Interrogations by Japanese-Americans helped win World War II

By Steve Hammons

As we deal with intelligence and interrogation issues today, information about the World War II-era U.S. Army intelligence group known as the “Military Intelligence Service (MIS)” may provide useful perspectives.

The MIS was started in late 1941 as a unit to train Japanese-Americans (Nisei) to conduct translation and interrogation activities. MIS men came mostly from Hawaii and the West Coast.

How did the MIS handle interrogations? Since many of the details of MIS activities still remain somewhat unclear, this information has not surfaced for the general public and possibly for policymakers.

MIS missions were highly classified and still are not widely known. Information on MIS activities was not made public until 30 years after WWII had ended.

VICTORY IN THE PACIFIC

The MIS organization included an administrative group, an intelligence group, a counterintelligence group and an operations group.

MIS personnel were attached to other U.S. military branches as well as the joint Australian-American “Allied Translator and Interpreter Service.” MIS members served with “Merrill’s Marauders,” the famous Army Ranger unit that conducted operations in Burma against the Imperial Japanese Army.

MIS personnel were active in nearly all major campaigns and battles in the Pacific. According to some assessments, MIS missions may have shortened the Pacific war by up to two years.

The MIS performed intelligence and counterintelligence tasks such as intercepting radio messages, interrogating prisoners as well as translating captured maps and documents.

MIS interrogators reportedly used psychological and cultural understanding to obtain valuable intelligence. Interestingly, in contrast to alleged interrogation and torture activities conducted in recent years, MIS men reportedly provided decent treatment for Japanese prisoners.

Whether “rough” interrogation practices were also used on some prisoners is unclear. Did the MIS conduct torture?

One of the most dangerous, challenging and sometimes tragic MIS duties was flushing caves – convincing Japanese troops to surrender and persuading civilians that U.S. forces would not harm them.

After the war, MIS members were instrumental in the occupation and rebuilding of Japan. During the occupation of Japan from 1945 to 1952, more than 5,000 MIS personnel were assigned to duties in the occupation. This work included intelligence, civil affairs, disarmament, finance, education, land reform and assisting in the development of the Japanese Constitution.

UNDERSTANDING ADVERSARIES

Many young men in the MIS experienced racial and social discrimination. After Pearl Harbor, many Japanese-American families on the West Coast had been stripped of property and businesses and forced into medium-security prison camps that were called “relocation camps.”

Nisei living in Hawaii generally did not experience these extreme measures.

Young Japanese-American men joined the military for many reasons including proving their loyalty to the United States and proving that they were good Americans. Many had been raised as somewhat typical American kids.

Those in the MIS knew that the Japanese military and Japanese society had a different social fabric in some ways, a different psychology and different spiritual traditions.

The MIS attempted to understand and use knowledge about these elements as they conducted their interrogation, intelligence, reconnaissance, psychological and information operations.

The documentary film Uncommon Courage: Patriotism and Civil Liberties, which has been shown on Public Broadcasting System (PBS) stations, chronicles the activities of the MIS.

The film tracks the beginnings, development and deployment into combat of the MIS using archived film, photos, documents and interviews with MIS veterans. It follows the paths of MIS men as American and allied forces move into the Pacific to fight the Japanese navy and army.

Interpreting captured documents and enemy radio traffic as well as interrogating prisoners are vividly documented through archived military film.

The roles of other Japanese-American units such as the 100th Infantry Battalion and the 442nd Regimental Combat Team are also explored in the film.

What do veterans of the MIS think about the discussion on interrogation now? Some U.S. WWII intelligence and interrogation veterans have stepped forward to contribute their views. Maybe MIS veterans will also shed light on this topic.

To learn more about the MIS and Nisei troops in WWII, visit the Military Intelligence Service Research Center and the Go For Broke Educational Center.

Weird physics: Heaven and Earth, UFOs, consciousness

By Steve Hammons

Some scientific views about our universe now include ideas about multiple dimensions in a "multiverse," bridges or portals between them, fields of "zero point energy" and other fascinating concepts.

How do these newer ideas about ways the universe might be structured and operate compare to more traditional concepts about an afterlife such as "Heaven" or a dimension where we might reside before coming into this life?

What about unusual phenomena such as perceptions of angels, strange lights or UFOs? How do these ideas fit into the overall picture?

And then there is the topic of human consciousness which includes our thinking, creative imaginations, dream states, sensory perception, extrasensory perception (ESP) or "anomalous cognition," prayer and even ideas of links between our consciousness and our DNA.

What are the connections between these many pieces of the puzzle? Can we understand more about the nature of these and other elements around us and within us?

NATURAL REALITIES

In many philosophical and spiritual traditions, a human who has lived a basically good and decent life will go to Heaven or an afterlife of some kind. Some views include the idea of a very unpleasant afterlife for people who have not been a force for good.

Other concepts include ideas of a dimension that serves as a way-station for us as we live one life on Earth, move to another dimension, then begin life again either on Earth or somewhere else.

Some modern physics theories seem to validate the idea that there may be other dimensions that we do not always clearly perceive, but may not be so far away. They may be near, separated from us only by mysterious doorways of some kind.

For example, if we are living our everyday life and for some reason our biological life ends from injury, illness or old age, according to some views we may then promptly move through a tunnel of light to arrive in another dimension fairly quickly. If we come back, it is called a "near-death experience."

Other theories about UFOs, unusual beings and even angels propose that these phenomena involve the ability to slip in and out of our dimension and other dimensions through portals or "wormholes" of some kind.

Combining certain modern scientific views from many fields of study with traditional human beliefs, legends and folklore might help us get a more complete understanding of how the larger Nature is organized and how it operates.

MERGING AND EMERGING

Our beliefs, faith, perceptions, understanding and intelligence also seem to be part of the mix. Human consciousness apparently may have many aspects that we do not fully grasp or routinely use.

Do humans have a "sixth sense" that allows for ESP, telepathy, abilities to glimpse into the future or remember the ancient past? If so, how does it work? Reliable research activities have found strong evidence that people do have the potential for these aspects of human consciousness.

As our understanding of these kinds of subjects improves, we might be able to find more ways to apply this knowledge in our daily lives and in the problems facing human societies on Earth today.

What if the dimensions of our Earth and Heaven were to become more closely linked? What if our loved ones who have passed on and our ancestors became more accessible to us, and we to them?

What if our physical and material dimension on Earth merged somewhat more with a spiritual or cosmic energy-based dimension associated with a transcendent force or field of special "Light" and higher consciousness?

We might wonder if these interesting ideas could actually be real developments evolving and emerging today.

These kinds of research and investigation are not just for scientists and philosophers. We all possess a consciousness that probably has the ability to perceive truth or inaccuracies in various ideas about the Universe and the nature of Nature.

Maybe when more of us have a better feel for these ideas and possible realities we will reach a tipping point that will make some of our hopes and dreams come true.

Former astronaut says Roswell UFO crash true

By Steve Hammons

According to a CNN report April 20, 2009, former astronaut Edgar Mitchell told an audience at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., that the basic story of a 1947 UFO crash in Roswell, New Mexico, is true.

Mitchell was an astronaut on the Apollo 14 mission to the moon in 1971 and he spoke at the National Press Club after the fifth annual X-Conference, an event focused on research involving UFOs.

CNN reported that Mitchell told journalists that there is firm knowledge that extraterrestrial life exists and this information is being held back from the general public in the U.S. and internationally.

Mitchell was raised in Roswell and knew many of the townspeople there. He said they confided to him years later about what they knew, although they had been told to keep the information quiet.

In addition, Mitchell said that about 10 years ago a Navy admiral working for the Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed to him that a UFO had crashed at Roswell.

Citing the existence of evidence, Mitchell stated, “No, we're not alone.”

ROSWELL AND SECURITY

Mitchell’s statements are not surprising to many researchers and average citizens. Other people might find Mitchell’s comments unsettling because there is also a natural skepticism about claims of UFOs and visitation to Earth by beings from other planets (and/or dimensions).

Claims of this kind coming from a respected and highly-trained person like Mitchell are not easily dismissed.

Information about an alleged crash of a spacecraft piloted by intelligent beings has been around for decades. Books, articles, movies and TV shows have told the story.

However, thinking about the possible reality of such a situation leads to many other questions: What else has happened in the area of UFOs? Have we made contact with other civilizations visiting our planet? Are they friend or foe? Can they help us solve some of the problems of the human race? Why has there been so much secrecy?

In the many accounts and tales about the Roswell incident, it is often noted that in the summer of 1947 the U.S. had just ended a devastating period during World War II. Military secrecy and security had been of the utmost importance during the war.

Some of the first people to learn about the Roswell crash were Army Air Corps (forerunner of the U.S. Air Force) personnel from the nearby Roswell Army Air Field, including intelligence officers.

Despite an intriguing press release that was issued to the media by the RAAF public information officer about a flying saucer being obtained by base officials, higher command quickly dismissed the story as a case of mistaken identity – the debris found was actually a weather balloon-type device, news reporters were told.

Behind the scenes of such a scenario, it would be logical to consider that the Truman administration, Pentagon and intelligence officials would have been shocked and concerned, both about the incident itself and the psychological, emotional and social ramifications for Americans.

ACCLIMATION THEN AND NOW

Are we any more psychologically prepared today than in 1947? Mitchell seems to think so. And so do many other researchers.

Despite the perceived need for robust security reportedly involved in the Roswell incident and subsequent developments, some researchers say that the American public has slowly and steadily received “acclimation” to get used to the idea of extraterrestrial visitors.

Some of this acclimation has allegedly been through the entertainment media and in fictional form as well as the management of information carefully released in indirect ways to the public.

American kids raised on TV and movies since the 1950s have become used to the idea of extraterrestrials coming to Earth. Of course, a real-life situation takes exciting movie adventures to another level and could naturally cause anxiety.

We humans don’t have a great track record getting along with each other, let alone extraterrestrial beings who might be quite different from ourselves.

In addition to strange visitors, the situation could be quite complex. Our understanding of science and nature, the Universe, spirituality and even the human race itself could be given quite a shock.

If Mitchell is accurate in his statements, then certainly much has been learned since 1947 by people who have been given the task of handling such an important and complex situation. How much information is the public able to understand and accept? Is it good news or bad news, or a mixture of both?

If the Roswell incident was real, as Mitchell claims, what has been going on since that time related to extraterrestrial visitors? Were some of the security measures, scientific research and other activities questionable – either by human officials or visitors?

One thing seems clear, Mitchell has moved the ball forward on acclimation of our society and people internationally about the possibility, or probability, that the human race and Earth are being visited from elsewhere and that we need to prepare ourselves.

Researchers say special ops UFO manual looks authentic

By Steve Hammons

An alleged 1954 U.S. special operations manual that provides instruction on dealing with UFOs and extraterrestrial beings was discussed by researchers Robert Wood, Ph.D., and Ryan Wood Thursday, April 16, on the radio program “Coast to Coast AM.”

The Woods, a father and son team, examine and evaluate the authenticity of various government documents related to UFOs.

They said on Coast to Coast AM that their research indicates the manual has characteristics indicating it is authentic.

The alleged manual is titled "SOM1-01 Special Operations Manual: Extraterrestrial Entities and Technology, Recovery and Disposal."

The cover of the manual includes the date April 1954 and notes that it was created by the "Majestic-12 Group."

Some researchers have proposed that the manual could be a fraud or hoax. If that is the case, which is possible, the manual would not be considered a classified or restricted government document.

OVERVIEW OF CONTENTS

In the table of contents, the manual lists six chapters as well as other sub-sections. Additional information at the end of the manual is also of interest.

The sections include:

“Chapter 1 – Operation Majestic-12, Section I: Project purpose and goals”

“Chapter 2 – Introduction, Section I: General, Section II: Definition and data”

“Chapter 3 – Recovery Operations, Section I: Security, Section II: Technology recovery”

“Chapter 4 – Receiving and Handling, Section I: Handling upon receipt of material”

“Chapter 5 – Extraterrestrial Biological Entities, Section I: Living organisms, Section II: Non-living organisms”

“Chapter 6 – Guide to UFO Identification, Section I: UFOB guide, Section II: Identification criteria, Section III: Possible origins”

The copy of the manual the Woods obtained was a page-by-page photocopy. Some of the text is difficult to read. However, interesting material is contained in the alleged manual. This includes the following:

“Scope: This manual has been prepared especially for Majestic-12 units. Its purpose is to present all aspects of Majestic-12 so authorized personnel will have a better understanding of the goals of the Group, be able to more expertly deal with Unidentified Flying Objects, Extraterrestrial Technology and Entities, and increase the efficiency of future operations.”

“General: MJ-12 takes the subject of UFOBs, Extraterrestrial Technology and Extraterrestrial Biological Entities very seriously and considers the entire subject to be a matter of the very highest national security.”

“History of the Group: Operation Majestic-12 was established by classified presidential order on 24 September 1947 at the recommendation of Secretary of Defense James V. Forrestal and Dr. Vannevar Bush, Chairman of the Joint Research and Development Board.”

The alleged manual describes the goals of the Majestic-12 Group in detail including the acquisition of "EBEs" and technology, formation of special teams to for these purposes, designation of secure facilities for these activities and related support operations.

The manual also provides an overview of the "current situation" about what was known at that time regarding views on extraterrestrial visitors. Possible threats to the U.S. are also assessed.

DETAILED INFORMATION

One section of the manual is "Description of Craft." This section describes four types of craft: "Elliptical or disc shape," "fuselage or cigar shape," "ovoid or circular shape" and "airfoil or triangular shape." The manual also provides details of each UFO type, based on radar and observations.

In another section, "Description of Extraterrestrial Biological Entities (EBEs)," the document notes "EBE Type I" and "EBE Type II" and includes physical descriptions of the beings.

In a section titled "Description of Extraterrestrial Technology," the manual reviews analysis of materials obtained from UFO crashes.

Security aspects of the situation as well as recovery of EBEs and technology from crashes or other kinds of encounters are covered in the manual. Sub-sections include "Press Blackout," "Secure the Area," "Removal and Transport," "Cleansing the Area" and "Special or Unusual Conditions."

The manual also includes specific instructions regarding packing any materials obtained and the shipment of such materials to other personnel.

In a section on "Extraterrestrial Biological Entities," sub-sections provide guidance on circumstances of contact or encounters such as "Encounters initiated by EBEs" and "Encounters as the result of downed craft."

Information in the manual also covers "Isolation and Custody" of living EBEs as well as "Retrieval and Preservation" of deceased EBEs.

The alleged special operations manual and other documents are available online in PDF at MajesticDocuments.com.

MajesticDocuments.com provides a printed version of the manual for $8.00 plus shipping. MajesticDocuments.com describes this product as follows: "The Special Operations Manual 1-01 (SOM112) – This manual titled 'Extraterrestrial Entities and Technology, Recovery and Disposal' is in the 2 color 6 x 9 inch original format typical of field manuals. It is a precisely produced reproduction of the originally photographed text. 32 pages."

Military veterans in prison deserve our help now

By Steve Hammons

Do military veterans serving jail or prison time deserve extra help and a second look regarding their legal and incarceration status?

Most Americans probably agree that our veterans deserve as much respect and support as we can provide. This can be in the form of health care, counseling, education and training, job placement, housing assistance and other services.

If a veteran has a difficult time after military service, especially service involving combat duties and experiences, it seems reasonable and appropriate that we should take these factors into consideration.

This includes run-ins police, adjudication in the courts, probation, jail or prison sentences and parole.

In my second novel, Light's Hand, the sequel to Mission into Light (both published in 2001), I addressed this topic and it seems timely to revisit it now.

In the novels, a ten-person joint-services research team is tasked with a range of duties, conventional and unconventional.

One of these tasks for the Joint Reconnaissance Study Group is to work with other government agencies to review the status of incarcerated veterans and develop programs to help them.

VIETNAM VETS

When some of the characters in the book learn about this assignment, they discuss the various aspects involved.

The main character, Mike Green, says to teammate Bill MacNeil, an Army Special Forces captain, that he remembers the plight of the Vietnam-era veterans.

"And since then, so many Vietnam vets ended up homeless, in prison, with alcohol and drug problems. It's a bad situation. And it hasn't improved a lot in the last twenty years. American society let those guys down during the war and after."

Army Special Forces Col. Ed Thompson, one of the group's team leaders, explains the situation to the whole group.

"We've been asked to tackle a project that fits into the human category of research. The Justice Department and the Department of Veterans Affairs have proposed that we help investigate the problem of military veterans being locked up in prison."

"Number one, the prisons are bursting at the seams. Number two, at least some of the veterans in prison may have ended up there as a direct or indirect result of their military service. Justice and the VA feel some of these guys deserve a second look."

"We're going to try to develop protocols to evaluate thousands of these vets, take a look at their offenses and records, try to orient them better with counseling and therapies, and figure out what we can do to give some of them early parole."

"And help set up a support system for them once they get out. It's really a classic Special Forces mission. Gathering intelligence on potential human assets, training indigenous personnel, and fulfilling our motto: 'de oppresso liber' ... 'liberate the oppressed.'"

"This is a small part of a larger problem facing our nation. We're putting a huge amount of our citizens in prison. By some counts, a higher percentage of our people are in prison even than the old Soviet Union or China. And far higher than all other Western first-world countries. It may not be good for our society."

"Many of these people are not dangerous and their sentences may not fit the crimes. It's a huge drain of money. And some, if not most, of these prisons are clearly inhumane and downright terrible. Judges' hands have been tied by mandatory sentencing laws from the eighties era."

"Before, a vet with a good military record might get a break from a judge. Now mandatory sentences reduce judges' discretion. MacNeil and Green will be directly involved with this in addition to their other duties."

The group's commanding officer, Air Force Col. Tom O'Brien responds, "Ed, I feel good about that prison program you're working on. You know, I served with some good men and boys in Vietnam who got screwed up and angry. So did you. Our prisons are filled with Vietnam vets who saw some tough things at age eighteen and nineteen. I want your team to do everything you can to help them. Help the ones we can."

"Will do, sir," Thompson answers. "Green and MacNeil can both bring unique perspectives to this project, sir."

IMPLEMENTING THE PROGRAM

Later in the story, one of the three three-person JRSG teams was planning to start coordinating with the VA and the Justice Department on what the ideas were for evaluating vets in prisons.

MacNeil, the Special Forces captain, says, "Mike, we just got some data from the VA and Justice on the vets project. We´ve got information on all state and federal prisoners who are veterans. Criminal history and military service records. Thousands and thousands of them."

Mike, MacNeil and Ed Thompson sit there in silence for a minute as they looked at numbers and words on a computer screen and thought about the thousands of lives those numbers and words represented. MacNeil continues scanning the computer screen and narrated out loud.

"The agencies involved have already drafted preliminary criteria to consider on a case-by-case basis. Was it a violent or non-violent crime? Overall service record. Was there post-traumatic stress disorder involved?"

Mike thought he might have had a little bit of PTSD himself over the years. Lingering conscious and subconscious reactions to sudden, prolonged, or extreme stress or shock.

"Justice and the VA have joined forces with some experts in sociology, rehabilitation, parole matters and such," MacNeil continued.

Ed had some information to fill them in on.

"Colonel O'Brien advised me that the three of us and the JRSG will be consultants for the task force people working on this. Tom said he expects they'll ask for input on a wide variety of things and get our points of view."

"I'll be the liaison with them. They're tentatively calling themselves the 'Veterans Rehabilitation and Assistance Program.' We'll all review the documents we're getting from them."

MAKING IT HAPPEN

As the novel progresses, the teams within the group make progress on several of their missions, including the veterans' project.

At a meeting, Ed Thompson gives a report to the group and the CO, Col. O'Brien.

"Sir, we've been working closely with the Justice Department and the Veterans Affairs people on this veteran prison evaluation and rehabilitation program. Justice and the VA have agreed on a working format to identify the types of incarcerated vets we want to target."

"They've also agreed on what type of rehab and training they want to do, and what kind of probation and parole opportunities they will recommend. MacNeil, please give us some detail."
Bill MacNeil looks down at a clipboard in his hands.

"We are assisting Justice, the VA, and also federal Health and Human Services with design and implementation of the three areas that Colonel Thompson mentioned. I'll read you the basics."

"Number one: 'VA, HHS and Justice people will work to identify non-violent or minimally violent offenders who served in the military under honorable conditions prior to the commission of the offense for which they were convicted and incarcerated.'"

"Number two: 'An orientation program will be implemented on a one-on-one and group basis in prison settings. This will be a core values training and a motivational orientation. Job training and job opportunities will also be presented.'"

"Number three: 'On a case-by-case basis, after a period of time from three to six months, the incarcerated veterans will face an interview panel for possible early parole.'"

"Number four: Assistance will be provided regarding jobs, housing, health needs, financial services, transportation and family upon release of the veteran.'"

"Some of the details are subject to some flexibility, but that's basically the program. We hope to liberate thousands of veterans in the federal and state prison systems. The taxpayer wins, and the nation wins for standing behind our vets, through thick and thin. That's it, sir," he said, nodding to O'Brien.

PROGRESS AND RESULTS

Eventually, the veterans' program takes shape and at another meeting, Col. Thompson fills in group members on the status at another meeting.

"The program we've been in on is having success. State and federal corrections officials, a large group of judges, the VA, Justice and others are ready to go forward with this rehab and parole program."

"The criteria have been established. Rehab is a minimum three-month training program in the prison where they are now. Then, a solid placement in decent housing and a decent job when they get out."

"They'll get checked on now and again, not only for parole supervision, but for different kinds of help and assistance. This thing's on the fast track too. They're launching it in two months. So, we could have our first graduates in five months."

The men and women of the Joint Recon Study Group of my novels do their best to help our veterans. That is a fictional version of something that all Americans might want to consider.

Do we want to take steps to help our veterans in trouble? Do we decide to move away from the status as the one nation on the planet that has a larger percentage of our citizens in prison than any other country? Will we use the vast amounts of money spent on prisons for some better approach to public safety, corrections and human development?

Will we do more than "talk the talk" about veterans? Will we "walk the walk?"

Breakthroughs in human consciousness possible

By Steve Hammons

Right now, all of us are experiencing human consciousness. It is our thinking, feeling and perceptions.

It involves us as individuals, families, groups, organizations, communities and nations.

Some people seem to feel that we may be on the verge of breakthroughs of some kind when it comes to human consciousness – a paradigm shift or an emerging new insight.

As we take a look at the world around us, one view about human consciousness is that American society and human culture worldwide seem to be developing in ways that are promising, despite serious problems of various kinds.

At the heart of the situation is human behavior and consciousness, which involves the many aspects of human nature and human societies.

BLENDING AND MERGING

How might a breakthrough or interesting new aspects of human consciousness emerge? What can we do to help the process along?

Blending and merging the many factors of our current understanding about consciousness might create a synergy that could be helpful.

Research and speculation about consciousness and awareness include many concepts and approaches involving diverse fields.

Consciousness plays a key part in areas from education to psychology, from scientific research to communication media, from public safety to health care, from economic development to international relations and just about everything in between.

When we take a look at consciousness, it seems that some views and approaches are on the more conventional side and other perspectives may be innovative and outside the box.

For example, we can look at the brain and body to see how they function. Exploring social interactions is another way to look at human psychology and behavior. Our relationship with our physical environment is also a factor to consider.

Some people take a spiritual or metaphysical angle when examining human awareness. Unusual and mysterious phenomena are also areas of interest. Concepts about other dimensions and a "multiverse," zero point energy and UFOs spark curiosity.

For many conventional and unconventional viewpoints, a good amount of knowledge has been acquired. Still, there is much that most of us do not fully understand.

MANY PATHS

We can also ask useful questions: What factors affect consciousness? Is there more to it than we generally believe? Does it operate in ways that we fully understand? Can we all learn more about it and help it work for us as individuals and groups?

Using the more conventional as well as leading-edge paths to explore these questions might both yield helpful results.

The biology of the brain, body and neurological system is certainly an important part of human consciousness. Medical researchers are also looking at the influences of our genetics and DNA which seem to promise interesting findings.

Mainstream theories in education, psychology, sociology, anthropology and other social sciences also have much to offer.

Pioneering research into unusual and unexplained phenomena, anomalous cognition, enhanced human perception and other unconventional areas of study probably can shed light on the situation as well.

Can the human race make the most of our current understanding and take this knowledge to the next level, whatever that might look like?

It might be that this is inevitable and is part of the natural development of humanity.

We might be flowing toward this outcome as if on a river or stream where the waters may be calm or turbulent, but do eventually reach their destination.

PBS launches Native American Indian TV saga 'We Shall Remain' April 13

By Steve Hammons

A five-part TV program on the Public Broadcasting System's (PBS) "American Experience" series begins Monday, April 13, and will continue on subsequent Mondays through May 11.

The groundbreaking presentation, "We Shall Remain," looks at American history since the arrival of Europeans from the Native American Indian points of view.

The five segments of the program include: "After the Mayflower" (part one, April 13), "Tecumseh's Vision" (part two, April 20), "Trail of Tears" (part three, April 27), "Geronimo" (part four, May 4) and "Wounded Knee" (part five, May 11).

The award-winning filmmakers involved include Chris Eyre, Ric Burns, Dustinn Craig, Stanley Nelson and executive producers Mark Samels and Sharon Grimberg, according to the "We Shall Remain" Web site.

The TV series itself is part of a larger effort that includes a nationwide community involvement campaign involving Native American Indian communities, organizations and radio stations.

In addition the overall project involves coordination and outreach with and through public television stations, universities, schools, libraries and museums.

Related activities and events include special screenings, lectures, discussions and conferences. A comprehensive teacher´s guide for social studies curriculum has also been developed.

SEGMENTS OF AMERICAN HISTORY

The "We Shall Remain" Web site provides overviews of the program that briefly describe each show.

In part one, "After the Mayflower," viewers go back to 1621 when the Wampanoa people in New England made a treaty with the new settlers – the Pilgrims. A few decades later, war erupts between regional Indians and the English.

Part two, "Tecumseh's Vision," covers the Indian leader Tecumseh who helped coordinate a joint resistance involving many tribes against the European invaders in their land.

"Trail of Tears," part three, takes us to the horrible tragedy experienced by the Cherokee people of the Southeast and Appalachian Mountain region. After adapting to the white man's ways, including much intermarriage, most Cherokee were forced from their ancestral homeland to western lands.

The fourth segment, "Geronimo," then shows us the same struggle years later as settlers and the authority of the United States government moved into the American Southwest.

Finally, part five, "Wounded Knee," brings us to contemporary times and the 1973 incident involving demands of the American Indian Movement for justice.

The "We Shall Remain" Web site calls the project "an unprecedented collaboration between Native and non-Native filmmakers and involves Native advisors and scholars at all levels of the project."

The program "could not have been made without the extensive involvement of Native people. In addition to the involvement of Native directors, producers and professional actors, the production teams reached out to Native communities to cast dozens of non-professional actors who brought a wealth of knowledge about their cultures to the set," according the program's Web site.

COMPREHENSIVE NATIONAL EXPERIENCE

The program's online site also includes detailed information on the many activities and efforts associated with the TV series itself.

A trailer, information on the cast and crew, feature videos and a photo gallery are available on the site. Lists of, and links to coalitions, groups and supporters who will "plan and sponsor activities that promote understanding of local Native history and contemporary life" can also be found there.

The many planned local events around the country include a featured event at Northeastern State University (NSU) in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, on April 14. The evening´s activities will feature an advance screening of the "Trail of Tears" segment.

Actor Wes Studi, who appears in the program, and executive producer Sharon Grimberg will be present. Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chad Smith, the Cherokee National Youth Choir and local cast members will also be in attendance.

The activities are hosted by Indian University Scholars Society (IUSS) and sponsors include the NSU Office of Academic Affairs, NSU Center for Tribal Studies and Cherokee Nation.

Other endeavors associated with "We Shall Remain" include educational resources that "incorporate video segments from the five documentaries into social studies resources, offering both viewing and comprehension aids and classroom activities," according to the program's Web site.

"This resource will inspire and support teachers to integrate Native history and issues into their curricula and encourage them to present Native history as an integral part of American history," the site explained.

The National Library Initiative involved with the program is a joint effort with the American Library Association (ALA) and "to build awareness of the series among librarians, Native organizations, scholars and writers."

In addition, "A library event kit developed specifically for public, college, school, and tribal libraries will be distributed to 17,000 public libraries, as well as to all tribal libraries. Features include storytelling days, Native literature reading circles, cross-cultural art projects for youth, discussion forums, guidelines for evaluating media about Native peoples, and an extensive bibliography of book, film and Internet resources," according to the program's site.

Exclusive corporate funding for "We Shall Remain" was provided by Liberty Mutual, with major funding from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.

Additional Funding was provided by National Endowment for the Humanities, Arthur Vining Davis Foundation, Kalliopeia Foundation, Gretchen Stone Cook Charitable Foundation and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting

Public TV station WGBH in Boston produces the "American Experience" series.

For more information, visit the "We Shall Remain" Web site at: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/weshallremain/

‘Asia Consciousness Festival’ explores known and unknown

By Steve Hammons

What is consciousness? For humans, is it simply the thinking brain or is it a mysterious mix involving the brain, the senses and other kinds of perception and awareness?

What do we know and what more can we learn about consciousness?

Those questions will be explored in the upcoming “Asia Consciousness Festival” to be held in Hong Kong, June 5 through June 21.

Prominent researchers from a wide range of professional and academic fields will be speaking at the event. Film screenings, exhibitions and workshops are also included.

How does consciousness relate to the development of the human race? An interesting point is raised on the festival’s Web site: “Looking back through history, it seems that mankind as a whole is evolving toward something … Comparing the developments over the past hundred years to the previous hundreds of thousands of years of human existence, mankind appears to be rapidly heading towards a pinnacle, singularity, or ‘Omega Point.’”

INTERDISCIPLINARY AND INTERNATIONAL

According to festival organizers, “Consciousness is a highly interdisciplinary topic that everyone has a first-hand experience with. It is arguably the most challenging topic of science and an area with great value in solving critical issues within our society today.”

The festival Web site notes that the many events that “will bring together visionaries and leaders in the field of consciousness, spanning neurosciences, psychology, philosophy, cognitive sciences, education, and spirituality.”

“The target audience includes researchers, practitioners, and professionals interested in psychology, consciousness, art, educators, and members of the community at large that are interested in the bigger questions in life as well as improving the quality of life.”

Some of the big questions to be explored during the festival include “What is Consciousness and how does it work?” “How does our understanding of consciousness influence our quality of life?” “What role does consciousness play in human evolution?”

The festival organizers say that the event “will serve as a catalyst to increase awareness and stimulate interaction and collaboration. Practical hands-on workshops will also facilitate individuals’ personal explorations of their consciousness with an objective of improving their quality of life. Our goal is to make a regional and international impact in this area. Hong Kong has traditionally served as a bridge between East and West.”

Organizers of the festival include the School of Design and Department of Computing at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, the Centre on Behavioral Health and the Centre of Buddhist Studies of the University of Hong Kong, and the Centre for Religious and Spirituality Education of the Hong Kong Institute of Education.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

The festival kicks off on June 5 with the “About Consciousness Conference,” a three-day event that “brings together leading international authors, futurists, spiritual teachers, and healers to discuss the relationship between the mind and the body,” according to the schedule on the festival’s Web site.

Also starting June 5, the “Exploring Consciousness with Art Technology and Design Exhibitions” features “A series of art and technology exhibits showcasing local and international works exploring the theme of consciousness.”

Film screenings related to consciousness will also help launch the event. Several film trailers are available for viewing on the festival’s Web site.

On June 7, “About Consciousness Workshops” begin. The online schedule describes these activities as “workshops by renowned teachers provide in-depth opportunities to enrich your understanding of consciousness related topics.”

The “Wheel of Consciousness Show” also begins June 7. Author Jeff Warren presents “a mind-boggling audio-visual journey through ten different states of waking, sleeping and dreaming consciousness. After the tour, Jeff will demonstrate how to remix the dreaming mind.”

June 9 events will feature the “Social Approaches to Consciousness Conference 2009.” According to the program description, “The ‘social revolution’ in brain science, and the multiple disciplines that made this possible, present major challenges to western individualistic and physicalistic worldviews. This one-day conference brings together researchers and theorists from the forefront of disciplines which are transforming our understandings of consciousness.”

“Meaningful Media Open Space Workshops" on June 10 provide “a one-day invitational workshop that brings together media creators such as film-makers, video game producers, and media technology developers, consciousness researchers, and entrepreneurs to stimulate further collaboration and promote the understanding and development of media content and technologies that facilitate personal growth and transformation.”

Also on June 10, the “Toward a Science of Consciousness Workshops” will feature “a day of workshops facilitated by some of the world’s leading thinkers from fields of philosophy, psychology, neuroscience, anthropology, cognitive science and computer science.”

On June 11, the “Toward a Science of Consciousness Conference” begins. According to the festival’s organizers, “This international conference brings together leading neuroscientists, philosophers, computer scientists, cognitive scientists, anthropologists, psychologists, and physicists researching all aspects of conscious experience.”

“The Experience” on June 13 is a “full participation event” and “is designed to give the audience a first-hand experience of different states of consciousness using traditional and modern techniques including Yoga, Yoga Nidra, sound meditation, and dance.” This event will also “feature choreographed digital visuals with both acoustic and electronic music by local and international artists.”

The “Machine Consciousness Workshop” will focus on “the development of broad human-like intelligence. Immediate applications include education, relationship management and video games.” This program is organized by Artificial General Intelligence Research Institute and will be held June 14.

An “Awakening Education Symposium and Facilitator Training” activity “will look at our current world view and collective consciousness to see where we are and how we can respond to global issues such as climate change, poverty and economic crisis. It is an opportunity to understand what's happening and to consider how we can address these problems and create a world that works sustainably for us,” according to organizers.

The “Conference on Cognitive Infomatics” begins on June 15 and “brings together the world’s leading computer scientists and cognitive scientists researching the techniques for applying computers to mimic human decision-making.”

You can learn more by visiting the Asia Consciousness Festival at: http://www.asiaconsciousness.org/home.html

Ancient American Indian legends include mystical woman, UFO visitors

By Steve Hammons

Does current scientific understanding have connections with ancient accounts of mystical and metaphysical phenomena?

When we hear modern scientists discussing parallel dimensions and mysterious discoveries, can we draw any conclusions about traditional legends of the “First Americans,” Native American Indians?

As we read about the stories from the Hopi and other tribes about visitors from the stars, do we wonder if there is an association with modern-day reports of UFOs?

In 2005, NASA helped promote “Sun-Earth Day,” an observation and celebration that happens on or near the spring equinox each year.

As part of this activity, the NASA Web site featured the section “Ancient Observations, Timeless Knowledge” and a sub-section called “Native American Connections.”

MYSTICAL WOMAN, SACRED PIPE

Among the Native American Indian scholars, astronauts and others featured on the site, a brief biographical overview of Joseph Chasing Horse is included.

The NASA site explains that Chasing Horse is a Lakota and “ambassador to the United Nations for the Lakota Sioux Nations, an ordained Sundance chief and a descendant of the great spiritual leader, Crazy Horse.”

The NASA site also notes that, “With expertise in the fields of educational and environmental issues, he has worked with NASA. As a cross cultural consultant he has assisted JPL (Jet Propulsion Laboratory) in developing Lakota Star Knowledge curriculum. He also serves as liaison between NASA and many traditional Indian communities …”

In addition, the NASA site points out that Chasing Horse, “serves as emissary to … the nineteenth caretaker of the sacred White Buffalo Calf Pipe.”

What is the White Buffalo Calf Pipe, and what meaning does it have for us today?

From other online resources, we can learn about the time long past – said to be 2,000 years ago – when a mystical being came to the Lakota. Her name was White Buffalo Calf Woman.

Other Native American Indian tribes reportedly have similar legends of such a being.

According to Chasing Horse, “They say a cloud came down from the sky, and off of the cloud stepped the white buffalo calf. As it rolled onto the earth, the calf stood up and became this beautiful young woman who was carrying the sacred bundle in her hand.”

“She spent four days among our people and taught them about the sacred bundle, the meaning of it.”

“When she was done teaching all our people, she left the way she came. She went out of the circle, and as she was leaving she turned and told our people that she would return one day for the sacred bundle. And she left the sacred bundle, which we still have to this very day,” Chasing Horse said.

“The sacred bundle is known as the White Buffalo Calf pipe because it was brought by the White Buffalo Calf Woman. It is kept in a sacred place … by a man who is known as the keeper of the White Buffalo Calf pipe.”

Chasing Horse tells us, “When White Buffalo Calf Woman promised to return again, she made some prophecies at that time. One of those prophesies was that the birth of a white buffalo calf would be a sign that it would be near the time when she would return again to purify the world. What she meant by that was that she would bring back harmony again and balance, spiritually.”

CONNECTING THE DOTS

As the human race struggles today with many problems and challenges around the world, we might find valuable information in ancient accounts, such as that of the White Buffalo Calf Woman and the sacred pipe.

Here in North America, we have many direct links to the ancient perceptions of Native American Indian peoples. Not only do we have a vast array of historical literature and tribal stories available, but millions of Americans today have Indian ancestry.

In addition to single-tribe full-blood Indians, many people are a mix of two or more tribes. Other Americans have a diverse blend of European and Indian bloodlines. Black and Hispanic Americans also often have Native American Indian DNA within their genetic backgrounds.

In fact, this reality may be not fully understood because many American families do not even remember those long-ago Indian ancestors far back in the family tree.

But, could greater awareness associated with this situation be emerging now? Is the consciousness that people like Joseph Chasing Horse describes rising in America today?

Research into DNA mapping is really just beginning, as are the connections between our DNA, consciousness and even more unconventional theories about human genetics.

Significant scientific discoveries in many fields seem to be pointing toward unusual and surprising developments that make connections between our modern world and ancient understanding. These connections cross different fields of study. They provide a more cohesive picture derived from joint studies and observations.

They may fit in to a new kind of transcendent awareness about Nature and the reality around us and within us.

As we consider the possibilities of emerging new consciousness and understanding, we might wonder about the ancient Lakota reports of the White Buffalo Calf Woman.

Does she represent the qualities of Nature, Earth and the Universe (or “multiverse”) that we are reconnecting with today?

Will she be returning soon? And if so, how?

Visit the NASA Native American Connections site at: http://sunearthday.nasa.gov/2005/na/

UFOs offer new energy sources, advanced knowledge?

By Steve Hammons

Some people who are curious about reports of extraterrestrial and/or extra-dimensional visitors to Earth have recently noted that advanced energy technologies related to the UFO phenomena could be helpful for us now.

Advocates of this view say national security issues associated with certain foreign oil sources, stress on our economies, effects of related pollution, global climate change and other disadvantages of conventional energy-producing methods indicate that we should explore possible exotic technologies associated with UFOs.

There seems to be agreement across a broad sector of scientists, government officials and others that new, advanced, emerging and leading-edge energy technologies are needed. Solar power, wind turbines, geothermal energy and many other approaches are being explored.

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is providing funding for the development of jet fuel from algae. The new federal group called the Advanced Research Projects Activity – Energy (ARPA-E) is also poised to lead the way in these areas.

Certain UFO researchers say that if it is true that we might have some insight into advanced energy technologies obtained over the years from visitors to our planet from elsewhere, then it seems wise to begin higher-tech development of these kinds of resources – if we can figure them out.

EXOTIC TECHNOLOGY PIPELINE

For most Americans and people internationally, it remains unproven that there have actually been, or are currently, visitors to Earth from extraterrestrial and/or extra-dimensional locations.

Some researchers in this field, however, claim that legitimate evidence exists strongly indicating that this is the case. Thorough and effective programs of security and confidentiality on this situation have been going on for decades, they say.

Additionally, some who have researched these topics state that certain technologies actually have been discreetly released to private industry over the years.

If this is true, then the pipeline of knowledge about energy technology from such unconventional sources might also be opening up soon.

Of course, it is quite a leap to go from claims of UFO researchers to thinking about practical applications in our energy grid and everyday lives.

Yet, there may be a continuum of intermediaries between those two points that are facilitating the flow and transfer of advanced exotic technologies for practical use today.

Assuming for a minute that there might be some truth to this scenario, shouldn’t we modify security protocols and decades-long habits of secrecy on this topic somewhat to optimize any technical or other knowledge that might be useful?

Although understanding and applying advanced energy technologies would be worthwhile goals, we might also wonder what other benefits we might access if it were true that visitors from elsewhere could be helpful for the human race.

COMPLEX AND SENSITIVE

Could there be tremendous medical advances, such as the current DARPA-funded project to regrow human tissue, including the limbs of our troops severely injured in war?

Could we globally mitigate human poverty, hunger, disease, overpopulation, homelessness, natural resources degradation and other problems by applying new knowledge?

If, as some physicists theorize, there may be other unseen dimensions in the “multiverse” around us, what new insights might we achieve by following up on these concepts using advanced understanding from exotic visitors?

Of course, a greater awareness and acceptance by people that we have been, and are now being visited by advanced (and possibly quite different) kinds of intelligent civilizations would be a bit of a shock to many.

At the same time, people who seem to believe that this is the case would say, “I told you so.” However, even they, too, may find certain aspects of this situation uncomfortable, troubling or worrisome.

Some researchers in this field have warned that it all might not be so wonderful. Do we know that all extraterrestrial and/or extra-dimensional visitors would be friendly and have our best interests at heart? No. In fact, there seem to be serious concerns about this.

Such a situation involving multiple kinds of visitors could involve a complexity and sensitivity similar to our human interactions on Earth among friendly nations and groups, allies, adversaries, culture conflicts, competition as well as military, intelligence and security activities.

If there was any truth to ideas of this kind of visitation to Earth, it probably would involve many or all of these elements too.

Optimizing energy technologies from such a situation might be a relatively small part of the overall challenges involved.

Modern science, ancient wisdom now merging

By Steve Hammons

Some of today’s scientists are theorizing that the universe and our everyday reality may not be quite what we think.

These scientists join the ranks of philosophers, theologians and people around the world who have thought about views on heaven and the afterlife, angels, reincarnation and other metaphysical concepts.

The theory that our universe might actually be a “multiverse” seems to be gaining support.

According to these ideas, there may be several or many intersecting dimensions. Our everyday world is one part of this multiverse, according to these perspectives.

Other dimensions may be unseen and difficult for us to perceive, some of the theories claim. At the same time, there may be circumstances when we might become aware of these other environments and influences.

Like gravity, magnetic energy, invisible parts of the light spectrum and other known natural forces, there may also be similar natural dimensions that we cannot always perceive, according to some views.

Do these concepts help us explain things like near-death experiences (NDEs), extrasensory perception (ESP), unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and other unusual phenomena?

PHYSICAL, METAPHYSICAL IN TANDEM

Interestingly, these modern scientific perspectives are consistent with many traditional views and beliefs in cultures around the world.

For example, Native American Indians have traditionally valued the unseen in nature as an important aspect of reality and life.

According to the Oklahoma Historical Society’s Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History & Culture, for the diverse Indian traditions of the people of Oklahoma, “Native logic is guided by the knowledge that the metaphysical and physical forces both operate in life.” And, “physical and metaphysical dimensions work in tandem.”

This view is consistent with many other philosophies around the world. The unseen or spiritual and our everyday reality go hand in hand.

Our ancestors and loved ones may have passed on to one of these other dimensions. And, it is not clear what the connections or pathways are between our world and the theorized afterlife dimension.

How these possible unseen aspects of the universe or multiverse might actually work is currently being explored by physicists, mathematicians and other scholars.

An actual afterlife dimension may not be so far away. It may be closer than we think. Our ancestors and loved ones might be just around the corner or on the other side of some metaphysical door.

Of course, all of us living today will one day learn more about it when we, too, pass on.

Or, perhaps one day there will be greater integration of our world and the possible dimension in which our ancestors and loved ones may now live.

CONSCIOUSNESS AND DIMENSIONS

As we think about these kinds of ideas, the area of human psychology, consciousness and awareness comes into play. How do we, or can we, perceive or understand more about other dimensions, if they exist?

Intellectual logic can probably take us only so far. Then we might have to move to other kinds of perception such as our deeper mind, our unconscious, our intuition, our dreams and visions, and what is sometimes called “anomalous cognition,” which includes a kind of unconventional awareness or understanding.

This is also probably a nonlinear kind of consciousness. In other words, life and reality as well as our deeper mind may not always move in a line from point A to point B to point C. There are also cyclical and circular features as well as more constant forces.

The Oklahoma Historical Society’s Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History & Culture does a pretty good job of describing this kind of perception: “As nonlinear people, Indians are cyclical by nature. Day changing into night is a cycle, the full moon's monthly repetition is another cycle, and the seasons rotate as well.”

“Life itself, then, is a rotation of circles. Indian peoples' concept of time is that their stories, transmitted through the oral tradition, enliven the past, and that prophecies bring the future back to the present in a time continuum. This is Indian reality; this is the thought pattern of Oklahoma traditional Indians. Nonlinear reality is a powerful theme in the Oklahoma Indian experience.”

One of these cycles might include today’s modern scientists who are rediscovering connections between discoveries in physics and the ancient views of traditional peoples.

Maybe this circle or hoop is now being completed. Maybe today’s physicists searching for a primary force such as “zero point energy” will discover what the Great Spirit has created and the first Americans understood.

Maybe this is the path to other dimensions, including the place from where angels, ancestors and loved ones watch over us and protect us.

DARPA idea on remote sensing has wider potential

By Steve Hammons

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has put out a request for proposals to develop a “Comprehensive Interior Reconnaissance” technological sensing system.

Such a system would be able to collect information about and map the interior of buildings, including walls, doors, plumbing, electrical, ventilation and other common features.

This would have obvious value in urban combat, hostage rescue and similar operations.

Could aspects of “transcendent warfare” concepts also provide non-technological assets along these lines? Could human “biosensor” and “anomalous cognition (AC)” methods be developed and deployed?

HUNCHES, INTUITION AND AC

Anomalous cognition is an umbrella term of sorts that includes various kinds of human perception, awareness and skills that we typically think of as unconventional.

However, scientific research and military/intelligence operational experiences tell us that AC is probably very natural for humans and it can be used productively in various capacities.

The most notable activity involving AC is probably Project STARGATE which was funded and coordinated by U.S. military and intelligence services during the 1970s, ‘80s and ‘90s. This project used a particular detailed protocol for gathering information remotely.

Other aspects of AC are things average people experience everyday: hunches, intuition, gut feelings and the like. These aspects of human awareness and perception can probably be enhanced through education, training and understanding.

The science and research in fields like physics and psychology, when it comes to AC, seem to tell us that we all have the ability to tap into and improve skills along these lines.

They can help us in our daily lives with loved ones, in our jobs and in keeping safe in our communities.

Do we get a worried feeling about a relative? Maybe we should give them a call to see how they are doing.

Does a certain job offer sound like a good idea? Maybe we should follow our hunch that it will pan-out in a good way.

Do we sense danger in a location or from a certain person or persons? Maybe our gut instincts on this situation should be explored and examined.

In the case of the DARPA interest in remote sensing and mapping of buildings, can U.S. troops or special operations personnel be trained to optimize natural AC perceptions?

Maybe they could use situational awareness, supplemented by enhanced AC and other perception and intelligence, to sense that an enemy sniper could be on the roof of a building. Maybe they could sense fearful innocent women and children in the back room of the second floor.

Sounds impossible? Not really.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

A large body of reliable research indicates that humans do have these kinds of natural abilities. Some people, for whatever reason, may have better skills than others, just like some people have better talents in music, athletics or other endeavors.

Research and experience also indicates that through education, training and practice, AC sensing skills can be improved. How far can they be improved and in what environments can they be effective?

Can U.S. troops be trained to sense an improvised explosive device (IED) on the side of the road 50 yards ahead? Maybe. Past research and development on the subject of AC indicates this is possible.

What can be done to get U.S. personnel, and all of us, up to speed on the potential of AC?

Would it be helpful to develop educational programs and training videos? How about college psychology classes that explore the subject? Maybe public safety professionals should also receive orientations on this subject.

In many ways, we are already doing this. Community peace officers tell school kids about “stranger danger.” Stay away from people who you don’t feel good about. Listen to your feelings and tell an adult if something doesn’t seem right about a stranger, officers tell young kids.

It is simply taking our usual situational awareness and normal perception to the next level.

DARPA and other funding groups, organizations of many kinds and average people might all be able to make greater use of AC in a variety of settings and for many kinds of situations.

AC is a free, low-tech, natural resource that is available to all of us and may be very helpful as we deal with a wide variety of challenges and opportunities.

Defense budget: Include ‘transcendent warfare’ R&D

By Steve Hammons

When Defense Secretary Robert Gates presents his plans for the Pentagon budget, it could be wise for him to consider modest funding for “transcendent warfare” research and development.

Transcendent warfare – a term used by a Navy SEAL officer in a 2001 research paper at the Marine Corps War College – includes elements of soft power and hard power, potentially enhancing both.

We could say that a concept of transcendent power is capable of creating a synergy of superior methods and resources to face future challenges such as, but not limited to, irregular warfare (IW).

SecDef Gates might already be aware of this potential, and resources may already be available for transcendent power R&D in discreet or even secret “black budget” funds.

When breakthroughs in transcendent warfare took place in the 1970s, ‘80s and ‘90s in Project STAR GATE’s research on human perception, the military services led the way in cooperation with the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA).

Maybe it is now time for the Defense Department to lead again on transcendent power R&D.

LEGITIMATE DEFENSE EFFORTS

Many Americans find it troubling when public money is wasted on unwise defense spending or obvious fraud and war profiteering.

In recent years, concern has increased about these practices – many of which seem dishonorable and even criminal.

However, war profiteering should always be distinguished from legitimate and valuable defense spending.

Modest funding for transcendent warfare seems to fall into the latter category.

What kinds of transcendent power projects might be valuable for our military, and also provide parallel benefits to other important security and safety personnel as well as society as a whole?

First, thorough review and revisiting of Project STAR GATE research and operations seems like a starting point. Up-to-date research and information-gathering on related scientific and practical-application approaches should be included.

In addition, training and education programs should be developed and implemented for a wider range of personnel. This educational effort would focus on concepts underlying enhanced human perception as well as real-world applications.

Additional efforts should be started to expand the potential applications for knowledge gained from Project STAR GATE and related activities that fall into the categories of transcendent warfare and transcendent power.

CREATING SUPPORT

Can support for these kinds of efforts be created within the DoD, intelligence community, Congress, the public, the media and the current administration?

In today’s economic climate and in a time when the scope of recent defense-related fraud and war profiteering are increasingly coming to light, this could be a challenge.

However, while trying to correct and respond to serious issues such as war profiteering, we might not want to close our eyes to the significant potential that exists in leading-edge and emerging discoveries such as those related to Project STAR GATE and transcendent warfare.

As the U.S. faces a wider variety of internal and global situations, it can be helpful to explore the possibilities associated with advances of sometimes unconventional approaches. This kind of mindset is relevant to irregular warfare and a wide range of other endeavors.

For the American military, continuing irregular and asymmetric conflicts will probably continue for a time in a kind of “warm war” with certain groups.

We may also be called upon to assist in humanitarian operations, peace operations, conflict prevention, alliance-building and other activities that can make good use of transcendent power assets.

At home, our economic innovation, technological development, educational system enhancement, health care reorganization and many other projects can also benefit from leading-edge research related to Project STAR GATE.

Minimal investments in transcendent power R&D could yield optimal benefits for Americans and the international community.

Are we prepared for public UFO encounters?

By Steve Hammons

Is the U.S. prepared for public, daylight, high-profile UFO encounters?

Do average adults, teens and children have adequate mental and emotional preparedness for visible and indisputable extraterrestrial and/or inter-dimensional visitation?

Are our public health and safety officials ready to handle possible ramifications of such an event?

To explore these important questions, it may be instructive to look at the March 13, 1997, so-called "Phoenix lights" case.

PSYCHOLOGICAL PREPAREDNESS

When the Phoenix lights incident took place, it was early evening and already dark. This undoubtedly minimized the number of residents who actually observed what was reported to be a huge V-shaped object with large lights underneath.

If this had occurred during daylight, would there have been more anxiety by the public?

In many alleged UFO cases, an object quickly zips by at high speed and is gone in the blink of an eye.

In other cases, sightings or encounters reportedly occur in isolated regions, where there are few human witnesses.

Since the object over Phoenix in 1997 was said to be very large, slow-moving and maintained a fairly low altitude, it would have been very visible over a length of time by millions of people if seen during daylight.

Feelings of anxiety would be very normal on the part of people who were seeing something they had never seen before. Their first impressions might be that there were two main explanations for such a large unidentified object: a U.S. craft or a ship piloted by non-humans.

Once the thought process considered both options and concluded that the latter explanation was more likely, more natural questions might come to mind.

The relatively few Phoenix residents who experienced these feelings and thoughts in 1997 would be multiplied by millions.

Feelings of fear or panic can be contagious, spreading rapidly to create a human social climate. This would be a concern for public health and safety officials, and for the general public if a significant daylight UFO event were to occur over a major city.

THEN AND NOW

It can be argued that concerns of this kind may be part of the reasons for the alleged secrecy of the U.S. Government's handling of the UFO situation.

In the late 1940s, the U.S. had just emerged from the trauma of World War II. As the '50s began, the Cold War with the Soviet Union commenced. Fear of attacks on U.S. soil was part of both WWII and the Cold War.

Sightings of UFOs were becoming more frequent and some Americans were naturally somewhat unsophisticated about what these might mean.

If accounts of federal government inside activities during those decades are correct, there was anxiety in Washington, D.C., about a possible invasion or infiltration of a new kind of adversary – intelligent non-human ones.

The reasonable conclusions that these visitors were probably much more advanced technologically, and possibly in other ways, than humans also would have caused government leaders to worry.

As a result, it would be logical for them react with high levels of security, secrecy and discretion regarding public reaction to such a scenario.

It could be that programs to prepare and acclimate the public on these topics was implemented.

Now, in 2009, Americans appear to be more sophisticated about the possibilities or probabilities that UFOs and other anomalous phenomena may be real, and may be something quite complex, sensitive and unusual.

Movies, TV shows, books and other media platforms have tackled the themes of unusual situations such as UFOs and extraterrestrial visitation to our planet. Sometimes the visitors are friendly, sometimes hostile, and sometimes fairly neutral.

Maybe this is also the case in real life.

For most of us, the situation is unclear and we can only evaluate the available information and use our own intelligence, common sense and gut feelings to try to get an understanding of what might be going on.

Considering all the possibilities and outcomes from something like a daylight version of the Phoenix lights incident might help our communities and society prepare for that kind of contingency.