The men who stare at goats by Jon Ronson
The men who stare at goats are select individuals within the US army that, well, stare at goats. It’s pretty simple, though their aim is not to get a detailed look at the goat in question. Far from such a rather pedestrian activity, the US army seeks to use paranormal means to kill goats by simply staring at them. As ridiculous as going to war, staring at goats is on par with the attempt by the same US army soldiers to try to walk through solid walls. That their attempts meet with failure whenever they are observed is no surprise. The same could be said for the US armies’ success on the real battlefield, but that’s a totally different discussion…
Jon Ronson‘s book is quite fascinating. He recounts his investigations, interviews and overall impressions of the US military’s foray into the paranormal. The ability to stare at goats in an effort to kill them is simply one weapon psychic soldiers were to wield in battle. Walking through walls and attempting to become invisible to the enemy are similar abilities sought by the soldiers. On a more serious note, Ronson investigates and describes torture techniques employed by US army interrogators in Iraq. The use of the Barney song to get prisoners to spill the beans is likely to succeed: ask any parent of a three year old…
Connections between the Heaven’s Gate Cult and the US military, as well as references to the Waco fire make for interesting reading. As is usually the case, there is more to most stories than meets the eye. Uri Geller is said to have been a part of the training program provided to the military, too.
If you enjoy a bit of conspiracy, obscure references to real-world events that provide a new perspective and a good laugh at the US army, The men who stare at goats is just for you. If you’re lazy, you may wish to watch the movie starring George Clooney. Me, I’d just read the book.
