Saucer Smear - Vol 23 No 24 - 1976

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER JEWS
Issue: Vol. 23, No. 24 (Non-Scheduled Newsletter)
Date: July 4th, 1976
Publisher: SAUCER AND UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Editor: James W. Moseley

This issue of "Saucer Jews" presents a semi-serious editorial introducing the "3½ D Theory of UFO Origin," alongside news updates, reader mail, and a historical anecdote.

The 3½ D Theory of UFO Origin

The editorial proposes a new perspective on UFO explanations, bridging the gap between those who view UFOs as physical craft from other planets and those who suggest '4-D', 'ultra-terrestrial', or 'alternate reality' origins. The core idea is that an alien civilization, potentially millions of years more advanced than humanity, could possess technology so far beyond our current understanding that it appears to operate outside the laws of physics as we know them. The editor draws an analogy to explaining 1976 technology to someone in 1876, highlighting the vast difference in comprehension. This advanced technology might allow visitors to 'mat' and 'demat' at will, change shape, and directly influence human minds. The theory suggests that the difference between '3-D' and '4-D' explanations is largely a matter of terminology and emphasis, rather than substance, and encourages researchers to focus on data rather than semantic arguments.

The editor humorously notes that if the theory sounds familiar, it's not because he's been keeping up with the field, and invites complaints to Ted Zilch, who inspired the idea, or credit to himself if it's deemed significant.

News and Events

National UFO Conference Warning: A final warning is issued about the upcoming National UFO Conference, scheduled for August 27th-29th at the Holiday Inn in Strongsville, Ohio. The event is noted as the 13th annual meeting.

UFOs Fail to Appear Over Times Square: The issue debunks a prediction made by Warren Freiberg, a psychic from Chicago, who claimed UFOs would appear over Times Square on July 4th with a message for Mankind. This prediction, linked to a previous publicized seance in North Hudson Park, N.J., is described as a failure. The editor expresses disappointment with Freiberg and his wife, citing their lack of courtesy and the disruption caused by their publicity campaign, while affirming a belief in the potential legitimacy of psychic research when conducted seriously.

Historical Anecdote: A Visit to Wright-Patterson

In Which We Visit an Old Friend: The editor recounts a visit in the summer of 1976 to Lt. Col. Robert J. Friend, who in March 1962 was in charge of the UFO files at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. The editor was the first civilian researcher allowed to see these files and interview Friend. The article notes that Friend, now retired and working in southern California, still retains an interest in UFOs and was featured in a Rod Serling TV documentary. Friend reportedly does not believe the CIA is significantly involved in the UFO enigma, nor that early 1950s crashed disc rumors were authentic, views that sharply contrast with those of Ted Zilch.

Ye Olde Mail Bag

Al Manak: Former chairman of the National UFO Conference, expresses pride and thanks for being dedicated in "Saucer Booze" and for the inclusion of Gray Barker.

Clifford Stenberg: A UFO researcher and publisher, writes that he agrees with most of the content in "Saucer Whatever" (likely a reference to "Saucer Jews"), making it difficult to write a critical letter, and looks forward to future issues and meeting the editor at the National UFO Conference.

Jeff Anderson: An ufologist, expresses surprise at MUFON's refusal to admit the editor, believing him to be fair and open-minded, and suggests this decision might be why he was excluded.

David Fideler: Introduces a new publication, the "Michigan Anomaly Research Bulletin," and requests that it be mentioned in "Saucer Jews."

Janice Croy: Publisher, shares her "Open Letter to All Ufologists" regarding the "UFO Believers Gathering" in Colorado. She expresses disappointment with the low turnout and criticizes the apathy of UFO believers who failed to attend, despite the event offering a private and secure environment.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue reinforces "Saucer Jews"'s characteristic blend of speculative ufological theory, critical reporting on UFO-related events and personalities, and a somewhat irreverent, personal editorial voice. The magazine champions the exploration of unconventional ideas like the "3½ D Theory" while maintaining a skeptical stance towards sensationalism and what it perceives as 'money-grubbing' in the field. There's a consistent theme of questioning established narratives and encouraging open-minded yet rigorous investigation. The editor also expresses a concern about apathy within the UFO community, as highlighted by Janice Croy's letter.