UFO Sighter Vol 7 No 2

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO SIGHTER
Issue: VOLUME 7, NUMBER 2
Date: FALL-WINTER 1968-69
Publisher: ALLEN H. GREENFIELD

This issue of UFO SIGHTER, dated Fall-Winter 1968-69, is dedicated to the topic of UFO sightings and ufological theory. The cover prominently features "EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS OF BROOKSVILLE, FLORIDA CONTACTEE John F. Reeves!" accompanied by images of Reeves, signs from his property, and a cast of an alleged footprint. The magazine includes subscription information, mailing address, and an editor's note.

UFO Activity in Cartersville, Georgia

The issue details a significant wave of UFO activity reported in Cartersville, Georgia, during January 1967. According to a preliminary report compiled by Allen H. Greenfield, the activity began with sightings above the Etowah Indian Mounds on January 11th and 12th, 1967. On the second night, a UFO was reported to have hovered above the mounds before darting away, though police arriving on the scene saw only an airplane. Local accounts from witnesses like Mr. and Mrs. Henry Tumlin and Mr. and Mrs. Harold McDonald generated considerable interest, with as many as 15-20 cars gathering at the mounds on January 12th. The police department received at least six calls that evening.

The report, referencing The Daily Tribune News of Cartersville, lists several specific sightings from January 12th, 1967:

• A family group saw a UFO at a different location after initially rationalizing a sighting.
• Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Graham spotted moving lights later identified as a crane.
• A group of young men reported an object with individual moving lights near the Mounds.
• Two men in Peeples Valley saw an object with changing colors.
• A man reported a UFO over the local Junior High School.
• In the Cartersville Federal area, witnesses saw a blue flash engulf a building.
• A man from Oakland Heights reported a UFO to the police in a hysterical condition.
• The Superintendent of Schools, Ray M. Hill, and his daughter observed a UFO moving away.
• A significant report involved a landing case on or near the Brown farm in Stilesboro, where the UFO allegedly came straight down, stayed near the ground, and then took off vertically.

The article notes that Cartersville is a moderate-sized North Georgia community near Atlanta, and the Etowah Indian Mounds are a historical site administered by the Georgia Historical Commission.

John F. Reeves: Brooksville Contactee

Page 4 features a "COVER STORY: JOHN REEVES" with reports and photos by the editor, Allen H. Greenfield. The photos, taken on August 1, 1968, show John F. Reeves at his home in Brooksville, Florida, with signs related to flying saucers and a giant model saucer he built. Reeves states he moved to Brooksville on May 10, 1961, and his first contact occurred on March 2, 1965. He reported seeing a flying saucer and a robot pilot on that date. He also claims a saucer returned and landed on October 20, 1965. When interviewed in August 1968, Reeves expressed uncertainty about why these events happened to him but suggested the area itself might be the reason for the visitations. The writer notes that he has also seen UFOs in the Brooksville area himself, concluding that "What really is going on remains a mystery."

Ufology and Its Justification: An Open Letter

Page 5 contains an "Open Letter to the 1968 Congress of Scientific UFOlogists" by Edward M. Biebel, dated June 21, 1968. Biebel critically examines the state of UFO investigations after twenty-one years, arguing that the field has made little progress and has not moved beyond its initial stages. He contends that most ufologists, whether amateur or professional, approach the subject with an amateur viewpoint, and the vast amount of published material since 1947 has not been adequately verified or authenticated. Biebel questions the financial motivations in ufology, noting that no one has made significant money from it, and even contactees eventually fade from public interest.

He challenges the idea that ufologists have informed the public about UFOs, suggesting that belief in UFOs would persist even without their efforts. Biebel expresses cynicism about the field's progress and criticizes the lack of a unified approach or ideology, contrasting it with NICAP's structure. He points to the failure of past projects agreed upon by the Congress, where individuals went their own ways.

Proposed Reforms for Ufology

Biebel proposes that the Congress of Scientific UFOlogists must establish a structure with enforcement capabilities and decide on specific courses of action for six-month periods, with reports and votes to determine project continuation. He stresses the need for financial support for the Congress, criticizing UFO shows that are merely "giant selling extravaganzas." He also calls for mandatory enforcement of a Code of Ethics for editors, preventing the publication of falsehoods and fake photographs.

Biebel warns that if significant changes are not made, he will publicly disassociate himself from ufology. He mentions the Condon Committee's potential negative report and the ongoing cycle of UFO sightings without apparent resolution. He concludes by stating that if nothing is done, he will leave active ufology.

A postscript indicates that the 1968 Congress of Scientific UFOlogists did occur, and the sentiments expressed in the letter were largely accepted by delegates. This acceptance has encouraged Biebel to continue in active scientific ufology for at least another year.

Tenets of the Alternate Reality Theory

Page 7 presents "TENETS OF THE ALTERNATE REALITY THEORY" by Allen H. Greenfield, Executive Director of the Foundation for Philosophic Advancement. This section outlines a theoretical framework suggesting that our perceived universe is only a fraction of a greater "True Reality" composed of an unknown number of realities, each with potentially different scientific laws. These realities are described as separate but capable of interaction through physical or psychological means, or artificial methods.

Greenfield posits that transitions between these realities have occurred countless times, and inhabitants of alternate realities have interacted with humans throughout history, sometimes friendly, sometimes hostile. He suggests that some hostile entities aim for domination through covert manipulation or overt control. A subgroup of malevolent forces is described as "little men" types, distinct from more humanoid beings. Conversely, another group of entities seems to combat these malevolent forces, possibly being humans from an ancient Earth civilization or symbiotic beings.

He further suggests that beings from other planets and other realities may be involved in this struggle. The theory considers the possibility of a historical revision where an advanced Earth civilization developed technology and contacts, but was eventually laid waste by enemies. Remnants of this civilization, aided by friendly forces, influenced subsequent civilizations, manifesting as "gods" or "mystery cults." The theory posits a struggle between "prohumans" and "antihumans" throughout history, with a current resurgence of antihuman influence.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFO SIGHTER demonstrates a clear focus on documented UFO sightings and personal accounts of contactees, exemplified by the extensive coverage of John F. Reeves and the Cartersville sightings. The magazine also engages in critical self-reflection of the ufology field, as seen in Edward M. Biebel's open letter, highlighting concerns about methodology, credibility, and the direction of research. The inclusion of Allen H. Greenfield's "Alternate Reality Theory" indicates an interest in exploring more complex, speculative frameworks beyond simple sightings. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting diverse UFO-related phenomena and theories while also encouraging a more rigorous and honest approach to the study of UFOs.