522: DEEP DIVE / UNREDACTED: How Paul Bennewitz and Ed Ruppelt Saved the World from Aliens and the CIA
The Why Files: Operation Podcast · The Why Files
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About this episode
In August 1988, Paul Bennewitz had a mental breakdown, convinced of an alien and government conspiracy against him. His supposed proof of UFOs over New Mexico drew the attention of an Air Force counterintelligence agent. This agent fed Bennewitz's belief in aliens for years, ultimately leading to his institutionalization. The summer of 1952 saw a flurry of UFO activity over Washington, D.C. Edward J. Ruppelt of Project Blue Book seemed the only one taking it seriously amidst bureaucratic obstacles. After a scientific panel recommended downplaying UFO reports to avoid hysteria, Ruppelt retired. His subsequent book criticized the change in UFO policy. Both he and Bennewitz asked too many questions.