The Devil's Advocate

Magazine Overview

Title: The Devil's Advocate
Issue: #1
Date: Summer 1995
Publisher: Devil's Advocate
Location: Pensacola, FL, USA

This is the inaugural issue of "The Devil's Advocate," a newsletter that emerged from the "AORUFOP Newsletter." The publication aims to provide a platform for views that may be in opposition to the majority opinion within the UFO community, with the goal of stimulating thought and maintaining an open, objective perspective. The editors emphasize that while they believe in a genuine UFO phenomenon, they are committed to examining all sides of the story.

Editorial Stance and Mission

The editorial stance is clearly articulated: to challenge prevailing narratives and encourage critical thinking. The newsletter is intended for those who feel excluded by the rigid skeptic/true believer dichotomy prevalent in ufology. The publication seeks reader participation through letters and articles. They are not accepting subscriptions at this point but will notify interested parties about future issues and a correspondence list upon receiving a SASE and feedback.

Key Articles and Features

Roswell and the Postal Service Debate

This section delves into a debate concerning Roswell researcher Don Schmitt and an article in "Milwaukee Magazine." The article claimed Schmitt had worked full-time for the U.S. Postal Service since 1974. However, a letter from Ken Eppler, Postmaster in Hartford, Wisconsin, and information from Jim Moseley suggest Schmitt has worked for the Post Office since '74 but not full-time. The article criticizes Schmitt for allegedly twisting facts and questions the credibility of his research, posing the rhetorical question of whether he might have also misrepresented facts about the Roswell case.

Mysterious Carpet Circles Appearing in Gulf Breeze

This piece reports on an incident involving Joe Barron, chief investigator for Pensacola/Gulf Breeze MUFON. Barron reported finding unusual circles in his carpet that were not present the previous day. He also claimed to have heard a woman's voice and experienced other strange noises and a rumbling sensation. The article expresses skepticism about Barron's investigative skills, particularly his ability to photograph evidence, given his role in training other investigators.

Bob Dean Spills the Beans (Almost!)

This section recounts an experience at a lecture given by retired Sgt. Major Bob Dean at the '94 Pensacola UFO Conference. Dean announced he would violate his national security oath to reveal government secrets, claiming to possess "Cosmic Top Secret Clearance." However, after building anticipation, he concluded his lecture by stating his time was up, without revealing any substantial information. The author expresses frustration at the wasted time and the audience's ovations, likening the situation to people being "sheep."

Vallee Bowing Out of UFO Research

This short piece announces that longtime UFO researcher and author Jacques Vallee will no longer be actively involved in UFO research. Vallee's reason, as stated in a note to the editor, is that "Too much of what passes for research in the field (ufology) is little more than quasi-religious fanaticism." The Devil's Advocate editorial agrees with this sentiment, lamenting that the state of affairs prevents objective researchers from uncovering the truth.

Reviews

• The Prophecy Club Newsletter: Reviewed as an interesting source on extremist Christian views of UFOs, the new world order, cattle mutilations, and abductions. Articles of interest include topics like satanic ETs causing cattle mutilations and mock alien invasions for the rapture.
• Grand Illusions by Dr. Gregory Little: This book examines the UFO phenomenon and the flaws of ufologists, highlighting "selective perception" where individuals focus only on information that confirms their beliefs. The review calls it a common-sense approach to paranormal phenomena.
• The UFO Enigma by Marcia S. Smith: Described as an interesting and open-minded report written as an informational source for the U.S. Congress. It is available free upon request from a congressman.

Interview: James Moseley, Editor Of Saucer Smear

This extensive interview with Jim Moseley covers his involvement in UFO research since 1954 and the founding of his magazine, "Saucer News" (later "Saucer Smear").

• Early Involvement: Moseley began his research in 1953, interviewing various individuals for a potential UFO book, which never materialized. He started the magazine in 1954.
• "Ghost Writing" the Wright-Patterson Book: Moseley clarifies that a book with his name on it was actually ghost-written for him by Gray Barker, with fictionalized elements and additional material by Tim Beckley in later editions. He expresses dissatisfaction with the book's back cover.
• Skepticism vs. Debunking: Moseley explains his current stance is not strictly interplanetary but rather "4-D" or interdimensional, suggesting phenomena may be beyond current understanding. He dismisses the "nuts and bolts" alien craft theory.
• Roswell: He calls the Roswell case a "crock of shit," referencing physicist Alexander Mebane's view that UFOs have never crashed and never will.
• Randle/Schmitt Debate: Moseley believes the debate did not help the Roswell case and may have led Randle to consider leaving the field. He notes Schmitt has been largely driven out.
• Government Proof: Moseley doubts the government possesses proof of alien bodies or craft, suggesting disinformation is used to cover up something worse. He believes the government's actions are the opposite of what saucer people think.
• Newsletter's Role: He acknowledges that "Saucer Smear" can encourage feuds but argues it also highlights the silliness in some researchers' approaches. He believes in maintaining an open mind, a sense of humor, and recognizing the childish or prejudiced nature of many involved in the field.
• Phil Klass: Moseley recommends Phil Klass's newsletter "SUN," acknowledging Klass's brilliance but also his strong bias and lack of objectivity.
• Abductions: He contrasts Whitley Strieber's accounts with Budd Hopkins' research, expressing a personal issue with Hopkins and stating Hopkins lacks scientific qualifications.
• Future of UFO Research: Moseley is pessimistic about significant improvements, believing human nature and the saucer field will remain largely the same.

Other Content

• "Henry never knew what hit him.": A comic strip by Larson depicting a UFO encounter.
• Notice: The Devil's Advocate is seeking people who can offer information obtained from research.
• Coming Soon: Previews of book reviews for "Breakthrough" by Whitley Strieber and "Unbroken Promises" by Vance Davis, as well as coverage of the '95 Gulf Breeze UFO Conference.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the importance of objectivity, critical thinking, and skepticism in UFO research. The editorial stance is one of challenging conventional wisdom and avoiding the pitfalls of blind belief or outright dismissal. The publication positions itself as a voice for those who seek a more nuanced and evidence-based approach to the UFO phenomenon, even if it means questioning established figures and popular theories within the field. The editors express a desire to foster a community of researchers who can engage in serious inquiry without succumbing to "quasi-religious fanaticism."