Saucer Smear - Vol 26 No 13 - 1979

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER YULE
Issue: Volume 26, No. 13
Date: December 10th, 1979
Publisher: SAUCER AND UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Editor: James W. Moseley

This non-scheduled newsletter issue covers the UFO '79 convention held in San Diego, California, on November 17th. The editor, James W. Moseley, attended and reported on the event.

UFO '79 Convention Report

The convention featured several speakers, including Walt Andrus of MUFON, Dr. James Harder, Stanton Friedman, Jim Lorenzen of APRO, and Cleve Backster. The convention was hosted by Hal Starr from Phoenix, Arizona.

Noteworthy Presentations

Perhaps the most significant presentation was by Allen Holt, a NASA astrophysicist, who discussed the possibility of 'tunneling through' time and space to reach distant stars, suggesting that humans might achieve this capability by the early 21st century. This concept is presented as a potential advancement beyond Einstein's theories.

Speaker Absences and Controversies

Several speakers were unable to attend. George Hunt Williamson was reportedly 'scratched' due to pressure from APRO. Dr. Hynek had a conflicting commitment, and Major Donald Keyhoe, a prominent ufologist, could not make it due to his wife's illness. Hal Starr claimed that Keyhoe might have revealed information about a 'Cosmic Watergate,' suggesting the U.S. Government was threatening to put Keyhoe back on active duty if he continued his ufological activities, a claim the editor finds hard to believe.

Historical Recognition

An ironic observation was made by Yonah Fortner, who pointed out that Borderland Science Research Associates (BSRA), founded in 1946 by Dr. Meade Layne, is the oldest existing UFO group. While UFO '79 honored Coral Lorenzen for founding APRO in 1952, Dr. Layne's name was not mentioned.

Editor's Reflections

The editor expressed pleasure at the more tolerant atmosphere among speakers and towards their own publication. He suggested that the newsletter's theme of not taking oneself too seriously might be sinking in.

Unusual Reports and Anecdotes

Alien Encounter and Abduction

The newsletter includes a report from Lou Farish's 'UFO Newsclipping Service' about an Italian woman in England who was allegedly raped by a creature from a flying saucer. Additionally, an American truck driver named Joe Turner was reportedly taken to a planet on Alpha Centauri while in his truck, returning home shaken.

UFO Hoax Letters and Neo-Nazis

MARCEN has information suggesting that a recent wave of UFO hoax letters may be originating from neo-Nazi groups in England and Western Europe, possibly connected to a Canadian group. Their theory is that the German Aryan race came from outer space in UFOs and that saucers are returning to aid the Nazis. These hoax letters are allegedly intended to trick UFO groups into endorsing their authenticity, thereby discrediting them.

"Saucer Clit" Controversy

Ufologist Laura Mundo expressed her disapproval of the newsletter's previous issue title, "Saucer Clit," believing it to be a slam at women. She suggested "Saucer Penis" as an alternative if the title persisted. The editor clarified that "Saucer Clit" was not intended as a permanent title and humorously rejected "Saucer Penis."

News Briefies and Editor's Activities

National UFO Conference (NU-FOC)

A favorable write-up of the 1979 National UFO Conference (NU-FOC) appeared in the November 16th issue of "True Quarterly" by Bill Retoff. The search for a venue for the 1980 NU-FOC in New York City is ongoing, with previous hotel bookings being canceled.

Radio Appearances

The editor appeared on the Candy Jones Show (WMCA, New York radio) on October 30th and November 4th-5th, discussing UFOs with ufologist Timothy Greed Beckley and psychic UFO contactee Jane Allison. These appearances involved an attempt to contact the ghost of Long John Nebel.

Organization Updates

The venerable NICRAP organization has reportedly folded. Dr. Willard McIntyre's MARCEN group has changed its name to Mutual Anomaly Research Center and Evaluation Network, Inc., while retaining the same initials.

Senator Kennedy's Chappaquiddick Statement

In a section unrelated to UFOs, the newsletter includes Senator Ted Kennedy's response to newsman Roger Mudd regarding his account of the Chappaquiddick incident. Kennedy describes the conduct and behavior as 'inexplicable' and a result of the accident's impact, sense of loss, and tragedy.

Ye Olde Mail Bag

George Montgomery

Former Beat Poet George Montgomery writes, identifying himself as a survivor and announcing his annual birthday party in February, inviting non-subscribers to 'free load.'

James Randi

Skeptical non-subscriber James Randi writes, defending James Oberg against Stanton T. Friedman's accusations. Randi states that the judges of the Cutty Sark contest were unaware of the contestants' identities and that Oberg's award was based on talent and integrity.

Gary Buell

Gary Buell comments on the treatment of Jim Oberg by some UFO believers, defending Oberg as a gentleman, scholar, and serious UFO researcher who balances skepticism with an open mind.

Ludwig von Benzbooger (Tom Benson)

Ludwig von Benzbooger, identifying as a U-boat Commander, writes a humorous, fictionalized message about a submarine waiting to take 'the Shah' to a UFO base in Antarctica, complete with an ornate bunker.

Dr. Gary Posner

Dr. Gary Posner, an associate member of CSICOP, expresses relief that the 'Great NSA Controversy' has been put to rest. He criticizes individuals like Sparks and Clark for engaging in name-calling rather than logical discourse, suggesting Clark withholds information when it suits his purposes.

Phil Klass

Phil Klass writes, asserting his sanity after a psychiatric examination and recounting a humorous incident where Jerry Clark investigated a fabricated $10 million NASA contract Klass had jokingly mentioned.

Mary Jane Focht

Mary Jane Focht agrees with George Earley's comments about the inherent paranoia in the UFO phenomenon and appreciates the newsletter's humor for keeping the subject in perspective.

Belle Fontaine

Belle Fontaine comments on the energy crisis and suggests using garbage to solve it. She also critiques Stan Friedman's belief in UFOs, suggesting Phil Klass's skepticism is more accurate.

Gene Duplantier

Gene Duplantier shares a memo from J. Walter Thompson advertising agency in New York regarding a gas crisis policy for restroom usage, based on Social Security numbers, with humorous restrictions.

Weldon Burge

Weldon Burge writes, appreciating the newsletter's information despite its strange letters. He mentions publishing a pamphlet titled 'The UFO Cults' and is researching the religious aspects of Ufology.

Jim Harris

Jim Harris of UFOCUS comments on Oberg winning the Cutty Sark prize, making a dismissive remark about the ease of winning such contests.

Gene Steinberg

Gene Steinberg speculates that UFOs might be a 2D phenomenon and suggests that the idea of crashed discs, previously researched by Todd Zechel and Len Stringfield, might be worth further investigation, especially with information becoming available through the Freedom of Information Act.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently features a blend of serious UFO research, convention reports, and personal opinions from readers and the editor. There's a recurring theme of skepticism towards certain claims and individuals within the UFO community, balanced with a lighthearted, sometimes humorous, approach to the subject matter. The editor, James W. Moseley, appears to champion a more grounded and less sensationalist perspective, while still engaging with the broader UFO phenomenon. The newsletter also touches upon broader societal issues like the energy crisis and political statements, often through the lens of UFO-related commentary or reader submissions.