Saucer Smear - Vol 27 No 05 - 1980

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SNEER
Issue: Volume 27, No. 5
Date: May 10th, 1980
Publisher: SAUCER AND UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Editor: James W. Moseley

This issue of SAUCER SNEER, a non-scheduled newsletter, is dated May 10th, 1980. It features a mix of announcements, personal opinions, and letters from readers, focusing on UFO phenomena, related research, and skepticism within the field.

Miscellaneous Ravings

The newsletter begins with "Miscellaneous Ravings," announcing a giant pre-convention party on Saturday, May 17th, open to all interested persons. The address is provided as 121 69th St., Guttenberg, N.J. The editor notes Timothy Beckley's successful UFO symposium in New York City on April 26th, which included John Keel and himself as speakers. John Keel has also agreed to speak at the forthcoming convention on June 21st. An article mentions that Keel has a cover story about Mothman and UFOs in the May issue of "High Times" Magazine, described as a rehash of his previous talks.

The publication is in "dire need" of someone to operate a slide projector and 16 mm. movie projector during the New York convention, an all-day job. The April issue of "Omni" is mentioned for an interview with James Randi, whose "negative attitudes about various off-beat subjects" are noted. Super-skeptic Phil Klass has canceled his appearance at the June 21st convention due to his impending marriage, and will be replaced by Bob Sheaffer. A formal debate is planned between Sheaffer and Stanton Friedman. Major Colman VonKeviczky's book, "Project WASA," is mentioned, with the assumption that it is "overrated and overpriced," based on his past performance. A "rave" review from Jerome Eden of the "Eden Bulletin" is noted, though Eden no longer sends his zine. The editor mentions being on Candy Jones' WMCA radio show with Tim Beckley and Judith Gansberg, discussing the Men in Black phenomenon, and a syndicated 2-hour radio talk show for Barry Farber with Art Ford and Mike Luckman. An interview for the RKO radio network is also mentioned, which was squeezed from 10 minutes to 90 seconds.

Missives From The Masses

This section contains letters from various individuals.

Brad Steiger writes, hoping that an enclosed item is worthy of the ongoing 'Aliens' series and encouraging the editor to "Keep up the good work!"

Stanton T. Friedman, a nuclear physicist scheduled to lecture at the 1980 National UFO Conference, expresses concern about Bill Spaulding's professional background and the number of GSW members. Friedman questions Spaulding's credibility if he has misstated his background, particularly his claim of being an aerospace engineer. He argues that misrepresentation has no place in Ufology and that individuals seeking attention through deception should be considered suspect. Friedman also discusses the Wendelle Stevens and the Meier case, and the William Hermann case, suggesting a need for tolerance for ambiguity and a "gray" basket of questions. He also inquires about the source of Spaulding's AA degree.

Ron Spanbauer writes about Bill Spaulding's "bout with paranoia," calling him "Ufology's pin cushion." He suggests that others also deserve scrutiny. Regarding the Pleiadian affair, he believes the editor's position is clear and that two schools of thought will always exist. He states that he has spent more money promoting his book than he has made selling it and is considering bowing out of Volume Two.

Robert J. Schadewald writes about "Bear's Guide to Non-Traditional College Degrees," noting that "The University External College," claimed as McIntyre's alma mater, is not listed. He mentions that the U.S. Office of Education issued a list of Degree Mills in the early 1960s, including "Universal Extension Conservatory."

Al Greenfield praises the convention program, noting its balance of a contactee, a skeptic, a "scientific Ufologist," a Fortean, and "Middle Ufologists." He also comments that the current "Saucer Etc." exposes are "first-rate."

Cover Story Snippets

The cover features headlines such as "Both Castration And Dehorning Needed" and "U.S. Likely To Restrict Alien Raids." A section attributed to WASHINGTON (AP) and Attorney General Benjamin R. Civiletti discusses the potential for US restrictions on alien raids. Another section lists presidents elected every 20th year since 1840 who have died in office, suggesting attention be paid to vice presidential candidates.

Letters to the Editor (Continued)

Barry Greenwood writes regarding Phil Klass' letter, suggesting that Klass became a "professional UFO skeptic" upon the release of the August 22nd, 1966 issue of "Aviation Week & Space Technology," where he proposed the Plasma Theory. Greenwood challenges Klass to cite earlier examples of his expertise outside the "Military/Industrial Complex." He also addresses Jim Oberg's comment in "The Skeptical Inquirer" that the Joe Walker X-15 UFO incident is a "complete fabrication," asking for Oberg's evidence and if he consulted the proceedings of the meeting where Walker spoke.

Jon Beckjord of "Project Bigfoot" recounts his experiences meeting John Keel and others in NYC, and appearing on "Good Morning America" to discuss his theory that Bigfoot and UFOs are interdimensional. He describes viewing the Patterson Bigfoot film with Phil Klass and Robert Sheaffer, and notes that Bruce Maccabee stated no gorilla suit could resemble the Patterson animal. Beckjord mentions that Sheaffer admitted the viewing was the best he had ever seen of the film. He also notes that Project Bigfoot is sending an award to "Skeptical Inquirer" editor Ken Frazier. Beckjord suggests that UFO occupants are sometimes alleged to be Bigfoot types, thus relating Bigfoot to UFOs, and proposes the term "BHM" (Big Hairy Monsters).

John Keel writes humorously about being compelled to attend Timothy Greed's UFO spectacular, with arrangements made to broadcast his speech globally. He reiterates his long-held belief that the UFO "secret" is in the Bible and the works of Charles Fort, lamenting the lack of actual investigation by researchers. He requests to be addressed as "Dr. J. Alva Keel," referencing Morris K. Jessup's honorary doctorate.

Tom Benson writes about Pete Mazzola's statements in "Saucer Stool," comparing them to G. Gordon Liddy's "macho" style. He suggests "SBI" change its name to "Un-Scientific Bureau of Investigation" due to their "unscientific, unobjective, anti-intellectual, unsubstantiated claims."

Bob Easley writes about receiving "Saucer Stool" and praises the publication for its "highly entertaining" content, which helps remind readers that "we are all human and subject to error." He suggests checking Dr. Page's education, noting misspellings in his letter, and humorously questions if the editor needs new glasses.

Gene Buck recounts a personal experience during a mountain climb where he became separated from his companions, found himself in a precarious situation on a craggy wall, and slid down, spraining his ankle and dislocating his shoulder. He describes seeing "a dozen very bright lights" in the air and encountering "two beings, each with a three-colored plaque on its chest, and poised with a small pointed weapon."

Orestes Wilson thanks the editor for the steady issues and laments that some readers send "filthy letters." He quotes Todd Zechel: "Why not really clense your Soul?" and emphasizes the importance of spiritual progression.

Robert Dickhoff (alias Maitreya-Dkof) writes a strongly worded letter to the editor, criticizing the use of "Top Secret CIA Communique" postcards and the editor's portrayal of him as a Peruvian animal. He declares he is a Lama, not a Llama, and warns of divine punishment. He also questions the "Kosher for Passover" label on Coca-Cola and expresses concern about the editor taking abuse from individuals like Bill Lutters and Dr. Bill McIntyre.

Tentative Schedule of Events: 17th Annual National UFO Conference

The schedule for the 17th Annual National UFO Conference, to be held on June 21st, 1980, at the Doral Inn in New York City, is provided. Afternoon sessions include presentations by Rick Hilberg and Robert Easley on UFOs from Biblical times, a debate between Stanton Friedman and Bob Sheaffer, and a lecture by Betty Hill, an abductee from the classic case detailed in John Fuller's book "Interrupted Journey." An evening session features Art Ford discussing a solution to the UFO enigma, John Keel explaining his philosophical insights, and Stanton Friedman presenting data on a potential "world-wide breakthrough on the UFO subject." A closed session for delegates and the working press is scheduled for 10 A.M. Admission is $10 for one session or $15 for both, with free admission for the working press.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of SAUCER SNEER reflects a strong engagement with the UFO community, showcasing a spectrum of views from ardent believers to staunch skeptics. The editor, James W. Moseley, appears to foster an environment where diverse opinions are aired, often with a critical or humorous commentary. Recurring themes include the credibility of UFO researchers and their claims, the nature of alleged encounters (UFOs, Bigfoot), and the ongoing debate between proponents and skeptics of UFO phenomena. The publication actively promotes upcoming events, such as the National UFO Conference, and features a lively exchange of ideas through reader letters. The editorial stance seems to be one of open inquiry, though with a clear inclination towards questioning authority and established narratives, as evidenced by the cover headlines and the critical tone in some of the published letters.