Saucer Smear - Vol 27 No 02 - 1980

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER FOOL
Issue: Volume 27, No. 2
Date: February 5th, 1980
Publisher: SAUCER AND UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Editor: James W. Moseley

This non-scheduled newsletter, "Saucer Fool," is the official publication of the SAUCER AND UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY. The issue dated February 5th, 1980, features a prominent headline stating, "SOMEHOW, WE DON'T DARE DEDICATE THIS ISSUE TO ANYONE:"

Psychic Attack From The Pleiades

The lead article discusses Ronald Spanbauer, who is promoting a book titled "UFO Contact From The Pleiades." This book details the alleged contact experiences of a Swiss watchman named Edward Meier and includes numerous photos that have ignited a significant controversy within the ufological community. While Spanbauer defends the pictures, GSW photo expert Bill Spaulding labels the case a "crude hoax." Jim Lorenzen of APRO is described as lukewarm, and Stan Friedman reportedly has serious doubts. The editorial team expresses a personal feeling that the case is "too good to be true," noting rumors of Meier being caught with fake pictures. However, they acknowledge that if the photos are genuine, it could be the "most sensational contactee case of all time."

News Briefies

This section provides several short updates:

• 1980 New York City Convention: Scheduled for June 20th & 21st, the convention will not have a formal banquet but will include a dinner on Friday night (June 20th) with speakers and guests. A fact sheet is being enclosed with the issue.
• August C. Roberts: The UFO photographer has a new business card and his address is Box 211, Wayne, N.J. 07470.
• Todd Zechel: He has reappeared in Hollywood, claiming a role in an upcoming TV series, with a hope that he will use his salary to repay those he owes money to.
• Erwin Enders: Located at Box 6644, Lemay, Mo. 63125, Enders is seeking Granada's UFO stamp and asks for assistance.
• MARCEN: Has moved to a new, "semi-mysterious location" at 123 Rt. 108, Ashton, Md. 20702. More information is promised for the next issue.

Letters To Ye Editor

This section features several letters from readers:

• George Montgomery: A former Beat Poet, Montgomery writes a colorful and somewhat vulgar letter, questioning the magazine's content and making personal remarks.
• Dale Rettig: Offers to sell out-of-print and hard-to-find UFO books and zines, including Dr. Menzel's first book and the first issue of Ray Palmer's 'Flying Saucers.' He requests a stamped, self-addressed envelope for a list.
• Todd Zechel: Writes a lengthy and accusatory letter, claiming the editor conspired to defame him and made "lacivious advances." He announces the "RE-EMERGENCE OF W. TODD ZECHEL AS A LEADING UFOLOGIST" and the formation of a new UFO group called "Southern California's Advanced Methods" (S.C.A.M.). This group will be exclusive, with prospects screened by ex-CIA agents, and will offer benefits such as immortality and free coupons.
• Dave Schroth: Critiques Stan Friedman's recent letters, arguing that Friedman's reliance on opinion polls undermines his claims of "scientific Ufology." Schroth suggests that if flying saucers are real, polls are irrelevant, and if they are not, polls only illustrate popular credulity. He praises the magazine's wit, noting that "saucer fans take themselves and their religion much too seriously" in St. Louie.
• Phil Klass: A "Non-Believer," Klass sarcastically discusses the "nefarious scheme" to deprive Stanton Friedman of the Cutty Sark award. He alleges that the USAF threatened nuclear weapons and the CIA purchased vast quantities of Scotch to pressure Cutty Sark officials. He also presents a supposed NSA message from Zeta Reticuli, warning against Friedman winning the award, which he claims to have translated differently than the NSA.
• Lucius Farish: Corrects a reference in a previous issue, noting that the "Nash-Fontenberry UFO case" should be the "Fortenberry" case, and mentions that Fortenberry was aboard a plane that "mysteriously vanished" over the Pacific in 1957.
• Tommy R. Blann: Announces that the Pate Museum of Transportation is creating a permanent UFO exhibit to educate the public about the phenomenon's 30-year history. He invites contributions from readers.
• Tom Benson: Praises the editor for his interest in "pre-Columbian artifacts" and "UFO reports where the unsuspecting witness met a quick or not-so-quick death," humorously suggesting the editor's roots might be in Transylvania.
• Ellen Rogers: Appreciates the publication's humor and expresses disappointment that the Cutty Sark UFO contest judges were perceived as anti-UFO.

Artwork

The issue includes a cartoon by Gene Duplantier, a Canadian UFO researcher and artist. The cartoon depicts a phone conversation about a "UFO CLICKY STORY," followed by a humorous take on customer service and a menacing encounter with men in dark suits.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a skeptical yet engaged tone, often injecting humor and satire into discussions of UFO phenomena. While it reports on various UFO cases and claims, it also questions their validity and highlights controversies. The letters section reveals a diverse range of opinions, from fervent believers to outright skeptics, and includes personal attacks and elaborate satirical narratives. The editor, James W. Moseley, appears to favor a critical and sometimes provocative approach, as evidenced by his editorial comments and the inclusion of humorous and critical letters. The magazine seems to be a platform for open discussion, even if that discussion is contentious or mocking.