The Curious Gary Mckinnon Saga

Im sure most people in the United Kingdom and elsewhere, have heard about the Gary McKinnon case. In short, Gary is accused of penetrating over 90 unclassified Pentagon systems in 2001 and 2002 -- and allegedly crashing some of them. He states that he was looking for information regarding U.F.O.s and Suppressed Technology. According to Mr McKinnon, he found some evidence to support that. I have had numerous conversations with my webmaster Simon Donkin, about this case, as well as other Ufologists, and I must conclude, that I am still unconvinced that Mr McKinnon found anything of note. What I see in this particular case is farcical. Here we have an individual, who by his own admission was a poor "Hacker", technically incapable to even cover his tracks. He was a frequent drug user, high on cannabis most of the time, even when he was breaking into high level security systems. I say breaking in, what is clear is that some of these computer systems did not have administrator passwords, so anyone with a basic knowledge of "Hacking" so too speak, could have gained access without much problem. I could create a program that would allow me to take control of any unprotected computer anywhere in the world, I could also develop a password cracker, and so forth, but what prevents me is simple, its illegal, and I do not want to go to prison. Gary openly admits he was breaking the law when he did this, so where is his argument. I used to support the "Free Gary McKinnon" bandwagon, but what few people know, and some choose to ignore is this fact. A fact that was brought to my attention recently by a source within the British Media, whom I have known for a number of years, and who is very reliable. Gary was offered a "Guaranteed" deal by the United States if he pleaded guilty, he would spend six months to a year in a U.S. prison, followed by repatriation back in the U.K., where he'd be eligible for parole. I think that's a good deal, considering he is in fact guilty. So why did Mr McKinnon turn down this "Guaranteed" offer?, only Gary, and his legal team know the answer to that, and we can only speculate at the reasons. Is it possible that Gary is seeking notoriety, attention, or maybe wants to make a name for himself with an exaggerated story?

I personally believe the United States Authorities wanted this incident dealt with quickly, and without much fuss. Why? Its simple really, can you imagine the embarrassment that this has caused to NASA, the Pentagon, and the military installations whose security he breached. Lets not forget, this was not a seasoned hacker or cyber genius, this was a guy who used recreational drugs frequently, and wrote or purchased a simple pearl program (searching for blank passwords) to infiltrate supposedly high level security installations.This apparently went unnoticed for two years, how embarrassing is that. I did however believe Gary's motives were sincere if not foolish regarding this issue when I first read about the case, attempting to expose suppressed technology, U.F.O.s etc, and the huge cover-up surrounding it, but two wrongs do not make a right! Just because someone leaves the door unlocked, does not mean you can walk in and look around. No-one wants to see Full Disclosure regarding Extraterrestrials more than I do, but I want it done legally, and honestly. Becoming a thief to expose a thief is madness, and should not be encouraged by anyone, let alone the U.F.O. Community. I am confident however, that when Gary McKinnon is finally released, a book deal will be forthcoming, endless radio interviews, and a low budget movie will appear somewhere down the line, and the tin-foil hat brigade will flock to buy it im sure. This obscure, and curious individual will no doubt cash in on his fifteen minutes of fame also, but for achieving what? A low resolution image of what could have been an artists impression, and a file titled "Non-Terrestrial Officers" ( Conveniently, he cannot remember any names from that file, and did not have the presence of mind to take screen shots either). Their is absolutely no evidence that he found anything on those systems, and he has produced nothing, No Pictures, No Documents, No Names, just his word. Two years of unrestricted access to NASA, and the Pentagon, and he has produced not one shred of evidence, ZILCH. I personally feel regret that I was swept along with the McKinnon circus, I do not like being misled, but I have only myself to blame for that. So in closing, will the United States Government actually lock him away for seventy years? I doubt it, the worst that will happen to Gary McKinnon is possibly a few years in a low security prison, and a slapped wrist. The Gary McKinnon saga does prove one thing however, the U.F.O. community as a whole, will believe anything if its packaged correctly.

Stephen Hannard

Alien Disclosure Group UK (Director)