UFO Mail - No 255 - 2018

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO-Mail nr. 255
Date: January 26, 2018
Publisher: Danmarks UFO Forening (Denmark UFO Association)
Character: This issue delves into the controversial revelations about the Pentagon's alleged UFO investigations, questioning the motives and authenticity of the information presented.

Pentagon i UFO-storm (Pentagon in UFO Storm)

The lead article, authored by Henning Dethlefsen, discusses the media frenzy surrounding the alleged Pentagon UFO investigations that emerged in late 2017. It notes that even Denmark was affected by this 'UFO storm.' The article expresses skepticism, suggesting that despite initial excitement among UFO enthusiasts about a potential 'big reveal,' a closer examination points to shadowy agendas, not just within the Pentagon but also involving other parties.

The Role of Tom DeLonge and TSAAS

The drama began on October 11, 2017, with the presentation of 'To the Stars Academy of Arts and Science' (TSAAS) by Tom DeLonge, a known UFO enthusiast and former singer of Blink-182. DeLonge, who had previously posted and deleted claims about aliens and UFOs on social media, was named 'UFO Investigator of the Year' in February 2017. He hinted at a significant disclosure. TSAAS is presented as a company where investors' money would fund UFO research with the goal of developing advanced spacecraft. However, DeLonge's launch was met with a lukewarm reception, possibly because the public saw through the sales pitch. He did, however, introduce several former government officials and experts, including Luis Elizondo, who was later identified as the head of the government-funded program that triggered the UFO storm.

The Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program (AATIP)

The 'UFO storm' intensified on December 16, 2017, with articles in The New York Times and Politico. These reports revealed a secret government program, AATIP, which ran from 2007 to 2012 and was funded with 22 million dollars. The program's stated goal was to investigate 'threats from airspace.' The New York Times article emphasized support from senators like Harry Reid, aiming to legitimize UFO investigations. SUFOI's chairman, Kim Møller Hansen, appeared on TV2 News to discuss the case.

Luis Elizondo and the Disclosure Narrative

Luis Elizondo, the former head of AATIP, is presented as a key figure. The article notes his departure from government service coincided with DeLonge's launch of TSAAS. Elizondo's claims, supported by former government employees, fueled the belief among UFO enthusiasts that the government was finally admitting to the presence of aliens. Two videos, allegedly recorded by US Navy fighter jets showing objects with extraordinary capabilities, accompanied the articles, further fueling this narrative.

Skepticism and Questions of Corruption

The article raises critical questions about the program. Why was it shut down in 2012 if it was considered important? Why was the funding so relatively small (22 million dollars)? The Politico article suggested a different explanation: 'friendship favors and political maneuvering.' It cited an unnamed official and Pentagon spokesperson Dana White, who stated the program was stopped because there were more sensible uses for the money. The investigation allegedly resulted in unnecessary paperwork and funds being diverted to one of Reid's associates. The article posits that the project might have been less about UFOs and more about corruption and funneling taxpayer money to friends in exchange for political favors, with UFOs serving as a convenient excuse.

Connections and Financial Interests

The connection between DeLonge and Elizondo is highlighted, as is the link between Senator Reid and Robert Bigelow of Bigelow Aerospace. Bigelow, known for his interest in UFOs and willingness to invest heavily in the subject, received the largest portion of the AATIP funds. Reid, in turn, received financial support for his election campaigns from Bigelow. The article points out that Reid resigned as senator amidst corruption allegations. A selfie of DeLonge and Bigelow on Instagram, announcing Bigelow's involvement in TSAAS, further solidified the perceived connection at a high level, even though it was quickly deleted.

The 'Secret Search for UFOs' and Pentagon's Stance

Politico's article, 'The Pentagon's Secret Search for UFOs,' suggested that Senator Reid himself admitted the program wasn't worth continuing. The article implies that the Pentagon was initially opposed to the program but had it imposed upon them and seized the first opportunity to end it. Documents and materials from the investigation remain classified.

'Noget man har set før' (Something Seen Before)

The article then examines previous cases and claims, suggesting a pattern of misinterpretation and sensationalism. It references an article by Leslie Kean and Ralph Blumentahl from 2012, 'UFO Caught On Tape Over Santiago Air Base,' which claimed humans were visited by extraterrestrials. The footage, initially investigated by experts from CEFAA, was later identified as likely being a commercial airliner. Leslie Kean is noted for her persistent advocacy despite the debunking.

Analysis of UFO Footage

GIMBAL Film: This film, named after the equipment used, shows an object with what appears to be an aura, rotating. The article notes the lack of specific time and location, making verification difficult. Mick West's analysis on Metabunk.org suggests it's likely a thermal recording of another aircraft, despite pilot claims. The sound might have been added later.

Tic-Tac Film (Nimitz Video): This film has a specified time and location (a 2004 Navy exercise off California) and is accompanied by the description of pilot David Fravor. Fravor described encountering a Tic-Tac-shaped object exhibiting rapid maneuvers. However, the article points out discrepancies, such as Fravor not being the pilot whose jet recorded the film, and the film itself not clearly showing the extreme acceleration Fravor described. The object's movement in the film is described as a steady movement from right to left, with the perceived acceleration being an illusion caused by zoom changes.

Alternative Explanations and Criticisms

Alternative explanations for the Tic-Tac object include a drone, a cruise missile, or even a submarine, given the naval exercise context and the sea foam observed. The article criticizes the tendency in ufology to ignore the distinction between 'UFO' (Unidentified Flying Object, a military term) and 'UFO' (alien spacecraft, the popular interpretation). It suggests that personal financial interests, political corruption, and the exploitation of social media have become integral to the UFO phenomenon.

Conclusion and Advice

The article concludes that the AATIP investigation was likely a thin affair, with little new information. It suggests the program was more of a favor to Senator Reid's friend Bigelow, and that the Pentagon allowed it to fade when no results emerged. The author advises readers to 'keep a cool head' ('Slå koldt vand i blodet!') when such stories emerge, implying that much of the UFO narrative is driven by hype and financial gain rather than concrete evidence.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFO-Mail adopts a critical and skeptical stance towards sensational UFO claims, particularly those involving government programs and alleged disclosures. The recurring themes include:

• Government Secrecy and Disclosure: The perceived attempt by the US government to reveal or conceal information about UFOs.
• Financial Interests and Corruption: The suggestion that personal financial gain and political corruption may be driving forces behind UFO-related initiatives and media attention.
• Misinterpretation of Evidence: The tendency for UFO enthusiasts and even some witnesses to misinterpret mundane phenomena or footage as extraterrestrial.
• Media Hype: The role of media in amplifying UFO stories, often for sensationalism or to promote specific agendas.

The editorial stance is one of caution and critical analysis, urging readers to look beyond the surface and consider alternative explanations and potential ulterior motives. The magazine emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between the official definition of a UFO and the popular notion of alien spacecraft.

Title: UFO-Mail
Issue: 255
Volume: 2018
Issue Date: 2018
Publisher: Skandinavisk UFO Information
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish

This issue of UFO-Mail, number 255, is a newsletter from Skandinavisk UFO Information (SUFOI). It focuses on encouraging readers to join SUFOI's 'Støttekreds' (Support Circle) for the year 2019. The organization emphasizes that it is run by volunteers and its primary mission is to provide the public with serious information about the UFO phenomenon via its website, ufo.dk, and to register observations of unusual aerial phenomena.

Membership Drive and Book Offers

Readers are invited to support SUFOI's work with a financial contribution of at least 250 Danish Kroner (DKK), with the option to contribute more. In return for this support, members can choose one of four available books for free. The newsletter lists these books with their prices and specific order numbers (Bestillingsnr.):

• Ildkugler over Danmark: Price: 159,- DKK, Order No.: B-088
• UFO'er - Myter og viden: Price: 149,- DKK, Order No.: B-087
• Mysteriet om UFO'er: Price: 54,- DKK, Order No.: B-033
• Firestorm: Price: 89,- DKK, Order No.: B-054

Payment for membership is to be made via bank transfer to account number 3113-9117725. Members are instructed to use the short code '01' and to provide their name, address, and the order number of their chosen book (e.g., B-033).

Membership in the Støttekreds is valid for one year and does not entail any further obligations for the member. The issue also notes that recent UFO reports can be viewed on www.ufo.dk under the 'Observationer' section.

External Links and Resources

A significant portion of the first page is dedicated to a long list of URLs, primarily from YouTube and various blogs/websites. These links appear to be a curated collection of resources related to UFOs, including news, discussions, and videos, suggesting that SUFOI actively monitors and shares external information relevant to its field.

Copyright and Contact Information

The second page reiterates that UFO-Mail is published by Skandinavisk UFO Information. It states that news media may quote from signed articles with proper source attribution and require written agreement from SUFOI for the full reproduction of articles. Photocopying or printing content from UFO-Mail is subject to Copydan fees. Contact information for SUFOI is provided, including their website, email options, subscription management, and physical address in Ringsted, Denmark.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme of this issue is the promotion of membership and financial support for SUFOI's activities. The editorial stance is clearly that of an organization dedicated to providing credible information on UFOs and encouraging public engagement through its website and publications. The emphasis on volunteer work and the provision of 'serious information' suggests a commitment to a more grounded and investigative approach to the UFO phenomenon, distinguishing itself from sensationalism. The inclusion of numerous external links indicates an effort to keep readers informed about the broader UFO discourse online.