Some subject. Recently, someone wrote (on the UpDates list) that it was easy to get Ufologists, particularly UFO Researchers, to disagree on anything, causing chaos and divisiveness in the ranks. And that this was likely being done all the time by the government.

Well, I don't know that I am that much of a Conspiracy Theorist, but I DO believe that it is easy to cause chaos in the ranks of UFO researchdom. Too easy. All it takes are a few details, about which there is no agreement to begin with. These details are then amplified on the various nefarious UFO venues and news lists, and WOOF!, regarde' le Chaos. In fact, Le Chaos et sur le table. Right up there for everyone to disagree on. The researchers get caught up in arguing over these somewhat meaningless details and what you get is a mixed bag of argumentative and denigrating people, fighting over table scraps with no nutritional value. Domage.

Do I appreciate or respect UFO researchers? No. Not as a rule. I appreciate and respect certain people with whom I've interacted and grown to respect. Such as Budd Hopkins, Dr. Dave Jacobs and Dr. John Mack. But the rest ... Sorry Charley! I have little respect. The question is "why." The answer is not complex.

UFO research is conducted by volunteers who give of themselves, true enough. But like politicians, they each have their own agenda, their own areas of interest and their own particular points of view. And not (as a rule) being professionals in the areas which they research, not being scientists or physicists (as a rule) they are driven by interests unique to them, opinions unique to them and worse, by a need to garner exposure and sell books and get on the radio and TV. They all need to earn a living and it interferes with the work.

There is another, even more important reason I do not appreciate the work done. And it is this. Those of us who perceive that we are experiencers have unique and specific problems, problems and illnesses which we think relate closely to the phenom. For example, many of us suffer from Crohn's or Irritable Bowel diseases. Many women suffer abdominal issues which create terrible pain, such as adhesions. Many suffer agonizing pains in their bodies. Some have headaches (mark this one mine) and cannot obtain relief. Arthritic problems are common as are autoimmune disorders. God only knows there are also many phobic disorders which are so unusual and so COMMON to the experiencer that it is uncanny. And what do the researchers do about these shared problems, pain and disorders which cause so much misery in our lives?

 Nothing. NOTHING! We ask about the relationship between Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and that which we suffer so similarly to those who contract PTSD. No answer. No research. We ask why it is that women suffer so many abdominal disorders. Why men have problems with sexual dysfunction of one sort or another. Why the migraine headaches which no one can cure or even diagnose? Why the marks on our bodies which dermatologists cannot define? Why?

Medical issues are often interpreted as emotionally driven to some extent. Or are exacerbated by emotional problems. But folks, the medical problems I've described are real. The doctors cannot explain them and often, just throw up their hands and say "I just don't know.!" My dermatologist of more than 30 years cannot explain the three marks on my arm and leg, perfect equilateral triangles made by God knows what or who. Dr. Tim said to me, "These are not insect bites, not anything I've ever seen. Not burns or other ... I just don't know what they are, Jim. It's like something out of the Twighlight Zone." His exact words.

So ladies and gentle men, and all you other entities, what the hell is goin' on? Why is it goin' on? And what the hell are you people out there gonna do for us? Scientists, physicists and medical researchers, I'll bet the funny farm that what you may discover in studying us, may help you solve other medical conundrums like autoimmune disorders (Lupus, MS, Arthritis, etc.). I'll bet the condo that all you have to do is study us and many other problems get solved. And if UFO researchers could only get off their personal agenda stools and work together, WITH EXPERIENCERS pointing the way, that we could go a long, long way to answering some of the toughest questions we've been asking. Is that asking too much? Huh? You bet your bippies it is. And so it goes.

If you want something done right, ask the abductee. If you want it screwed up, ask the researchers. Excepting Hopkins, Jacobs and Mack. (Don't yell at me, of course there are many others who wear the white hat ... I just don't have the room here and my memory is shot ... too much Gripple an' Cream). But you know, even they have something in common with the rest of UFO researchdom. Mack is more spiritual. Hopkins is more down to earth. Jacobs more interested in the evil nature he perceives. Wanna know sumpin? They might ALL be on the right track. But if they do not work together, we'll never know, will we?