Saucer Smear - Vol 26 No 12 - 1979

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER CLIT
Issue: Volume 26, No. 12
Date: November 5th, 1979
Publisher: SAUCER AND UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Editor: James W. Moseley

This non-scheduled newsletter from the SAUCER AND UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY provides a mix of news, personal opinions, and reactions from readers within the ufology community. The publication, edited by James W. Moseley, covers a range of topics from upcoming society events to critiques of UFO research and prominent figures in the field.

News Briefies

The newsletter begins with news briefs, reminding subscribers about an annual "open house" party for non-subscribers on November 10th at a secret location in Guttenberg, N.J., with a provided phone number. It announces that Betty Moseley, the "Saucer Clit" staff artist, has married Edward Becker. Charles Wilhelm of OUFOIL has resigned from the Permanent Organizing Committee of the National UFO Conference and has been replaced by Tom Benson. Plans for the next year's convention are in progress, and the editor mentions attending a convention in San Diego.

Miscellaneous Ravings

A section titled "Miscellaneous Ravings" includes a notice about list cleaning, asking recipients with an "X" on their envelope to respond to remain on the mailing list. It reports that John Keel has been seriously ill but is recovering, and provides his New York address for well-wishers. Dave Fideler has reorganized his Michigan Anomaly Research Organization (MAR) and released a new zine, "Report on Current Research," with contact information provided. The editor also expresses an interest in "Assassination Fans" and discusses the "John Kennedy killing" and the "20-year Curse," predicting Ted Kennedy's election and death in office. The editor humorously states his intention to vote for Ted Kennedy for one of these reasons.

Hoax Letters and University of Chicago Letter

The newsletter recalls a "WAVE OF HOAX LETTERS" previously discussed, with Bill McIntyre of MARCEN still receiving them. Two hoax letters from England are mentioned, alleging government suppression and the murder of a contactee. A more intriguing, though allegedly false, letter dated May 3rd, 1979, from the University of Chicago's Department of Biology to Todd Zechel, is presented. This letter claims that university archives confirm examinations of "very strange humanoid bodies" in 1948 and 1952, with results classified by government agents. It mentions "four-foot-tall sexless bodies" thought to be products of Nazi cloning and genetic experiments. Readers are urged to write to the University of Chicago for verification.

Reactions From The Audience

This section features letters from readers:

• George Montgomery criticizes the newsletter for going "downhill" and offers predictions for the coming year, including political events and the deaths of several public figures. He also mentions Ed Sanders's alleged conversion to Evangelism.
• Phil Collins finds the newsletter "educational" and appreciates the blend of seriousness and humor.
• Mrs. Doris Van Tassel, widow of George, expresses appreciation for the editor's writing and mentions being involved in a legal battle with the Christology Church.
• Gene Duplantier enjoyed the "Elsie the Cow" comic strip in "More Saucer Tit."
• Tommy Roy Blann, a researcher, writes an open letter to Dr. Thornton Page of NASA, debunking a UFO case involving "unusual chunks" found in Frisco, Texas, as lead dross from the Gould Battery Company.
• Philip J. Klass protests the newsletter's ban on mentioning the National Sex Association.
• Jerry Clark refutes Phil Klass's claims regarding his involvement with CAUS and Todd Zechel's departure, calling Klass's allegations "bizarre" and a "cover-up."

Jim Oberg and the Cutty Sark Award

Jim Oberg, a former Air Force officer, writes about his "London sojourn," which was marred by the death of Christopher Evans. He also discusses the Cutty Sark scientific paper competition, noting that 173 entries were received. The newsletter includes a cartoon with the caption, "Tell me, Judge Crater, after all these years, how does it feel to be homeward bound?"

Stanton T. Friedman's Critique

Stanton T. Friedman, a nuclear physicist, writes a critical letter to Jim Moseley regarding Jim Oberg's comments on the Cutty Sark award. Friedman suggests an "incestuous relationship" between Oberg and the judges, who he claims included individuals with anti-UFO sentiments or limited knowledge of the subject (Dr. Bernard Dixon, Patrick Moore, Christopher Evans). He points out that Dixon and Evans are associated with organizations that include Oberg and Klass, and that Dixon had previously published articles accepting Klass's explanations. Friedman questions the impartiality of the selection process and suggests that Oberg's work may be biased. He also encloses results from an Industrial Research magazine poll indicating that a majority of engineers and scientists accept UFO reality.

Other Contributions

• Tom Benson writes about receiving accolades as an "Honorary Irish Poet" from the Paddy and Murphy's Irish Whiskey Company.
• George Earley offers his perspective on "directed energy" and UFO contact, suggesting that human actions have little impact on potential extraterrestrial contact.
• Bill McIntyre of MARCEN clarifies his organization's position, stating they have not attempted to raid other organizations' memberships and have focused on promoting cooperation. He notes that MARCEN has become a viable alternative for some groups concerned about MUFON and outlines plans to increase MARCEN's membership significantly.
• Gene Steinberg responds to Tom Benson's criticism regarding the National UFO Conference (NUFOC), asserting consistency in his viewpoints and expressing dissatisfaction with the NUFOC's format and public sessions.
• Richard Heiden discusses the appearance of the moon and the cancellation of "Dr." George Hunt Williamson from the San Diego UFO Con. due to his alleged lack of credentials and charlatanism. Heiden notes that Williamson was previously "exposed" in SAUCER NEWS. The San Diego Con. details are provided, including dates and contact information.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently features a critical and often skeptical stance towards official narratives and certain figures within the ufology community, particularly evident in the critiques of Phil Klass and Jim Oberg. There is a strong emphasis on debunking hoaxes and exposing perceived charlatans. The editor, James W. Moseley, injects personal opinions and humor throughout, as seen in his political predictions and commentary. The publication also serves as a platform for reader feedback, including diverse opinions and personal anecdotes. Themes of conspiracy, government secrecy, and the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena are recurrent, often presented with a contrarian viewpoint. The newsletter champions independent research and critical analysis, even when it challenges established figures or organizations within the field.