An excellent podcast about a truly remarkable case. I'm glad that Ray was given the opportunity to share his first-hand knowledge regarding the known and measurable parameters of this event. Ray's "Socorro Saucer" volume is among the best UFO trace-case books ever published and I highly recommend this work. I can also tell you that, after more than 50 years of nearly full-time research, the Socorro case is about 1% of what Ray knows about ufology. His personality is indeed (sometimes intensely) mercurial at times, but I must say that I've learned more about ufology (i.e. the hard science and the "greater reality" implications) from my long discussions with Ray Stanford than with any other individual in the ufological community --two hours wouldn't scratch the surface, he has a wealth of verifiable knowledge. Strangely, it is somewhat surprising to me that he is not more widely known.
Thanks Dave, you have put into words my exact thoughts about this "Elder" of UFO studies.
I would like to add two things.
Number one, I was surprised in reading this thread that no one has mentioned or acknowledged Ray's psychic abilities and experiences.
I sense something just a bit mysterious about the "opportunities" that have presented themselves to Ray, in terms of his archaeological finds and his UFO encounters. In following his theories about UFO propulsion alone, I am convinced that this fellow has very powerful intuitive qualities, at the very least.
Since this is occasionally a "paranormal show", I really hope that Ray returns so he can be questioned about the organization he headed years ago called The Association for the Understanding of Man. They were doing some very interesting spiritualist experiments. Within that context, I for one would like to know if he feels that all UFO sightings and related events of high strangeness have an extraterrestrial source.
The second thought that I would like to share is perhaps an explanation for Ray's touchiness. For his entire life the man has attempted to apply science in fields where established science will not go, at least publicly. In fact UFO and paranormal studies are highly stigmatized to the detriment of a researchers reputation, especially if that person is also trying to establish credibility in a traditional institution. Say, archaeology for example.
It's easy to understand the frustration that could build up. Combine that with the likelihood that Mr Stanford was well aware of the reputation the Paracast has for showing no mercy. He has probably listened to the program before and maybe didn't agree with the way some of the guests were treated on or after the show. From a paranormal perspective, perhaps he was over reacting, as so many gifted people do, to what they perceive to be negative energy. But so what! This is a show that claims to be unafraid of being confrontational, and in fact the general atmosphere invites it.
Lets all rise above and learn from this remarkable man, before he is gone and all that's left are laments, like on the Richard Hall Memorial Show.
Randy Menard
