Hidden Truth/Hidden Truth.iso/data/genufo/genufo/alien/main_archive/j_upto_r/rat_03.txt

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THE GROOM LAKE DESERT RAT.   An On-Line Newsletter.
Issue #3.  Feb. 12, 1994.
-----> "The Naked Truth from Open Sources." <-----
AREA 51/NELLIS RANGE/TTR/NTS/S-4?/WEIRD STUFF/DESERT LORE
Written, published, copyrighted and totally disavowed by
psychospy, direct from the "UFO Capital," Rachel, Nevada.
See bottom for subscription/copyright info.

In this issue...
     PSYCHOSPY SUFFERS CONVULSIONS
     POPULAR SCIENCE COVER STORY
     GROOM TOUR INFO
     THERE IS NO CRISIS CORNER
     FUN WITH SENSORS
     SENSOR UPDATE
     IN BRIEF
     WISDOM OF JACK D. RIPPER

[Note: This file ends with "#####"  Check for truncation.]

----- PSYCHOSPY SUFFERS CONVULSIONS -----

It seemed like an ordinary day in an ordinary mobile home park
not too far from a not-too-secret secret base where nothing out
of the ordinary ever seemed to happen.  A man went to his mailbox
to get the mail.  It seemed like ordinary mail at first:  some
bills, a newspaper, ten million dollars from Ed McMahon and yet
another flyer from the Jehovah's Witnesses.

But there was more.  Just behind the envelope bearing Ed's
smiling face was another, much bigger envelope.  It had no return
address but was postmarked in California.  It seemed like an
ordinary envelope.

The man couldn't guess what was inside the envelope.  How could
he have possibly known?  On such an ordinary day in this ordinary
place it was easy to let down ones guard.  The man never even
considered that the envelope might contain something dangerous,
like a letter bomb or an IRS injunction.  HE WAS THAT KIND OF
TRUSTING SOUL.

He opened the envelope.

The man stared at what he found.  It was a document with the word
SECRET on the front.  Disbelief was the man's first reaction.
Stunned silence.  He did not think the document was real until he
began to glance through its pages.  The man looked again at the
cover of the document.

That's when it began.  A strange sound started to gurgle in the
man's throat.  It got louder and louder until bursting forth from
his mouth with terrible, unexpected fury.  It almost sounded like
laughter, but it wasn't any normal, healthy kind of laugh.  I was
more of a cackle.  It was like the evil, psychotic laugh of the
Wicked Old Witch of the West after sending out the flying monkeys
and threatening, "I'll get you my pretty!"

The man could not control himself.  The horrible utterance
possessed him like a demon and shook his whole body with violent
spasms.  Convulsions.  His arms flailed.  His legs collapsed
beneath him.  With an almost superhuman effort, he dragged
himself to the desk and dialed the telephone.  He dialed a number
in California.  It rang and rang, and then a machine answered and
said to leave a message.  The man tried to speak but only the
hideous, cackling sound came out.  It exploded in wave after wave
of uncontrollable screeches, until the machine cut off and the
line went dead.

The man dropped the phone.  Then he collapsed and died.

This story is STRANGE BUT TRUE (all except the part about the man
dying, which was added for dramatic effect).  IT COULD HAPPEN TO
YOU.

It WILL happen to you--although perhaps less violently--when you
see the March edition of POPULAR SCIENCE magazine.

----- POPULAR SCIENCE COVER STORY -----

"SECRET AIR BASE" it says in big letters on the cover, beside a
Soviet satellite image of the Groom Lake facility.

Other words on the cover say:  "The government doesn't want you
to know what's going on at Groom Lake, Nevada.  Officially, the
facility that developed the U-2 & SR-71 Blackbird spy planes
doesn't exist.  In fact, it continues to expand, and now the Air
Force wants to grab 4,000 acres of public land to keep curious
civilians away.  Are there shadowy projects underway that
citizens have a right to know about?"

The article inside recalls the exploits of a hardy band of
aviation buffs who hang out at the border of the Groom base
trying to catch a glimpse of rumored secret aircraft that never
seem to materialize.  In reality, it's a futile exercise in
hypothermia, but here on the pages of Popular Science, these
hopelessly distracted, get-a-life males are presented as heroic
crusaders fighting for our freedom.

We see no reason to complain, however.  We have been stumbling
along in this seemingly hopeless battle to save the viewpoints.
We have run off a few flyers, sent out some letters and hoped
that someone would listen.  Suddenly, the game has changed.  It's
like someone has taken one of our flyers, run off 1.8 million
copies and displayed it in every Safeway Supermarket, Seven-
Eleven and Thrifty Drug in the world.

Excuse us if we cackle.

Readers may or may not agree that the larger-than-life "Groom
Lake Interceptors" are doing the right thing.  Certainly, many in
the defense establishment would call them misguided.  Our need
for a secure facility did not end with the Cold War, they say.

One thing this article does prove, however, is the importance of
public relations and the dangers of ignoring it.  The existence
of the Groom base has long been one of the worst kept secrets in
the world; yet, the military has stubbornly clung to the awkward
position that the place doesn't exist.  This cripples the
military more than anyone else, because spokesmen cannot respond
to legitimate claims and questions, and speculations rage out of
control.  Everyone loves a secret base, and the more hush-hush it
is, the more people want to know.

Once upon a time, the press kept a respectable distance from
Groom because of the perceived Soviet threat.  Now, the world has
changed but the Pentagon hasn't.  The withdrawal application was
just the spark necessary to set off a press feeding frenzy.  In
the past few months, the crisis has gotten deeper and deeper, and
no one in the Air Force has taken any action to address it.  Cold
War Colonels have been trying to handle the withdrawal in the
brute-force, Reagan-era way while leadership from above seems
entirely absent.  We sense an aimless drift in the handling of
this affair and suspect it is related to the change of guard at
the Defense Department.

Now, the AF is in a major bind.  Instead of announcing the base
gradually on its own terms, the AF is being forced to address all
the charges at once under conditions of acute embarrassment.  A
few months ago, they could have probably gotten away with saying,
"Yes, there's a base at Groom but we can't tell you what's going
on there."  Now, everyone wants to know everything, and it's hard
to imagine the frenzy subsiding until they start offering public
tours.

With this is mind, here's how to request a tour yourself....

----- GROOM TOUR INFO -----

In response to our report on the Caliente hearing [Desert Rat
#2], [e-mail] has told us more about the AF
representative, Col. "Bud" Bennett.  His real name is Col. Warren
A. Bennett, Jr. and he is Commander of the 554th Range Squadron.
At least that's how the Colonel signed a reply to TRADER's
request to tour the Groom facility.  The Colonel wrote:

"Thank you for your letter of January 3, 1994, requesting a tour
of part of the Nellis Range Complex.  I have forwarded your
request to the appropriate officials.  You should receive a
response shortly."

We are jealous of TRADER, because when the AF does open up the
Groom base to public tours, he is going to be first in line.  If
you want to be just behind him, we suggest your write to Col.
Bennett right away to request your own permission to visit.  Even
if he can't grant your request himself, the Colonel evidently
knows where to send it.

Write to:
    Col. Warren A. Bennett, Jr.
    554th Range Squadron
    3770 Duffer Drive
    Nellis AFB, NV 89191-7001

----- THERE IS NO CRISIS CORNER -----

Psychospy goofed.  Can you forgive us?

On page 56 of the Popular Science article is a handsome 3-D map
of the proposed withdrawal area.  It shows three separate parcels
of land:  To the north is White Sides; in the center is Freedom
Ridge, and to the south is Crisis Corner.  This map is based on
our initial plotting of the township/range specifications
appearing in the Air Force's formal application to BLM.  For the
record, the exact specifications for the withdrawal, as shown in
the application, are as follows:

    In Township 6 South Range 56 East sections 25 and 36.
    In Township 6 South Range 57 East section 31 and The West
       1/2 of section 30.
    In Township 7 South Range 56 East section 1, The West 1/2
       of section 13, and the Northwest 1/4 of section 24.
    In Township 7 South Range 57 East section 6.
    Located in Lincoln County, Nevada, USA.

When we first received a copy of the application, we plotted the
sections on a map.  We double- and triple-checked our work, then
sent the map to our supporters around the world.

Most of the sections were no surprise.  The north and central
parcels were perfect "G-strings" covering the naked viewpoints of
White Sides and Freedom Ridge, where the public might jeopardize
its "safety" by casting eyes upon the indecencies at Groom Lake.
The southern parcel was a mystery, however.  We dubbed it "Crisis
Corner," although the crisis taking place there wasn't clear.  We
made several tours of this parcel trying to find the viewpoints
that the military must have wanted to neutralize, but all
potential views of Groom Lake were blocked by higher hills
already within the Zone.  The most we could see was a small
portion of the southern Emigrant Valley where there were no
obvious installations.  Numerous theories ran through our heads
about what the land might be needed for.

The solution only occurred to us at the Caliente hearing, when
the AF public relations people briefly showed a transparency of
the proposed withdrawal area.  There were only two parcels shown!
This prompted us to recheck our work, and, yes, we found that
Crisis Corner existed only in our imagination.  We had misread
the map and plotted two sections in the wrong place: Township 8
instead of Township 6.  The AF is not seeking any land south of
Freedom Ridge.

The error is minor.  It doesn't effect White Sides or Freedom
Ridge.  It only clears up a mystery.  Now, there is not the
slightest ambiguity about the AF's intentions.  The only sections
being sought are those that offer a direct view of the Groom
facility.

We are deeply embarrassed by our mistake.  At the same time, we
feel the exhilarating rush of fame and power in seeing OUR ERROR
reproduced 1.8 million times and distributed to every corner of
the globe.

----- FUN WITH SENSORS -----

[In an article in the Dec. 93 issue of INTERCEPTS NEWSLETTER, we
reported the following.]

Here's a challenge to you radio buffs:  Find the sensors planted
on public land around the perimeter of the top secret Groom Lake
base.  The most common kind are magnetic anomaly detectors
planted beside dirt roads to detect passing cars.  If you happen
to drive past one of these, you can be certain that the
anonymous, camouflage-clad dudes in the white Jeep Cherokees will
be along in a few minutes to shadow you, even if you go nowhere
near the border.

The sensor apparatus consists of two detection units--plastic
canisters about the size of soft drink cans buried beside the
road.  Inside each are some primitive electronics and a coil,
which senses any big hunk of metal passing nearby.  The two
detection units are wired to a transmitter hidden in bushes about
twenty feet away.  The transmitter is about the size of a gallon
paint can and takes its power from some batteries contained in a
nearby ammo can.  Given the vastness of the desert here, finding
these devices seems almost impossible at first, and it took us
many months to locate even one.  Most of the dirt roads
approaching the Restricted Zone are miles long, and the sensors
could be anywhere.  You can't home in on them with a radio even
if you know the frequency, because they transmit only a single
brief pulse when they detect something--not enough to deduce the
location from afar.

The solution?  We cruise the roads with a frequency counter, set
on its fastest gate time.  When 496.25 MHz comes onto the
display, we know we just passed one of those top secret sensors.
We get out, comb the sides of the road and sure enough, there's
another transmitter hiding in the bushes.  We have now found a
dozen of these sensors in logical places, usually many miles from
the border, and we have made a map of where they are.  Now, when
we want to preserve our privacy on public land, we temporarily
unscrew the antenna from the transmitter before driving by.  We
are then very careful to replace the antenna after passing so as
not to be accused of damaging government property.

We never cease to be amazed at how the apparatus of secrecy can
be turned into a spotlight on its makers.  The transmitted pulse
is available for anyone to pick up, so we are working now on ways
to monitor the sensors ourselves.  We'll use them to keep track
of the cammo dudes in the white Jeep Cherokees.

Alas, we may not get the chance to implement this particular
plan.  We gave a copy of our map to local officials of BLM, the
custodian of public lands.  BLM is not happy.  The Air Force has
no jurisdiction on public land and is supposed to apply to BLM
before it does this sort of thing.  Bad Air Force.  If you want
the challenge of finding these sensors for yourself you better
come soon, because we predict they won't remain in place for very
long.

It's like the remote TV camera on a tripod that we once found on
public land.  We had a picnic beside it, made faces into it from
six inches away and scribbled our names on the legs.  Sure
enough, within days, the camera vanished and reappeared on the
other side of the border where it belongs.

Someone has to keep an eye on Big Brother!

----- SENSOR UPDATE -----

After the existence of the sensors was reported to BLM, a ranger
was sent to dig up a couple of them.  Finding the sensors
themselves turned out to be easier than finding who they belonged
to.  The nonexistent base with the nonexistent security force is
also protected by nonexistent sensors.  Initially, the AF neither
confirmed nor denied their responsibility.

A break in the case came at the Caliente hearing.  When asked
about the sensors, the BLM Area Manager confirmed that the AF had
finally owned up.  He said BLM and the AF were "working together"
to find an arrangement whereby the sensors could be laid legally.
We asked whether the location of the sensors would be public
information.  The Area Manager said no.  The AF would be given
permission to lay sensors within specified parameters, probably
up to five miles from the border.

We are concerned about the ethical and civil rights implications
of a sensor network on public land.  The AF seized the Groom
Range as a vast, unused buffer zone for Groom Lake.  If the land
is formally under their control, we have no problem with them
laying all the sensors they want on it.  Now they are saying that
they need a buffer zone for the buffer zone.  It seems that no
matter how much land we given them, they always want to control
more.

With the sensor network tracking visitors and unidentified armed
guards shadowing them many miles from the border, this land is
not "public" at all.  It is a military controlled area, differing
from the adjoining Restricted Zone only in the absence of a
formal withdrawal.

If BLM will not defend the public's right to free and anonymous
travel on public lands, then the Groom Lake Freedom Fighters
will.  We are not happy about the sensors being there, but we
feel we can live with them if we are able to map them and
broadcast their locations to the world.  The AF has proposed to
BLM the use of smaller, less intrusive devices that are
presumably also harder to detect.  All the more sporting, we say!
We'll invite radio buffs to join in regular "Easter Egg Hunts" to
find the sensors and win prizes.  If the AF wants to set up the
game board for us, we'll happily play it.

----- IN BRIEF -----

NEW SECURITY HUMMER.  In July 1993, the cammo dudes patrolling
the Groom perimeter traded in their tan Blazers and Broncos for
spiffy white Jeep Cherokees.  The choice of color wasn't terribly
wise; these vehicles now stand out as bright beacons against the
beige landscape and can be seen for miles.  However, a new,
stealthier vehicle has also been spotted: an olive drab Humvee.
This one is difficult to spot unless you're looking for it--or if
the dudes choose to park it at the top of a prominent hill as
they always seem to do.  (You can't teach old dudes new tricks.)

VEGAS LAND GRAB HEARING.  Nothing has changed regarding the Las
Vegas land grab hearing, although the Popular Science article
should greatly increase the attention.  It will be held Weds.,
March 2, 1994 from 5-8 pm at the Cashman Field House, rooms 203-
204.  (Cashman Field House is a stadium complex at 850 North Las
Vegas Blvd. just north of Downtown.)  Each speaker will be
limited to 3 minutes, so if you have something to say you will
have to be organized and concise.  Flyers are a good way to get
your point across; you can make them available at the door.  You
can also continue to submit written comments to BLM up until the
date of the hearing.  These comments DO have an effect.  At least
they assure that the contents of the case file will be heavily
weighted toward the opponents.  Apart from the paid military
representatives, we have yet to hear of ANYONE offering support
for the withdrawal, either in writing or at a hearing, but
certainly twenty pounds of opposing comments are better than two.
Be creative.  Think of your own angle on the withdrawal and
explain it in a courteous letter to BLM.  Send comments to:

    Mr. Billy Templeton
    BLM Nevada State Director
    P.O. Box 12000
    Reno, NV 89520

Also send a copy of your letter to:

    Mr. Curtis Tucker
    BLM Caliente Area Manager
    P.O. Box 237
    Caliente, NV 89008

It is likely that Desert Rat #4 will be issued sometime before
the hearing, with any late-breaking details reported therein.  If
you are planning to attend the Las Vegas hearing and don't
receive DR#4, then it may be a good idea to contact us a few days
before for the latest plans.

VEGAS POOP:  When in Vegas you SHOULD VISIT the Luxor pyramid.
It's worth at least a 10 minute walk-through and the attractions
inside are worth the price if the lines aren't too long.  The
buffet is recommended, too.  DON'T BOTHER with the MGM Grand
theme park.  It's a dud--a pale imitation of Disney.  Buffet's a
dud, too.  DO SEE the free pirate battle in front of the Treasure
Island casino, every 90 minutes starting 3:30.  There's nothing
much of interest inside, however, and the buffets are
unimpressive.  We usually recommend VACATION VILLAGE as the best
place to spend the night on weekdays (2 miles south of Luxor,
weekday rates as low as $20, 800-658-5000).  For the night of the
hearing, however, we expect to be staying at a closer downtown
hotel, Fitzgerald's (probably about $25-30, 800-274-5825).  On
weekends, try NEVADA LANDING on I-15, Exit 12 ($31, 800-628-
6682).  Favorite buffets:  PALACE STATION and the FRONTIER.  For
cheaper, quicker buffet eats with minimal lines and traffic, try:
NEVADA LANDING, GOLD COAST or ARIZONA CHARLIES.  Supermarkets can
be found on Sahara Ave. several miles west of I-15.

----- WISDOM OF JACK D. RIPPER -----

Correction to Issue #2:  We want to apologize to Col. Warren
"Bud" Bennett for comparing him to Jack D. Ripper of the movie
"Dr. Strangelove."  Such an insinuation is entirely political and
should not be regarded as a personal reflection on Col. Bennett.

There was also a question about whether the Desert Rat correctly
reported Mr. Ripper's rank.  Some readers thought he was "Colonel
Ripper," not "General" as reported.  To resolve this question and
relive fond memories, we watched "Dr. Strangelove" again.  The
man responsible for Armageddon is General Jack D. Ripper, Base
Commander, 843rd Bomb Wing.  His wisdom....

"Mandrake, do you recall what Clemenseau said about war?  He
said, 'War is too important to be left to the generals.'  When he
said that fifty years ago he might have been right, but today war
is too important too be left to politicians.  They have neither
the time, the training or the inclination for strategic thought.
I can no longer sit back and allow Communist infiltration,
Communist indoctrination, Communist subversion and the
international Communist conspiracy to sap and impurify all of our
precious bodily fluids."

----- SUBSCRIPTION AND COPYWRITE INFO -----

(c) Glenn Campbell, 1994.  ([e-mail])

The entire contents of this on-line newsletter are copyrighted
and may not be reproduced in any form without permission, EXCEPT
FOR THE FOLLOWING:  For six months following the date of
publication, you may photocopy this text or send this document
electronically to anyone who you think might be interested,
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This newsletter is published on an irregular basis whenever
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DESERT RAT, send a message to [e-mail].  We will
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For a free catalog of documents and products relating to Groom
Lake and government secrecy, send us your US mail address.  An
email version of the catalog is also available (no pictures, size
13K).  Among the documents available is the "Area 51 Viewer's
Guide," the definitive 110-page visitors and reference guide to
the border and its lore.  (Available for $15 plus $3.50 postage.)
Also available is the popular Groom Lake cloth patch.  ($8, plus
$1 postage if ordered separately.)

The US mail address for psychospy, Glenn Campbell, Secrecy
Oversight Council, Area 51 Research Center, Groom Lake Desert Rat
and countless other ephemeral entities is:
     HCR Box 38
     Rachel, NV 89001 USA

Note:  The problem with the randomly inserted linefeeds in DR#1
and DR#2 appears to have been solved.  Let us know if you would
like to receive these issues again.

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