miso@sushi.com wrote in message news:<1109912286.266208.100440@o13g2000cwo.googlegroups.com>...

Did you catch that "disinformation" officer on Coast to Coast last
Sunday? I'm convinced someone in the DOD is planting these stupid
abduction stories to discredit those trying to make real discoveries,
i.e. the operation near Groom Lake snoopers.

Again, you may be right on this.
It is said that most defense contractors involved in classied programs
are always prepared with alternative "cover stories" to conceal,
detract attention away or confuse its scrutinizers.
Along this similar lines, the DOD could very well utilize some aspects
of Psychological Operations principles when the need may arise to
discredit those attempting to make real discoveries (as you
mentioned).  They could create and plant certain "ridiculous stories"
when the need may arise.   The "laughter curtain" has always been a
convenient "curtain" to veil certain truths and to "muddy the waters" 
(favorite expressions of George Knapp, by the way).