displaying similar behavior by belittling John Carpenter regarding a case. Oechsler reportedly compared his own slides of the case favorably to Carpenter's. Palermo also recounts Oechsler's behavior during a Friday night round table discussion, where he was perceived as long-winded and dismissive of a request from emcee Luscious Farish to keep answers concise. Oechsler reportedly chuckled and reminded Farish that it was a round table discussion suitable for lengthy answers. During a Sunday morning Q&A session, Oechsler again dominated with lengthy commentary that often strayed from the original questions. Palermo specifically mentions Oechsler discussing the effects of individual versus collective belief, suggesting that a mass belief could prevent someone from walking through a wall or disappearing. When Farish gave Oechsler the opportunity to demonstrate this, the crowd applauded. Palermo concludes by stating that Oechsler is alienating people, despite being a man with high intelligence, and urges him to 'Get your act together!'

Calendar

The 'Calendar' section provides information on upcoming meetings for various groups in May 1991:

• Parapsychology Committee: Meets the third Wednesday in May at the home of John and Elenor Schroeder in St. Louis, Missouri. Walter Palmer is the Chairman.
• UFO Study Group of Greater St. Louis: Meets the second Sunday in May at Tyler Place Presbyterian Church in St. Louis, Missouri. John Schroeder is the President.
• St. Charles UFO Research Committee: Meets the third Tuesday in May at Saint Charles City Hall. Detailed directions are provided for locating the meeting rooms.
• Collinsville UFO Research Group: Meets the last week of May (date to be confirmed) at the Ponderosa Steak House in Collinsville. Forest Crawford is the Chairman.

Contact information, including phone numbers and addresses, is provided for each group.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the interpretation of UFO phenomena through religious lenses, particularly Christianity, and the internal dynamics and conduct within the ufology community. The editorial stance, as expressed by J. L. Palermo, emphasizes the importance of respectful discourse and constructive engagement among researchers, critiquing behavior that is perceived as arrogant, dismissive, or alienating, even while acknowledging the intelligence of the individuals involved. The issue highlights a tension between esoteric or faith-based interpretations of UFOs and the more conventional, scientific approaches, as well as the personal interactions between prominent figures in the field.