Saucer Smear - Vol 25 No 09 - 1978

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER MOAN
Issue Date: July 25th, 1978
Publisher: SAUCER AND UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Type: Non-Scheduled Newslettre, Vol. 25, No. 9

This issue of "Saucer Moan" presents a mix of commentary, reader correspondence, and announcements, reflecting the ongoing discourse within the UFO community of the late 1970s. The publication, edited by James W. Moseley, maintains a somewhat irreverent and critical tone.

Misc. Ravings

The editor, James W. Moseley, opens with a brief note about the summer and a reminder for the upcoming FIFTEENTH (and possibly last) ANNUAL NATIONAL UFO CONFERENCE in Cleveland, Ohio, scheduled for August 12th. Details for the conference are provided on a separate 'Yellow Sheet'. Moseley also mentions a new paperback book, "Creatures of the Outer Edge" by Jeroma Clark and Loren Coleman, which discusses Mothaan, Bigfoot, and other unusual creatures, describing it as 'first-rate Fortean fare'.

Ye Olde Mail Bag

This section features several letters from readers and researchers:

• Dr. Leon Davidson responds to a previous comment by Dave Schroth regarding the Tremonton films. Davidson reiterates his belief that the films are a 'clever job of faking'. He argues that a genuine image of an object does not necessarily mean it's a genuine object, and he finds no evidence in Bill Spaulding's work to suggest these are real objects from extraterrestrial, psychic, or earthly sources. Davidson recounts a conversation with Spaulding, stating that Spaulding had not had the original film version for computer analysis, which Davidson had seen at the Pentagon in November 1952. He explains that the agency responsible for the film had created copies with unique 'trailers' to intercept transmissions and identify foreign intelligence connections, and these trailers were removed before public showing. Davidson also addresses Richard Heiden's assertion that his decipherment of 'CIA' from the Socorro symbol was misleading. Davidson offers a $50 prize to anyone, including Heiden, who can derive specific initials (LBJ, KGB, JWM) from the Socorro symbol as published, challenging them to do so without altering the symbol's parts. Heiden is invited to start with the symbol and derive the initials, with the challenge open for six months.

• Dr. Thornton Page of NASA comments on a TV program about the Bermuda Triangle, noting the concept of 'USOS' (unidentified submarine objects) that travel at high speeds underwater and can cause electrical disturbances. He also shares that he and his wife searched for UFOs in the People's Republic of China but found none, attributing this to the Chinese press focusing on political news. They did, however, witness the remains of a large bolide that fell in Manchuria in 1976. Scientists in Peking revealed plans for future Chinese space probes but denied any UFO sightings.

• Gray Barker, a former researcher, writes to express his displeasure that "Saucer Moan" published a 'non-scheduled newslettre' (Vol. 25, No. 8), which he believes violates an agreement granting him exclusive rights to "SAUCER NEWS". He claims this has caused him severe financial damage and mental anguish, citing a specific paragraph in the issue as proof of Moseley's continuing publication.

• R. Perry Collins expresses relief upon receiving the newsletter, finding the title "Saucer Groan" appropriate and appreciating the humor. He feels a sense of synchronicity with the issue's content.

• Bob Carson, an expert on witchcraft, introduces a new communication technique using postcards/letters to save postage and mentions his manuscript about 'true believers' groups, which has been accepted by "Penthouse" but not yet scheduled.

• Jim Harris thanks Moseley for the newsletter, calling it 'good, as usual'. He questions if the CIA is using the Postal Service to disband UFO organizations and discusses 'brainwashing techniques' used by preachers and UFO cults, suggesting that UFO cults do no more to discredit Ufology than 'the Moonies' do to discredit orthodox religion.

• Ronald Spanbauer finds the newsletter 'most enjoyable and highly irreverent but appropriate', stating it expresses sentiments he has hesitated to voice. He also offers to trade UFO photographs with interested readers, as he collects them from his lectures and other researchers.

• Scot Morris, Ph.D. thanks Moseley for adding him to the mailing list and mentions including a section about 'Saucer Crud' in his manuscript for "Penthouse".

• Jennings H. Frederick, an Individual Scientific Researcher in Astronautics & Rocketry, requests that a telepathic saucer sighting be printed in the next newsletter.

Gene Steinberg Letter

Gene Steinberg writes from Bellerose, N.Y., dated June 28, 1978, to "Saucer Stoned" (presumably another publication or alias of Moseley's). Steinberg suggests ways to improve attendance at the 1978 National UFO Conference. He points out an incorrect toll-free number for motel reservations at the Holiday Inn of Strongsville, Ohio, and suggests utilizing local phone directories and the Holiday Inn's computerized reservation system. He also proposes a public invitation for local groups to sponsor the conference, noting his own sponsorship of the 1974 conference in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania.

Steinberg expresses respect for Jerome Eden's work on Wilhelm Reich's UFO theories but finds Eden 'hysterical'. He criticizes Eden's dismissal of 'collective unconscious' theories as 'balderdash' without providing measurable evidence. Steinberg agrees with 'Uncle Lou' that a wide-ranging scientific study into UFOs is needed, one that evaluates Reich's work and other approaches without prematurely assuming any single explanation. He also emphasizes the importance of exploring psychic phenomena and its connection to UFO sightings.

Finally, Steinberg applauds the return of Gray Barker's column "Chasing the Flying Saucers" in "Tim Beckley's UFO Review", suggesting that readers who followed Barker's feud with Moseley will be excited by this development. The letter concludes with "May the Force be with you."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently touches upon the ongoing debates and controversies within the UFO research community. Themes include the authenticity of UFO evidence (like the Tremonton films), the nature of unidentified aerial and submarine objects, the role of government agencies in UFO investigations, and the credibility of researchers and their methods. The editorial stance, as reflected in Moseley's own 'Misc. Ravings' and his publication of critical reader letters, appears to be one of skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims, a critical examination of evidence, and a willingness to engage in humorous and sometimes sharp commentary on the subject matter and its personalities. There is also a clear emphasis on promoting UFO-related events, such as the National UFO Conference.