Saucer Smear - Vol 26 No 03 - 1979

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER WIT
Issue: Volume 26, No. 3
Date: March 5th, 1979
Publisher: SAUCER AND UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Editor: James W. Moseley

This issue of "Saucer Wit" is a non-scheduled newsletter that offers a critical and often humorous perspective on the UFO field, media coverage, and various personalities within the community. The publication is known for its direct and sometimes barbed commentary.

Ye Olde Misc. Ravings

The editorial section, "Ye Olde Misc. Ravings," opens by noting the media's bandwagon effect regarding renewed public interest in UFOs. It specifically critiques a 90-minute documentary called "Overlords of the UFO" shown on Channel 5 in New York, calling it uncritical in its examination of sightings and contactee claims. The editor also reveals that "Saucer Wit" was present when a 2-minute film shown in the documentary, depicting a saucer pacing an aircraft at low altitude, was made, declaring it to be a fake.

The section then discusses Jeff Goodman, who has apparently ended his association with "Official UFO" due to an economy move by publisher Myron Fass. Goodman has found a new job in the publishing industry, and the editors wish him well.

Another topic is Al Greenfield, who is launching a new magazine titled "Waiting in the Wings." In his other publication, "Ufology Notebook Newsletter," Greenfield confesses to having become a skeptic, moving from an "ET Believer" to an "alternate reality" Believer, and finally to skepticism. He worries about how his ufological friends will perceive this shift, and the editors of "Saucer Wit" agree with his assessment that Ufology is largely a belief system rather than a rational inquiry. They express support for Greenfield's search for truth and appreciate his kind remarks about their zine.

The editors also mention that several other well-known Ufologists have quietly lost faith but are afraid to admit it publicly. The "Saucer Wit" editor, however, states his belief in the "3½ D" Theory and promises to admit if he ever becomes skeptical, while continuing to offer critical commentary on the field.

"Just Cause" For Confusion & Concern

This section addresses the January issue of "Just Cause," edited by Todd Zechel. It discusses the successful CAUS lawsuit against the CIA and delves into the history of NICAP. A key point is the claim that Dr. Willard McIntyre, who had associations with NICAP, asserted he was a former covert CIA agent. However, "Just Cause" alleges that McIntyre's claimed CIA connections could not be verified, suggesting he fabricated them. McIntyre, identified as the Director of the Maryland Center for Investigation of Unconventional Phenomena, Inc. (MARCEN), denies these allegations and similar charges made in an anonymous chain letter.

McIntyre provides a strong statement refuting any CIA affiliation for MARCEN and criticizes a person (implied to be Zechel) who allegedly calls serious UFO researchers, demands confessions of CIA conspiracy, and threatens them. McIntyre also criticizes this individual for printing his own version of events without regard for accuracy, and for accusing NICAP members of being involved in covert CIA schemes.

McIntyre further writes to the "Saucer Wit" editor, accusing Todd Zechel of disregarding facts for his conspiracy theories and suggesting that only the "Saucer Wit" editor and John Keel are now accused of being CIA agents. McIntyre expresses weariness with the periodic phone calls and threats.

News Briefies

This section includes several short news items:

• The once-proud NICAP organization is accused of selling its mailing list to a "crackpot Nazi outfit in Canada."
• John Keel reportedly states he is no longer in the UFO Field, a claim he has made previously.
• A February 27th National Enquirer report suggests "dozens of people" have received phone calls from deceased individuals.
• A "Mind-Body-Spirit" Festival is scheduled for September 26th-30th at the New York Coliseum, sponsored by Graham Wilson, featuring contactee Marc Brinkerhoff among UFO luminaries.

Ye Olde Mail Bag

This section features letters from readers:

• Dale Rettig writes to correct "Saucer Wit" regarding spontaneous human combustion (SHC), stating that the topic has been researched and published in "Fortean Times" and in books like Michael Harrison's "Fire from Heaven" and Larry Arnold's "Ablaze." Rettig suggests "Saucer Wit" broaden its reading material beyond the "National Enquirer" and "TV Guide."
• Rettig also comments on Charles Wilhelm's letter, expressing hope it will unify Ufologists. He mentions Art Gatti's book and an article in "New Pink" magazine titled "True. UFO Sex Stories," noting the distracting nature of the accompanying images.
• Rettig asks if the NUFOC public session will feature Bob Easley's lecture, "How to have Sex with an Alien & Avoid the Cosmic Clap."

• Martin S. Kottmeyer responds to the SHC topic, confirming that researchers are active in the area and mentioning the same books as Dale Rettig. He questions the relevance of SHC to UFOs but notes that interest is being shown.

• Ronald Spanbauer suggests an "Ufological Jokers" category for individuals who only sit around and try to think of witty things to say for the zine.

• Tom Benson questions the "Grand Dragon" status of the "Saucer Wit" editor within Ground Saucer Watch (GSW), inquiring about its functions and any connection to the Ku Klux Klan. The editor clarifies that he is the only Grand Dragon, with no specific functions, and denies any Klan connection. He mentions a lost membership card and directs further inquiries to "Imperial Wizard William Spaulding."

• Dr. Leon Davidson ("Dr. D.") offers a deduction about the current UFO "flap," suggesting that around the time of the First National Aerospace Convention (April 19-21, 1979), a Pentagon press conference will be held. He believes "they" are searching for the transcript of a 1952 press conference by General Samford.

• Gary Underwood expresses his belief that the entire UFO phenomenon is a fake, a money-making scheme involving hoaxes and lies. He states he has never seen a UFO, Men in Black, or bigfoot, and dismisses psychic predictions from the Enquirer as inaccurate.

• Art Gatti, an expert on "Sex & Saucers," critiques Hayden Hewes and James Maney for claiming innovation in combining sex and UFOs, stating the concept is ancient. He dismisses their "book idea" as lacking and relinquishes any credit, directing interested individuals to "Podunk."

• Arch Skeptic Bob Sheaffer humorously suggests that since life forms in "alternate universes" can be imagined, the Easter Bunny, believed in by millions of children, must exist. He proposes an "Easter Bunny Watch" and asks for sightings to be sent to "Bearden Bunny Watch."

• Jim Harris praises "Saucer Drone" but finds it too short.

• Chuck Wilhelm is questioned by Harris regarding his Ufologist status, with Harris suggesting that serious Ufologists should not be solely interested in the mystery's solution. Harris also expresses sorrow over the cessation of "Anomaly Research Bulletin" and suggests Fortean phenomena could be a "cosmic teaching machine."

• Harris requests membership in CPDCBLGMU and announces the formation of a committee to place Phil Klass and W. Todd Zechel in a locked cell together for 24 hours.

• Harris notes that Carl Wilfong's comments about him are unreliable, as are Gray Barker's comments about the editor.

• Tommy Roy Blann enjoys the newsletters' humorous and satirical content. He criticizes Phil Klass for attacking UFO research efforts, especially given the lack of funding for monitoring phenomena. Blann argues that with adequate funding and scientific discipline, skepticism would be less prevalent.

• Peter Jordan announces a six-week seminar on parapsychology beginning March 12th.

• George Earley points out that there are two writers named Philip Klass, only one of whom admits to writing science fiction.

• Lama Robert Dickhoff refers to a previous issue where the editor was called a millionaire and mentions knowing Menger.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include media sensationalism surrounding UFOs, the role of skepticism within the UFO community, and critiques of various researchers and publications. The editorial stance is critical, often humorous, and unafraid to challenge established figures or ideas within the field. The publication positions itself as a voice that questions and probes, even if it means being a "boil on the ass of Ufology."