Saucer Smear - Vol 23 No 27 - 1976

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SCREWS
Issue: Vol. 23, No. 27
Date: October 15th, 1976
Publisher: SAUCER AND UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY

This issue of "Saucer Screws" is a non-scheduled newsletter that delves into various topics within the UFO and paranormal community. It features a mix of "Notes of Various Sorts," reader letters, and commentary on recent events and publications.

Notes of Various Sorts

The newsletter begins with "Notes of Various Sorts," acknowledging Bob Easley of Defiance, Ohio, for his contributions. It mentions Laura Mundo, publisher of a free UFO bulletin from Inkster, Michigan, and a dispute she had with a co-worker, Connie Grzych, whose side of the story is presented via a form letter. The term "Negative Polarity of Being" (N.P. of B.) is briefly explained.

A humorous anecdote is shared regarding recent photographs from Mars, where a New York Daily News columnist suggested that the rocks seen were actually living Martians due to their slow movement. The "Saucer Screws" editor notes that this idea had occurred to them previously but was scooped by the News. The newsletter clarifies that a previous item about "contour plowing on Mars" was based on a serious news story, not facetiousness, in response to a perceived implication from Jim Oberg.

The "Eden Bulletin," edited by Jerome Eden, is highlighted for its material, particularly Eden's strong adherence to Wilhelm Reich's theories. Eden's critical remarks about former NICAP luminary Richard Hall are quoted: "Hall is an emotional pest who is no more motivated by the desire to seek Truth than a rattlesnake is motivated by love when he sees a mouse." The editor expresses a neutral stance on Reich or Eden but finds Hall's critics potentially noteworthy.

Allen Greenfield, a former associate, has moved and his new address is provided. His "Ufology Notebook" is mentioned, which reportedly contains comments about the "Saucer Screws" editor. Greenfield has also launched a new organization called The Hermetic Order of the Earth Goddess, affiliated with the Hermetic Educational Institute.

Letters to the Perpitrator

This section features correspondence from readers:

• Ted Zilch, a UFO and assassination researcher, praises the latest "Saucer Ooze" issue and specifically the "Ted Zilch segment," expressing hope for more content from him. He discusses the "Robert Dickhoff photo," which was analyzed by the Ground Saucer Watch computer program. The analysis indicated it was the "first recorded case of an intelligently controlled thumbprint." The flying thumbprint was observed in front of a cloud, not behind it, and was either hovering, standing still, or moving rapidly. Zilch laments that Dickhoff gave the photo away, suggesting it was worth millions.
• Robert Dickhoff writes, expressing satisfaction that his correspondence with a "dingeling Fox" has ceased. He feels "Saucer Ooze" proves he could have had better publicity and criticizes a "snapping at me attitude." He requests that future mentions clarify he is a "lama" and not a "llama."
• Lucius Farish agrees with Ted Zilch regarding CIA involvement in UFOs but also points to the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), National Security Agency (NSA), and National Reconnaissance Office (NRO). He also supports the idea of CIA involvement in the JFK assassination. Farish mentions several recently released or upcoming books: Jacobs' "The UFO Controversy in America," Klass' "UFOs Explained," Leonard's "Somebody Else is on the Moon," and Steiger's "Gods of Aquarius."
• Steve Barnett, a UFO researcher, expresses "great anxiety" for the next issue, calling the newsletter "entertaining, ill-advised, and utterly fabulous."
• Steven Elliott thanks the editor for the September 20th issue of "Saucer Ooze." The editor responds, noting Elliott's high popularity rating among "Unknown Worlds" readers and humorously suggesting it might be a shock to be rated lower than Gray Barker. The editor also mentions looking forward to publishing Elliott's reply to Barker's charges and further material from Barker supporting the "Military Moseley" viewpoint.
• Curt Sutherly refers to "Saucer Ooze" as a "droll-sounding publication" and questions its longevity due to title variations. He criticizes the newsletter for "peddl[ing] egotism" and compares the editor unfavorably to Steven Elliott, Al Greenfield, and Gray Barker in terms of popularity.

Commentary and Analysis

Page 3 contains a handwritten note from "Ray Stanford" critiquing a book on the Socorro UFO case as "impressive looking" but "a bummer," noting its resemblance to "paranoia." The note is a response to a piece titled "CRACKPOT NOTE TO NEXT ISSUE OF 'SAUCER REFUSE':" which instructs Ted Zilch to "do his homework on Oswald and bother other gullible people about it."

The author, identified as a "self-styled gadfly," presents a list of assertions, warning UFO buffs about "data distortion by partisans." Key points include:

• Claims that space has never seen anything resembling a classical UFO, and evidence is deliberately ignored by pro-UFO researchers.
• The "SIRIUS" mystery is dismissed as not serious.
• The Tunguska explosion in 1908 is stated to be a natural event, and current sensationalism is a "biased and counterfeit attempt to mislead curious readers" based on fantasies.
• Automatic sky photo surveys (Baker Nunn cameras, Prairie Meteor Network) found no evidence for UFOs, despite hints from UFO scientists that evidence exists.
• Immanuel Velikovsky is described as being in "chaos" and in collision with reality.
• The author challenges anyone with new evidence or arguments to refute their points, mentioning Jim Oberg and John Keela.
• The "Bermuda Triangle" and "Great Galactic Ghoul" are dismissed as fairy tales designed for the gullible.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of "Saucer Screws" exhibits a critical and often skeptical stance towards certain aspects of UFO research and reporting, while also engaging with and sometimes humorously critiquing its own readership and contributors. There's a clear emphasis on debunking sensationalism and questioning the motives and methodologies of some prominent figures in the field. The editor appears to value direct evidence and critical analysis, as seen in the commentary on the Dickhoff photo and the Tunguska event. The inclusion of reader letters provides a platform for diverse opinions, ranging from enthusiastic support to sharp criticism, reflecting the dynamic and often contentious nature of the UFO community.