Saucer Smear - Vol 26 No 10 - 1979

Magazine Overview

This issue of 'More Saucer Tit', dated September 10th, 1979, is the official publication of the Saucer and Unexplained Celestial Events Research Society. The editor is James W. Moseley. The publication is characterized by its informal and opinionated 'Misc. Ravings' section, which forms the bulk of the content, interspersed with letters from readers and occasional news items.

Misc. Ravings

The issue opens with a report on 'Fortfest', a UFO convention held in Washington, D.C. on August 5th. The editor notes the generally low quality of scholarship in the presentations, but congratulates the organizers. The most interesting talk, according to the editor, was a presentation suggesting that Man has existed for thousands, perhaps millions, of years, rather than the short period believed by orthodox science. A "feature presentation" was the first public showing of the complete New Zealand saucer film (circa January 1st, 1979), studied by Dr. Bruce Maccabee. The film, supported by radar, showed UFOs dancing erratically. A panel discussion followed, featuring Maccabee, Richard Hall, Bob Sheaffer, and Phil Klass, who debated explanations for the film, with Sheaffer suggesting brightly-lit fishing boats and Klass citing false radar returns. The editor admits to being lost in their technical arguments. Two disappointments marred the day: Bob Jones failed to appear, and a dolphin intended to photograph the Loch Ness Monster reportedly died.

A secluded dinner was attended by Dr. Bill McIntyre, Klass, Sheaffer, and the editor, where they "decided the fate of the UFO Field for the next hundred years or so."

The editor then recounts a "weird item" from NBC-TV News about a police officer in Minnesota who experienced a 13-minute blackout while driving his patrol car after seeing an intensely bright light, after which his car was found to be banged up. The editor predicts this officer will be the next well-publicized UFO abductee.

Reader Contributions and Debates

Several readers contribute their thoughts:

• Bill McIntyre's MARCEN organization has completed a computer study of over 27,000 UFO sightings from 1947 to the present, with 26% evaluated as "unknown." The study suggests better sightings come from more qualified observers and that "knowns" and "unknowns" are practically different.
• The Integratron machine of the late George Van Tassel has been taken over by the Christology Church, headed by Archbishop John L. Pope. Van Tassel's widow allegedly went bankrupt, and Pope is seeking $6,000 to move the machine, with the involvement of Dr. Jim Navajo Velasques.
• The editor mentions receiving anonymous letters threatening to expose mythical sexual misconduct unless Todd Zechel receives an apology. The letters, in red magic marker, are signed "A Concerned Ufologist." The post office is investigating.
• Todd Zechel denies any connection to the letters and was recently in New York City.
• Gene Duplantier has released a booklet on cattle mutilation called "The Night Mutilators."
• Ronald Spanbauer apologizes for criticizing the zine, stating he now understands its purpose and intends to be a supportive reader.
• Dr. David Stupple thanks the editor for hospitality at a convention in Cincinnati, noting the OUFOIL group seemed talented.
• Bob Warth, President of SITU, expresses concern about a "dreaded 'X'" next to his name, indicating he is a non-subscriber, and praises the newsletter for easing his mind by showing that his problems are miniscule compared to those of some ufologists and scientists.
• Laura Mundo thanks the editor for dedicating an issue to her and discusses the need to look into sunspot acceleration and prepare for its consequences. She also clarifies a previous statement about spacemen and earthmen.
• Rick Hilberg suggests an issue dedicated to publishers who have ceased their magazines, calling it "Saucer Quit." He also mentions making reservations for a New York Con. next summer.
• Peter Sutherland praises 'Saucer Tit' for lending credence to his "Sutherland Theory of Ufology." He criticizes the CIA for wasting money on UFOs and suggests that UFOs are products of imagination, referencing the 32 D Theory and the writings of John Keel.
• Bill Retoff, a new non-subscriber, expresses disbelief that the letters are genuine and praises the headlines. He also clarifies a previous statement about the "Wright Field Story," noting it should have been called "The Wrong Field Story" and took place at Columbus Air Force Base, Ohio.
• Denis Corey critiques the NUFOC speakers for being ill-prepared and lacking in presentation skills, expressing disappointment with the convention.
• Peter Jordan discusses his research into animal mutilation phenomena, arguing that terrestrial explanations are more plausible than extraterrestrial ones.
• August C. Roberts feels lukewarm about the subject of UFOs, stating he participates only due to requests. He believes future generations will solve the puzzle and that "old timers" who researched UFOs will be remembered for challenging the government.

Specific Incidents and Debates

• Animal Mutilations: The issue features a comic strip titled "Cattle! Do you know where your calves are?" warning about the dangers of cattle mutilation, listing warning signs such as no footprints, UFO sightings, surgical incisions, no blood, missing organs, and radiation.
• Philip J. Klass vs. Todd Zechel/NSA: Brad Sparks writes about receiving letters from Philip J. Klass, who questions the NSA's civilian status and implies it is a component of the Defense Department. Sparks defends himself and Zechel, accusing Klass of using phony quotes and ad hominem arguments. Sparks also notes Klass's concession that Zechel worked for the Army Security Agency (ASA).
• James E. Oberg: Oberg is described as "acid-tongued" and compared to Gus Hall, mouthing a "party line" similar to that of communists, with similar "emotion-charged stock phrases."
• Moon Landings and Chinese Legends: Martin S. Kottmeyer writes about a legend of a Chinese girl named Chango living on the moon and stealing the pill of immortality, suggesting the moon landings may have been partly to check this legend. He links this to the "Eagle" craft and the astronauts' hopping behavior.
• Antarctica UFO Base: Hon. Ludwig Von Benzbooger (Tom Benson) writes about a submarine incident off the coast of Argentina, involving an "Antarctica UFO base" and getting coated with "gooey oil."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine exhibits a strong anti-skeptic stance, particularly targeting Philip J. Klass and James E. Oberg, whom the editor and some contributors view as biased and employing unfair tactics. There is a sense of "in-crowd" camaraderie among the contributors, with frequent references to past issues and ongoing debates within the UFO community. The editor, James W. Moseley, maintains a critical yet engaged perspective, often injecting humor and personal opinions into the reporting. The publication seems to champion the more unconventional or "paranoid" aspects of UFO research, while simultaneously lamenting the internal conflicts and perceived lack of professionalism within the field. The issue also highlights a growing concern over the credibility and direction of UFO conferences and research organizations.