Saucer Smear - Vol 23 No 22 - 1976

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER CLUES
Issue: Vol. 23, No. 22
Date: June 10th, 1976
Publisher: OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SAUCER AND UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Editor: James W. Moseley

This issue of the non-scheduled newsletter "Saucer Clues" delves into recent developments in "middle ufology," discusses Jimmy Carter's stance on UFOs, and features reader contributions on various unexplained phenomena.

Developments in "Middle" Ufology

The newsletter opens with an editorial by James W. Moseley addressing the recent convention "Mysticon II" held in Cleveland, Ohio. Moseley expresses concern that the convention may lead to another splintering within the "middle ufology" movement. He notes that Allen Greenfield, who was instrumental in starting "Mysticon II" due to his dissatisfaction with the National UFO Conference (of which he is also a co-founder), is planning to meet in Pennsylvania in October to discuss forming yet another group.

Moseley, as Chairman of the National UFO Conference, takes exception to this splintering. He emphasizes that the National UFO Conference, established over a decade ago, has flexible by-laws and no strict creed, dues, or membership requirements, making it an ideal platform for the membership to pursue any direction they desire. He argues that it is absurd for leaders to rush off to start new movements when an existing organization can accommodate their goals. He urges readers to support the National UFO Conference and attend its annual meeting in Cleveland on August 28th.

Jimmy Carter's UFO Problem

The issue revisits the topic of Jimmy Carter's alleged UFO sighting, previously reported in Paris Flammonde's book and mentioned in the newsletter's last issue. Carter's reluctance to discuss the sighting before the Presidency, fearing it might cost him votes, led Flammonde to issue a press release criticizing his "vacillation." This release was partially printed in the previous issue.

The National Enquirer is reported to have published an "exclusive" cover story where Carter allegedly stated: "If I become President, I'll make every piece of information this country has about UFO sightings available to the public, and the scientists. I am convinced that UFOs exist, because I have seen one."

The newsletter points out that the Enquirer's report neglects to mention Paris Flammonde or his book, which was the catalyst for the recent attention on Carter's sighting.

Here, There, & Nowhere

This section serves as a warning that this may be the last issue of the newsletter unless readers take specific actions: write in soon, are a recognizable figure in the UFO community, or are chosen to remain on the list for no particular reason. The editor humorously warns readers not to complain if they stop receiving the publication.

Reader Contributions and Reports

Bigfoot Abduction in Hoopa, California: A recent UPI item from Hoopa, California, reports on a "bigfoot" incident where a 23-year-old blond woman, part of an expedition to capture the creature, was allegedly abducted. Local police treated the incident seriously, sending volunteers to search. The woman was later found, speaking incoherently and with superficial injuries, leading to suspicion of a hoax.

Encounter with Richard Jackman: While visiting George Montgomery in Rosendale, N.Y., the editor encountered Richard Jackman, a friend of John Keel. Jackman, nicknamed "Red," offered little new information about Keel.

"Beyond Reality" Magazine: Harry Belil, editor of "Beyond Reality," is seeking contact with UFO organizations and publications for free "plugs" in his newsstand magazine. His address is 303 West 42nd St., New York, N.Y. 10036.

Laura Mundo's New Address: Laura Mundo, a veteran UFO personality, author, and contactee, has a new address: 140 Cherry Valley Drive, Apt. 13, Inkster, Michigan 48141. She will no longer be publishing the "Mundo Monitor."

NICRAP "UFO Investigator": The newsletter thanks Joseph L. DeCourcy, Jr., from Cincinnati, Ohio, for sending the two most recent issues of the NICRAP "UFO Investigator." The sender had been ejected from NICRAP years prior.

UFO Information List: Jacques Deschenes, a non-subscriber, is selling a list of 200 sources of UFO information for $1.60. His address is 175 Caron, Hull, Quebec, Canada JBY 128.

Forthcoming Bicentennial Issue: The newsletter announces a forthcoming BICENTENNIAL ISSUE dedicated to critiquing American history. It humorously claims it will prove George Washington was a Martian immigrant and expose his "sexual encounters with Deros, trolls, gremlins, Druids, and other undesirables."

Missives from the Readers

Dale Rettig on Bigfoot and Mutilations: UFO researcher Dale Rettig writes from Mill Valley, California, expressing surprise that the "bigfoot" incident in his area was not covered by local San Francisco papers. He notes that just six days prior, the San Francisco Examiner ran a story on the "mutilation mystery." Rettig finds the proximity in time significant, linking it to Greenfield's theories about "red, white & blue UFOs" coinciding with the bicentennial year. He suggests that "thousands of weirdos" in the state might be involved and that the "mutilation mystery" is more widespread than commonly assumed, citing 700 mutilations in 15 states over 18 months. Rettig still plans to attend the National UFO Conference.

Ted Zilch on Reagan and Grecian Formula: UFO researcher Ted Zilch reports from a source inside Reagan's campaign staff. The alleged story is that Reagan is receiving "under-the-counter" contributions from the Grecian Formula 16 people. If elected, Reagan will attribute his success to Grecian Formula 16, causing a public rush to buy the product. Meanwhile, the company will have tankers of elixir offshore, withholding it until Reagan announces a "Grecian Formula crisis," driving the price to $10.00 a bottle, followed by a "superficial austerity program" urging those over 65 to slow down to 55.

Letter from Stanton T. Friedman

Stanton T. Friedman, a nuclear physicist and lecturer, writes a detailed letter to editor James W. Moseley, responding to comments made in "Saucer Cruise 23:20." Friedman defends Betty and Barney Hill's story, stating he has studied the data in considerable depth and supports their account and Marjorie Fish's star map work.

Friedman proudly identifies himself as the only "space scientist" in the world devoting full time to UFOs, having presented his lecture "Flying Saucers ARE Real" at over 300 colleges and lectured to numerous professional and scientific groups. He questions Moseley's qualifications to question his scientific status, pointing out his BS and MS degrees in Physics from the University of Chicago, 14 years of industrial experience with major companies, and membership in several scientific societies. He also notes his publications in scientific journals and testimony to Congressional Hearings.

Friedman criticizes Moseley's organization for including "Research" in its title, implying that Moseley's approach is based on "almost total ignorance and absence of effort to become educated." He offers to supply a list of scientific publications on UFOs to anyone sending a stamped, addressed envelope to him at POB 502, Union City, CA 94587, and also offers a background sheet on himself.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently promotes the National UFO Conference as the primary vehicle for "middle ufology" and expresses skepticism towards splinter groups. The editor, James W. Moseley, adopts a critical and sometimes humorous tone, particularly in the "Here, There, & Nowhere" section and the announcement of the Bicentennial Issue. There is a clear emphasis on reader participation and contributions, with "Missives from the Readers" featuring prominently. The issue also highlights the political implications of UFO sightings, particularly concerning Jimmy Carter's presidential campaign, and touches upon other unexplained phenomena like Bigfoot and cattle mutilations. Stanton T. Friedman's letter represents a strong defense of his UFO research and a critique of the editor's perceived lack of scientific rigor and research methodology.