Munsan Lynn Catoe writes back with a letter taking John to task for some of his methodology and confirmation bias, most pointedly in a postscript quoting occult historian Maurice Bessy. She also fills him in on her background and interests, mentions a visit with Isabel Davis, of the UFO group Civilian Saucer Intelligence, and deplores the infighting among UFO buffs.
Ivan and Alma are Ivan and Alma Sanderson; Sue Brown was Sanderson’s personal assistant at the time; Stewart Nixon was a member of NICAP.
I have to agree with Lynn’s points. John had his own biases that I think were driving him crazy just like other personalities in the UFO community. It’s sad to say things have gotten worse with all the infighting and cults that evolved out of Ufology in the past four decades and is probably never going to be resolved. I wonder what John would think of today’s UFO scene.
Comment by Joseph — March 30, 2020 @ 2:17 pm
Wow! These recent posts have had me thinking Lynn Catoe was a bright and perceptive person; this one leaves no room for doubt. I’ll now add “tough cookie” to my estimation of her as well.
I can’t help thinking this was exactly what John needed at that particular time.
Thanks again for doing all this work, Doug. These insights are priceless.
Comment by ZR — March 30, 2020 @ 9:10 pm
Written the day before the Silver Bridge went down.
Comment by ozinor — March 31, 2020 @ 11:05 am
Yes. That’s what John’s next letter is about.
Comment by Doug — March 31, 2020 @ 11:41 am
She seems quite impressive! John did have other friends steering him away from the rabbit hole, but he could have used more.
Comment by Doug — March 31, 2020 @ 11:47 am
He was pretty disgusted with it when he was alive. He did admire those researchers like Antonio Huneeus, who managed to avoid polemics and infighting.
Comment by Doug — March 31, 2020 @ 11:50 am
[…] Doug Skinner posts a picture of Keel as a boy. Government bibliographer Catoe admonishes John in A Letter From Lynn Catoe, December 14, 1967. The letter reveals someone concerned about the way Keel seems to be going, and incidentally gives […]
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[…] Doug Skinner posts a picture of Keel as a boy. Government bibliographer Catoe admonishes John in A Letter From Lynn Catoe, December 14, 1967. The letter reveals someone concerned about the way Keel seems to be going, and incidentally gives […]
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