Since Budd Hopkins' ex-wife, Carol Rainey, wrote an article viciously attacking him and his research methods, there's been a lot of discussion here and in other forums, and also on certain podcasts.
Hopkins has now responded to that article, available from the following link:
Deconstructing The Debunkers, Budd Hopkins
Now I am not going to pretend to know all the ins and outs of this debate. I am concerned, however, about the timing. Ms. Rainey, whom I do not know, beyond two hate letters she wrote me recently, is well aware of the state of Hopkins' health. She could have written her piece years ago if she truly had concerns she felt she needed to express.
Hopkins says in his article:
I don't want to understate the severity of those two sentences. Hopkins is very, very ill, and probably wrote that article with great difficulty. We're dealing here with an elderly man with an uncertain prognosis. For no other reason, he ought to be shown respect in light of this situation.
In saying that, I want to, again, refute those lies that have arisen about my position regarding the research and conclusions published by both David Jacobs and Budd Hopkins. I do not believe in hybrid aliens. I have concerns over hypnotizing via telephone, and I am persuaded by some of the criticisms voiced about the value of hypnotic regression in recovering "lost" memories. What's more, neither Jacobs nor Hopkins are therapists, and thus they may have gotten themselves in over their heads in some cases, particularly the episode involving "Emma Woods."
This doesn't mean that they aren't serious about their research. Both Jacobs and Hopkins appear to be absolutely sincere, and they are deeply committed to their work. They also state, over and over again, that they routinely consult with mental health professionals in the course of their work. Feel free to agree or disagree with their respective approaches and conclusions.
I realize this is the sort of discussion that will never end. Even now, Jacobs is busy expanding the response to the "Emma Woods" case that was posted on his site:
International Center for Abduction Research
Jacobs hopes to refute the charges against him in expanded detail.
I am not going to tell you what to believe. Before you do reach a conclusion, however, please consider both sides.
Hopkins has now responded to that article, available from the following link:
Deconstructing The Debunkers, Budd Hopkins
Now I am not going to pretend to know all the ins and outs of this debate. I am concerned, however, about the timing. Ms. Rainey, whom I do not know, beyond two hate letters she wrote me recently, is well aware of the state of Hopkins' health. She could have written her piece years ago if she truly had concerns she felt she needed to express.
Hopkins says in his article:
The reason I'm writing this article at this point in my life has to do with both health and age. I am about to celebrate (?) my 80th birthday, and am currently suffering from two almost certainly fatal diseases, so I've decided, while I still have the time and energy, to do a bit of deconstruction of the nature and habits of the debunking mindset.
I don't want to understate the severity of those two sentences. Hopkins is very, very ill, and probably wrote that article with great difficulty. We're dealing here with an elderly man with an uncertain prognosis. For no other reason, he ought to be shown respect in light of this situation.
In saying that, I want to, again, refute those lies that have arisen about my position regarding the research and conclusions published by both David Jacobs and Budd Hopkins. I do not believe in hybrid aliens. I have concerns over hypnotizing via telephone, and I am persuaded by some of the criticisms voiced about the value of hypnotic regression in recovering "lost" memories. What's more, neither Jacobs nor Hopkins are therapists, and thus they may have gotten themselves in over their heads in some cases, particularly the episode involving "Emma Woods."
This doesn't mean that they aren't serious about their research. Both Jacobs and Hopkins appear to be absolutely sincere, and they are deeply committed to their work. They also state, over and over again, that they routinely consult with mental health professionals in the course of their work. Feel free to agree or disagree with their respective approaches and conclusions.
I realize this is the sort of discussion that will never end. Even now, Jacobs is busy expanding the response to the "Emma Woods" case that was posted on his site:
International Center for Abduction Research
Jacobs hopes to refute the charges against him in expanded detail.
I am not going to tell you what to believe. Before you do reach a conclusion, however, please consider both sides.