Saucer Smear - Vol 26 No 04 - 1979

Magazine Overview

This issue of "MORE SAUCER WIT", Volume 26, No. 4, dated April 10th, 1979, is the official publication of the SAUCER AND UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY. It is presented as a non-scheduled newsletter and is edited by James W. Moseley.

News Briefies

The issue begins with a "News Briefies" section, noting that if "The Dreaded X" is on the envelope, this will be the LAST ISSUE unless the recipient renews. It announces the 1979 National UFO Conference (NUFOC) to be held on July 14th at the Cincinnati (Norwood) Quality Inn Central, sponsored by the Ohio UFO Investigators League (OUFOIL). Toll-free reservations can be made by calling 800-323-5151. The zine has expanded to 8 pages, which the editor jokingly attributes to "Moseley's Law" as a sign of impending closure. A Scotch whiskey manufacturer, Cutty Sark Ltd., is offering a 1,000 British pound prize for the best scientific paper or essay on UFOs. Details can be obtained by writing to the Scientific Paper Competition at 42 Albemarle St., Mayfair, London W1X 3FE, England.

Missives from the Masses

This section comprises numerous reader contributions:

Jim Oberg writes about the need for honesty, suggesting UFO personalities be referred to by their past professional titles (e.g., EX nuclear physicist) and himself as an EX Air Force officer. He addresses accusations of "maligning" people in his OMNI columns, defending his criticisms of Betty Hill and Jeanne Dixon, and contrasting them with what he considers more extreme statements made by others.

Jim Oberg also critiques Lou Farish's use of the term "Super-Skeptic" without applying the same standards to believers, coining "Super-Dupe" and "Super-Dooper-Dupe" for those who readily believe UFO claims. He discusses his "Ancient Astronauts in Africa" article, suggesting neutral parties should read it to see Farish's "bigotry." He dismisses claims of a UN resolution on UFOs, stating Gairy's proposal was weakened to a "consensus" that was largely diplomatic buck-passing.

Ronald M. Spanbauer questions the editor's assertion that the Betherum airport film is a fake, asking about his involvement in its production and if he conspired with Gray Barker to create a fake film, deeming it unethical.

The Editor responds to Spanbauer, stating that security prevents revealing further details but finds it curious that a non-subscriber noticed the alleged admission of guilt.

Tom Benson humorously links UFOs to the Easter Bunny, suggesting that "egg shaped UFOs" are the Easter Bunny's craft and that "angel hair" is Easter basket straw. He posits that the Easter Bunny travels through a crack in the "cosmic Easter Egg shell" of the universe, entering through the North Pole.

Martin Kottmeyer comments on Bob Sheaffer's proposal for an "Easter Rabbit Test" of Bearden's "3.33 D Theory." He argues that Bearden's thesis requires collective stress to manifest archetypes, questioning if an Easter Bunny tulpoid could emerge through various unconscious layers. He also notes that older archetypes have precedence over newer ones like Easter Bunnies.

Jim Harris of UFOCUS Research thanks "Saucer Wit" and expresses amusement at Bob Sheaffer's criticism of Tom Bearden's modified 3½ D Theory. He explains the theory's postulate that if something is a sure thing, forget it, suggesting that the widespread belief in the Easter Bunny should make its appearance a certainty, yet sightings are unlikely.

The Editor thanks Messrs. Benson, Kottmeyer, and Harris for their analyses and clarifies that "Saucer Wit" (not Bearden) are the original authors of the 3½ D Theory.

John Barlow thanks "Saucer Wit" and states that skepticism is a valuable tool. He admits to enjoying the newsletter for its gossip about people and groups in Ufology rather than the UFOs themselves.

The Editor agrees with Barlow's sentiment.

Dave Reissig expresses bewilderment about the meaning of "Saucer Wit."

Scot Morris of OMNI thanks the publication for keeping him on the mailing list and enjoys each issue, despite not being a subscriber. He mentions that "Penthouse" has not yet scheduled his article on Fringe Groups.

Gene Duplantier of UFOLK questions the term "butterfile" used on page 6, suggesting it might be a typo for "butterflies." He shares that Gray Barker, a former ufologist, had his best book sales year in 1969 and suggests readers send him items with the number "69" to make him happy.

Gray Barker, former Ufologist, writes regarding Dr. McIntyre's comments about Todd Zechel's allegations of CIA infiltration. Barker suggests Zechel overlooked the prime suspects: Moseley and John Keel. He posits that Moseley might be an Air Force agent and that Keel's lifestyle is not supported by his UFO articles alone, implying both receive CIA funding. Barker believes "Saucer Wit" spreads confusion and turns ufologists against each other.

The Editor notes Gray Barker's remaining energies are devoted to chasing "69 butterfiles."

Todd Zechel provides an alleged transcript of a phone conversation where Dr. McIntyre admits to having worked for the CIA. Zechel claims McIntyre's statements were not coerced and that his "Just Cause" article about NI-CIA-AP was the result of extensive investigation, verified by interviews and documents.

Todd Zechel further elaborates on his conflict with McIntyre, stating that those who oppose him resort to ad hominem attacks. He asserts that McIntyre's challenge to an article in "Just Cause" has sealed his fate, forcing him to reveal the article's accuracy. Zechel dismisses McIntyre's defense as an attempt to "bullshit" and mentions McIntyre's alleged comment about Zechel being a "clerk in a pornographic bookstore." Zechel also discusses his interactions with Phil Klass, accusing Klass of using "white papers" and enlisting the Air Force Office of Information (SAFOI) and the National Security Agency (NSA) to discredit him. Zechel claims to have worked for NSA with a Top Secret clearance and that Klass falsely charges he never worked for NSA. He states his investigation into "crashed disc stories" is progressing and will result in a "hell of a shock" to ufology and the world.

Dr. Willard McIntyre of MARCEN writes about Todd Zechel, mentioning a rumor that Zechel is the illegitimate son of Moseley or Barker. McIntyre discusses Zechel's article in "Just Cause," finding it difficult to understand and suggesting it was triggered by McIntyre's book contract. He questions why Zechel printed fiction about him if his alleged statements were discounted. McIntyre recounts a phone conversation with Zechel where Zechel asked if he was a CIA agent, and McIntyre responded by collecting military intelligence. Zechel's subsequent inquiries about other individuals being CIA agents and his claims about Acuff and SPSE being government agents are detailed. McIntyre describes Zechel's persistent calls and threats, leading McIntyre to file a complaint with the FBI. He notes the war between Zechel and Klass and his decision to drop the complaint after circulating his own letter.

Tommy Roy Blann writes, taking exception to remarks by Tommy Roy Blann (this appears to be a self-reference or error in the OCR/original text, likely intended to refer to someone else or a different point). He states that those in Ufology are "dealt mortal blows by Klass" because they allow him to wound them, being too busy with internal conflicts to defend against his attacks. He emphasizes the need to work together to "patch the leaks and bail out the water" before it's too late.

Tommy Roy Blann also requests his name and address be published for those interested in exchanging cattle mutilation reports, photos, etc. His address is 1002 Edmonds Lane, #3152, Lewisville, Tx. 75067.

Other Items

An item titled "Aliens Required To List Ownership Of U.S. Land" is mentioned, referencing legislation from the previous year. A Toronto Sun article from November 13, 1978, is cited: "Moseley's boot was right on cue."

An apology is issued for the postponement of the Psychic Fair scheduled for March 24-25, 1979, with the public to be notified of the revised date. The Tamara Rand Institute, located at 1909 South Eastern Ave., Las Vegas, Nevada 89104, is listed for information.

Tom Benson questions why Phil Klass and Jim Oberg, with their intelligence contacts, did not anticipate the coup d'etat in Grenada, suggesting intelligence agencies behind UFO buff deposal might be involved. He speculates if the coup was an attempt to silence Sir Eric Gairy's efforts to establish a scientific UFO research organization under the UN.

Bob Tarte requests space for a solicitation for information on appearances of the Virgin Mary for The Blessed Virgin Mary Research Society, located at 303 East Fulton, Apt. #2, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503.

Lucius Farish mentions a book titled "Phone Calls from the Dead" by D. Scott Rogo and Raymond Baylass, scheduled for publication by Prentice-Hall.

Jennings Frederick, an Individual Scientific Researcher in Astrodynamics and Rocketry, thanks the newsletter and states that his forthcoming book, "The Flying Saucer Omens," will include a chapter asserting that the U.S. Air Force and other military factions have shot down flying saucers, captured occupants, and studied them. He claims his reports will be backed by solid statements and that the U.S. Government is not the only entity involved. He also plans to start a UFO research and analysis group called ARUP.

Richard Heiden questions Jim Moseley about Dr. Leon Davidson's suggestion that "CIA is behind UFOs," asking for Moseley's opinion. The Editor states they have known "Dr. D" for a long time and respect his opinion but do not believe his hypothesis.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of "Saucer Wit" include the ongoing debates and controversies within the ufology community, particularly concerning skepticism versus belief, alleged government cover-ups and involvement (CIA, NSA, Air Force), and the personal conflicts between prominent figures like Jim Oberg, Todd Zechel, Phil Klass, and Dr. Willard McIntyre. The newsletter appears to foster a critical and often skeptical, yet engaged, approach to UFO phenomena, providing a platform for diverse and sometimes contentious reader opinions. The editorial stance, as indicated by the "Missives from the Masses" and the editor's brief interjections, is to present these discussions and allow readers to form their own conclusions, while also injecting a degree of humor and personal commentary. There is a clear emphasis on investigative journalism and the exposure of alleged deceptions within the field.