Saucer Smear - Vol 27 No 04 - 1980

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER STOOL
Issue: Volume 27, No. 4
Date: April 10th, 1980
Publisher: SAUCER AND UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Editor: James W. Moseley

This issue of "Saucer Stool" is a non-scheduled newsletter that delves into various controversies and discussions within the ufology community. The publication is characterized by its critical and often semi-serious editorial tone, engaging with debates, criticisms, and the personalities involved in UFO research.

Editorial Stance and Purpose

In an editorial written en route from New York to Phoenix, Editor James W. Moseley addresses criticisms that "Saucer Stool" makes ufology look bad by focusing on feuds, hoaxes, and negative material. He acknowledges these charges, stating that there are already enough journals advocating for UFOs and others taking an "anti" position. Moseley defines the purposes of "Saucer Stool" as, in no particular order: satisfying his own ego, helping to deflate other egos, amusing readers, informing, entertaining, and most importantly, causing loyal non-subscribers to think along new lines and consider new ideas, rather than to advocate.

He likens the current state of ufology to astronomy in the Middle Ages, expressing hope for future resolution of the mystery. Moseley emphasizes a fascination with the personalities attracted to both sides of the argument, aiming to chronicle this sociological phenomenon. He advises readers not to take themselves too seriously and to avoid dogmatism, suggesting that even UFO entities might have a sense of humor.

Key Investigations and Discussions

Bill Spaulding Controversy: The newsletter revisits the issue of Bill Spaulding's educational qualifications, which had been called into question by Bill McIntyre. A letter from Stanton Friedman to Spaulding is mentioned, alleging that Spaulding falsely claimed a Bachelor of Science degree and membership of approximately 500 professionals in GSW. Moseley recounts a meeting with Spaulding in Phoenix, where Spaulding admitted to misinforming Friedman and others regarding his B.S. degree but claimed to possess an Associate of Arts degree and 400 hours of technical school training. Spaulding declined to reveal his members' names, citing their desire for anonymity, an excuse Moseley finds reasonable but which leads him to speculate about the existence of these members, noting his own recently issued membership card is number 078.

Edward Meier Case: The issue discusses the Edward Meier contact case, as presented in the book "UFO Contact From The Pleiades." After reviewing technical treatises and speaking with various individuals, the conclusion is that the only "experts" supporting the case are those involved in the book's preparation and distribution (Lee Elvers, Wendelle Stevens, Ronald Spanbauer). Other consulted "experts," including Jim Lorenzen, Bill Spaulding, and Stanton Friedman, were found to be highly skeptical to hostile regarding the authenticity of the photographs and associated claims. A second volume of the book is noted to be forthcoming.

News Briefs:

• Pep Party: Editor James W. Moseley is hosting a pre-convention party on May 17th in Guttenberg, N.J.
• Timothy Greed Beckley Convention: A convention is being sponsored by Timothy Greed Beckley on April 26th in New York City, featuring speakers like John Keel and James W. Moseley.
• Jaclyn Smith Lawsuit: Actress Jaclyn Smith is being sued for $20 million by a man claiming she ruined his life through telepathic contact, which he alleges caused him mental anguish and sexual excitement, hindering his career. Smith calls the suit "hogwash," and a later report indicates it was thrown out of court.
• UFO Books: Non-subscriber Kevin McCray is selling UFO books and periodicals.
• Mothman Interest: Phil Collins is seeking information exchange on Mothman and plans to visit the area with others.
• Candy Jones Radio Show: The editor appeared on the Candy Jones radio show on March 4th to discuss the book "Direct Encounters - Personal Histories of UFO Abductees." A further discussion was scheduled for April 13th-14th.
• Jim Oberg Article: Harry Belil's "UFO Update" features an article titled "Super-Skeptic" about Jim Oberg, accompanied by a cartoon of Oberg as Superman.
• Phil Klass Marriage: Phil Klass is getting married in June.
• Omni Article: Harry Lebelson's "excessively Negative article" about the San Diego convention in the April 1980 issue of "Omni" is mentioned.
• "Overlords of the UFOs" Trailer: A preview trailer for a TV documentary included brief scenes from the Lost Creek UFO film.
• Middlesex News Report: A brief report from The Middlesex News details a disappointment in Brazil where 10,000 spectators gathered for a promised flying saucer encounter that did not occur.

Fort Worth Incident: A headline from The Ballas Morning News reports that two aliens who accused a police officer have disappeared.

Letters to the Editor

Lucius Farish criticizes the editor for stating Easley's "NOUFOG Newsletter" is the "only monthly UFO publication," listing several other publications and demanding an apology.

Editor's Response: Moseley admits the error, clarifying that Easley's newsletter is the only "on time monthly" but acknowledges that even this might be inaccurate. Bob Easley's address is provided for those seeking a free copy of his newsletter.

Ronald Spanbauer comments on the zine being "philosophical in nature," humorously suggesting that philosophers might "race to the toilet." The editor responds that these gentlemen are merely spinning in their graves, as there are no bathrooms in the Great Beyond.

Dr. Thornton Page of NASA questions the meaning of "MARCEN" and expresses frustration at not being recognized despite extensive qualifications. He criticizes Phil Klass and "Dr." McIntyre, comparing Klass's deconstruction of McIntyre to Velikovsky's theories. Page notes Martin Gardiner's analysis of "Fads and Fallacies in the Name of Science" and questions whether such fads spur true science.

Dr. Bill McIntyre sends a strongly worded, vulgar letter to the editor, expressing anger at Moseley's tone in "Saucer Drool" and accusing him of glee rather than sadness.

Dr. Bill McIntyre (continued): He questions Moseley's contributions to ufology and defends MARCEN, stating it is a public, tax-supported non-profit organization that must account for its claims to the IRS and other bodies. He defends the organization's success in soliciting memberships, noting a 5% return rate from over 200,000 solicitations. He offers refunds to any MARCEN members who feel misled.

Phil Klass responds to Moseley's quote about "UFOs enable people who are nobodies to become famous celebrities." Klass asserts his recognition extends beyond "Aviation Week & Space Technology" readers and his Ufological activities, citing features in "Time" magazine, "Reuters" articles, "New York Times Magazine" features, and appearances on NBC-TV's "Today" show, CBS-TV's "60 Minutes," and Italian, German, and BBC television.

Pete Mazzola of The SBI praises the publication's wit and information, calling Moseley a "pioneer of Ufology" and a "legend." He states that the SBI does not boast of degrees or personnel but aims to become as respected as any UFO organization. Mazzola criticizes Dr. J. Allen Hynek, suggesting Hynek has "sat on his crown" and that the SBI has hurt Hynek's reputation. He mentions that 50% of the SBI's investigative body has law enforcement backgrounds and that Hynek is worried. Mazzola pledges the SBI's support to Moseley and wishes him luck with the upcoming convention.

Bill Lutters thanks Moseley for the latest issue of "Saucer Fool" and expresses disappointment about the lack of an update on Ted Kennedy's campaign, citing a source about his slogan.

Joan Thompson expresses enjoyment of the newsletter and appreciation for the effort put into it, hoping to attend the June New York convention.

Margaret Sachs mentions sending a newspaper clipping about a Mexican farmer and giant vegetables to CSICOP to investigate, humorously speculating if that's how Jim Oberg grew so tall.

Ken Behrendt, Director of PROTEUS, expresses disturbance over the fuss regarding Dr. Willard McIntyre's doctoral degree. He argues that ufology is developing the same elitist concerns as other social institutions and that academic experience has little value in approaching the phenomena. Behrendt calls for a new mental outlook that transcends mundane human experience, emphasizing mutual cooperation over competition. He also defends hoaxters and hucksters of ufology, stating they provide insight into the human mind's need to rationalize and offer data on human response to phenomena. Behrendt analyzes photos on page 5 of "Saucer Drool," suggesting the "UFO" was a paper cutout added during printing.

Tom Benson writes about Moseley's trips to the western part of the country, linking them to an interest in shrunken heads and cattle mutilations, suggesting a possible correlation with satanic cults and rituals.

Convention Announcement

A "GIANT UFO CONVENTION PLANNED FOR NEW YORK CITY" is announced for June 20th and 21st at the Doral Inn. Sponsored by the NATIONAL UFO CONFERENCE, with James W. Moseley as Chairman, this event marks the 17th consecutive year for the convention, making the organization the oldest of its kind. Speakers include Stanton Friedman, Betty Hill, Art Ford, Philip J. Klass, Rick Hilberg, and Robert Easley. Public sessions cost $10 each or $15 for both. Special room rates are available at the Doral Inn. A free session for delegates and interested parties is also scheduled for Saturday morning.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around internal debates and controversies within the ufology community. There is a clear tension between those who advocate strongly for UFO existence and those who are skeptical or critical. The magazine, under James W. Moseley's editorship, positions itself as a platform for critical examination, open discussion, and intellectual stimulation, rather than blind adherence to any particular viewpoint. The editor's personal philosophy emphasizes a need for critical thinking, a healthy dose of skepticism, and a recognition of the sociological aspects of the UFO phenomenon and its researchers. The publication actively engages with criticisms and defends its editorial approach, which prioritizes intellectual honesty and reader engagement over conformity.