SUN

Magazine Overview

Title: SUN
Issue Date: May 22, 1988
Document Type: Magazine Issue

Main Article: Former CIA Pilot, Others Say Aliens Are Among Us

The central figure in this article is John Lear, a former CIA pilot who claims the U.S. government is hiding a significant secret: an ongoing relationship with extraterrestrial beings. Lear asserts that this is the "biggest cover-up in the history of mankind." He believes that flying saucers are real and piloted by beings from other star systems, and that the U.S. government is actively concealing this fact.

Lear's claims are presented as part of a tradition within his family, and he is shown with evidence, including sensitive documents and videotapes. He acknowledges that his assertions can sound bizarre and stretch credulity, but he is driven by a deep conviction.

Operation Majestic Twelve (MJ-12)

A key element of Lear's narrative is the existence of a secret organization called Operation Majestic Twelve (MJ-12), allegedly formed to study crashed UFOs and their occupants. Lear cites a "Briefing Document: Operation Majestic 12, prepared for President-elect Dwight D. Eisenhower: (Eyes Only), Nov. 18, 1952," which details the recovery of wreckage and "four small human-like beings" after a crash near Roswell, New Mexico, on July 7, 1947. The document also mentions a cover story provided to the public about a weather balloon.

Lear claims that MJ-12 is still in existence and includes figures like George Bush and John Poindexter. He also refers to an alleged memorandum from then-President Harry Truman to Secretary of Defense James V. Forrestal, which acknowledges MJ-12's existence.

The "Grand Deception" and Alien Dealings

Lear's most startling claim is that the U.S. government "sold us to the aliens" between 1969 and 1971. He alleges that MJ-12 made a deal with advanced alien beings, referred to as EBE's (Extraterrestrial Biological Entities) or "Grays," to receive technological information that would give the U.S. an advantage over the Soviet Union. In return, MJ-12 was to ignore the Grays' abductions of humans for study and suppress information about widespread cattle mutilations, which Lear claims were the aliens' source of food. The aliens were also to provide MJ-12 and the National Security Council with a list of abductees.

However, Lear contends that the Grays lied and were abducting far more people than admitted and for more sinister reasons. These reasons allegedly include:

• Biological Monitoring: Inserting a three-millimeter device through the nasal cavity into the brain to track and control subjects.
• Killing Subjects: To use some individuals as sources for biological material and food.
• Eliminating Threats: To kill individuals deemed a threat to their activities.
• Genetic Engineering: To affect genetic experiments.
• Impregnation: To impregnate human females and terminate pregnancies early to secure a crossbred infant.

Lear describes this as "the grand deception," stating that the Grays doublecrossed the U.S. by making similar deals with the Soviet Union. He believes both superpowers have now combined their scientific minds to create a weapon to combat the Grays, with a previous attempt having failed.

Underground Bases and Alien Influence

Lear speculates about bizarre underground bases, including one in New Mexico where cloning and genetic experiments are allegedly conducted on unwilling human subjects. He claims to have spoken with a woman who witnessed these experiments and is associated with a man whose son worked as a laboratory assistant at such a base.

Furthermore, Lear believes the aliens will radically alter the world's religious beliefs. He claims to have seen a videotape where a U.S. government representative states that aliens created Jesus Christ and manipulated human genetic development.

Abductee Claims and Foreboding

Lear mentions that "at least 25 abductees have said something is going to happen within the year," with one abductee pinpointing May 16. He notes that government informants speak of a "tremendous feeling of foreboding."

Supporting Evidence and Skepticism

William Moore, author of "The Roswell Incident," is cited as someone who corroborates Lear's claims regarding bizarre underground bases and aliens. Moore possesses a videotape of a military officer discussing MJ-12's history, the recovery of flying saucers, and the existence of a live alien. However, Moore also acknowledges that much of the information Lear echoes is difficult to prove and that some might consider it science fiction.

Paul Bennewitz, described as having a history of mental instability, is mentioned for showing Lear aerial photographs of what he claims is a desert alien base in New Mexico. However, Moore expresses skepticism, stating that what Bennewitz sees as a base, aliens, and spaceships looks like "sticks and rocks" to him.

Lear himself admits to never having seen a UFO or extraterrestrial, relying on accounts from others and leaked documents. He emphasizes the need for listeners to distinguish between fact and fiction.

Other UFO Sightings and Investigations

The magazine also includes several shorter reports on UFO sightings from various locations:

• England: Reports from Coulby Newham, Redditch, West Midlands, and Nottinghamshire detail sightings of strange lights, "flying city in the sky" objects, and unidentified flying objects resembling tadpoles or blocks.
• Australia: Two tuna boat crews reported a "bright, white light" in the Great Australian Bight, and a Perth family claimed to have been terrorized by a UFO that chased and shook their car.
• USA: A story from DeKalb, Texas, discusses alleged sightings of ape-like creatures and their tracks near the Red River, with speculation about their connection to UFO reports. Another article from Murphysboro, Illinois, details sightings of the "Big Muddy Monster," an 8-foot-tall hairy creature.
• Canada: A poll indicates that 46% of Canadians believe UFOs are real, with 11% claiming to have seen one.
• UK: Reports from Yorkshire mention the theory that Nazis might be responsible for UFOs due to advanced aircraft designs. A scientist, Peter Sturrock, leads the Society for Scientific Exploration, which investigates anomalous phenomena like UFOs, Bigfoot, and the Loch Ness Monster.

Scientific Theories on Water Origin

Separately, an article discusses a controversial theory by physicist Louis A. Frank suggesting that Earth's water originated from blackened snowball comets falling from space. This theory, initially met with skepticism, is gaining support from new data and studies.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the prevalence of UFO sightings, the alleged government cover-up of alien activity, and the investigation into unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting these claims and reports, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions, while also acknowledging the skepticism and difficulty in proving such extraordinary assertions. The inclusion of various sightings from different countries suggests a global interest in the UFO phenomenon.