NOTE: Adam's website can be found at: www.mansonmythos.com
NOTE: This interview initially ran on July 21, 2002
           Adam's updated interview will run in 1-2 weeks

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1) "Paranoia Magazine" is one of the finest publications to ever hit the bookstore shelves. What types of articles have you written for them in the past?

One was called “Is the Catcher in the Rye a Mechanism of Control?” which explored the possibility that J.D. Salinger’s book was used as a mechanism of control ala MK-ULTRA in brainwashing the likes of Chapman and Hinkley.

Another article was called “Rock and Roll Minions of Satan” which also appeared in The Conspiracy Reader anthology, and was co-written with Paranoia editor Al Hidell. UFO researcher Scott Corrales told me he thought it was the best piece in the book. It was a somewhat tongue and cheek look at how Satanism has influenced rock music. An earlier version appeared way back when in Cridland’s “Off the Deep End.”

2) Okay, let's touch upon your latest work, "The Shadow Over Santa Susana: Black Magic, Mind Control and the 'Manson Family' Mythos." First of all, give us a general overview of what lead you to write this book.

For years I’d heard rumors that the Manson Family was the product of a military mind control experiment. This was what first interested me in the subject. Eventually, the project took on a life of it’s own as three years and 180,000 words later I finally finished the beast. It’s been called the most thorough and exhaustive book on The Manson Family.

3) In a recent Babel interview with Adam Parfrey of "Feral House," he said of Manson, "Often misinterpreted, and far more intelligent and inspired than given credit for. But decades in the pen can drive anyone mad, and I think he is at least partly insane at this time." How do you think Charlie's doing these days?

I think Parfrey is right-on with his assessment of Charlie. As for how Charlie’s doing, there were rumors a few months ago that he was in bad shape, possibly fixin’ to die. But recent intelligence suggests that the old codger is doing just ducky, and in fact recent photos of Manson at Corcoran State Prison can be found at http://www.4a4r.com/

4) I'd like to get your impressions of four different Manson books:
     - Paul Watkins "My Life With Charles Manson"
     - Susan Atkins "Child of Satan, Child of God"
     - Ed Sanders "The Family"
     - and Vincent Bugliosi's old stand-by, "Helter Skelter"

For the hardcore Mansonphile, all four of these books are must-haves, and I used them all as sources for my book. The key here is trying to separate the wheat from the chaff, as all of these authors, in one way or another, had some sort of agenda to push, some more heavy handed than others. Susan Atkins, for instance, was trying to show the world that she was a Born Again goody two shoes, and that Manson was an evil Satan incarnate entirely responsible for pulling the strings behind all the murders.

Bugliosi, on the other hand, was selling his Helter Skelter theory, which is only one part of the story.

Sanders got off on his own wild ride, pulling in the Process Church and all other kinds of rumors, which was certainly a lot of fun to read about, and written in a very free wheeling late 60’s style. It’s probably my fav Manson book, specifically the first edition version with all the stuff about the Process Church in it, which was later taken out of subsequent editions due to a lawsuit brought by the Process.

Lastly, Watkins book is probably the most accurate of the lot, although it also has a bit of an axe to grind. But it’s a great read, with a lot of great acid orgy stories to titillate the pervert in us all!

5) Tracy Twyman, editor of "Dagobert's Revenge" describes Manson as a "mystical adept, magician, trickster, hypnotist, artist, poet, organized criminal, and a well connected (though perhaps unwitting) intelligence agent." How would you summarize Charley's various 'masks' or personas?

Tracy’s description comes from a review she did of the Shadow Over Santa Susana. I think she summed it up quite well. Charlie was many things to many people - a true chameleon; changing his skin at a moment’s notice. He was an accomplished con man, and knew how to use different personas to get what he wanted. He could charm the pants off a movie starlet one moment, then turn around and come on with his fear trip if he wanted to scare somebody into seeing his point of view. Manson used these various masks as a means to an end. To manipulate and mindfuck.

6) Give us your impressions of Charlie's association with the mysterious figure Robert DeGrimston and the Process Church.

I refer you to my book in regards to this purported Manson/DeGrimston association, available now at your finer Internet booksellers…

7) The best video I've ever seen concerning this topic is "Charles Manson, Superstar" where he is given extended time to talk, perform, and groove to the camera. Have you ever seen it, and if so, what do you think of Charley "live on camera?"

Yes, I’ve seen that video. It revolves around an interview conducted by Nicholas Schreck. This is one of the better Manson interviews because he seems more relaxed with Schreck, thus is willing to talk more freely about his philosophy, as opposed to becoming defensive when he was badgered and cornered with loaded questions, like those posed by Snyder or Geraldo, who were trying to get Charlie to react violently -- trying to push his buttons…

What stuck me most about the Snyder interview is that they had Manson all doped up on Thorazine, which is the reason he appeared so out of it. The Geraldo interview was typical Geraldo B.S. -- Geraldo good guy/Manson bad guy — Geraldo out to save the world in his usual self serving manner … as the stomach turns….

Schreck, on the other hand, came across more like a student asking questions of his guru, which makes it an interesting video in that respect. Personally, I thought one of the best interviews was done by Ron Reagan, Jr.

8) Being that you've written for "Paranoia Magazine," what aspects of conspiracy theory most catch your interest these days?

One aspect is the conspiracy to trivialize “conspiracy theory”. Though I was definitely a fan of some of the X File episodes, I think the show began a trend -- along with such movies as Conspiracy Theory -- to trivialize the whole conspiracy research community, and make it all seem like a joke or something only crazy people buy into. Conspiracy theory, in essence, became another form of entertainment. I’m not saying this is all bad, either -- just an observation.

9) You've also written a novel which you refer to as "Philip K. Dick meets the Kennedy assassination." Could you give us your take on JFK's assassination?

I think Oliver Stone was on the right track, although his portrayal of Garrison was a bit naïve. I really don’t have any groundbreaking theories, just what I’ve gleaned from other researchers. I think it was a pretty far ranging conspiracy, pulled off by elements of the Mafia and CIA, then covered up by the FBI, President Johnson and The Warren Commission. No revelation there. I think both the Mafia and CIA felt betrayed by Kennedy over the Bay of Pigs and other things. That’s why they let him have it.

10) If you had an opportunity to interview any living person, who would it be and why?

Well, prior to July of last year, my answer would have been Robert Anton Wilson, but at that time I had the distinct honor of meeting the man in regards to my Thornley project. Although I was a blabbering idiot for the most of the interview -- being so in awe of RAW -- it was nonetheless a meeting which I will always remember with a special sort of magic. He’s quite a guy, and a true gentleman, to boot. One of the great minds of our generation.

Hmmmm, Manson would certainly be an interesting subject to interview. I think I could certainly get to the bottom of a few things if I had a chance to interview Charlie over an extended period of time.

11) By some twist of fate you're elected President of the United States and have the ability to implement real change in the world. What would be the first three things you'd do?

First of all I would sign an executive order enforcing everyone to take at least one acid trip -- that’s always good for loosening up the stranglehold of consensus reality.

Secondly, I’d make everyone sit down and read a Philip K. Dick novel.

Then I’d immediately un-elect myself as President because being President would be the last thing I’d ever want to do!

12) Which historical figure most intrigues you, and why?

Hitler. Intriguing because he came as close to being the Antichrist as anyone who has ever walked the planet. A madman who could move the masses. I don’t think anyone has ever really figured out what made that cat tick.

Aleister Crowley is someone else who would have been a trip to meet. Talk about a couple of characters who could make the hair stand up on your neck!

13) Finally, if you could sit down with Charles Manson and ask him just one (or two or three) questions, what would they be?

Well, it would be more than specific questions, but going into those areas I explored in my book. Mainly questions related to MK-ULTRA, The Process Church, Scientology and The Hollywood scene. I don’t think you could ask Manson point black questions and expect to get a straightforward answer. You’d have to court him a bit, maybe do a little dancin’, and finally steer him around to opening up about those areas regarding the Manson case that have been shrouded in mystery for so long.