Saucer Smear - Vol 27 No 09 - 1980

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER STEER
Issue: Volume 27, No. 9
Date: October 1st, 1980
Publisher: SAUCER AND UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of "Saucer Steer" is dedicated to "the jolly cattle mutilators" and focuses on a major UFO debate and various UFO-related news and reader contributions.

The Great Debate at the Smithsonian

The central event covered is a conclave of highly-evolved ufologists held at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C., on September 6th. The debate featured J. Allen Hynek, Allan Hendry, and Bruce Maccabbee on one side, versus Philip J. Klass, James Oberg, and Robert Sheaffer on the other. Despite a $30 ticket price, the auditorium was nearly full of enthusiastic UFO fans. The article notes that many participants were more concerned with adhering to strict time limits than with effectively conveying their ideas. J. Allen Hynek is described as the most scholarly but rushed, while Philip J. Klass is credited with the best style.

Philip J. Klass made two key points:
1. He questioned why retired military officers would fear punishment for reporting crashed discs, suggesting paranoia overrides common sense.
2. He proposed that ufologists should present their best UFO cases to the National Academy of Science for evaluation. If accepted, the government should fund further investigation; if not, ufologists should cease their efforts. The author notes that regardless of the Academy's verdict, recriminations would likely follow.

The article suggests that little new information emerged from the debate, a predictable outcome given the subject's long history. The audience included several known subscribers and figures in the UFO community, such as Harry Lebelson, Bill Moore, Stanton Friedman, Peter Gersten, Jerome Clark, Larry Bryant, Lee Spiegel, and Elizabeth Phillip. Richard Hall was present but reportedly snubbed the author, while "Dr." Bill McIntyre was conspicuously absent.

Following the public meeting, a private cocktail party was held for the speakers and guests. The "Saucer Steer" editor, who knows the speakers, was denied an invitation by moderator Frederick C. Durant III, a former CIA operative. The author speculates that significant truths may have been revealed at this private gathering.

Despite the outcome, the debate is considered a worthwhile effort that might be repeated. A postscript mentions that Stan Friedman was in town for an unrelated UFO lecture at American University the same night, accompanied by Captain Bill Startup, author of "The Kaikoura UFO".

"Tomato Man" from Another World???

This section presents a story from the Cleveland (Ohio) Plain Dealer about a creature dubbed "tomato man" due to its over-sized head, reportedly from a UFO that crashed in Mexico near Laredo, Texas, on July 7th, 1948. The U.S. military was involved, and a Navy photographer documented the scene. The article includes a picture of the creature in the debris and expresses a desire for a clearer print from "Dr." McIntyre.

News Briefies

• September 19th: The "Saucer Steer" editor appeared on the Candy Jones radio show in New York, discussing the future with two science fiction editors as part of WMCA's ten-year anniversary.
• October 8th: The editor will be on WMCA again with Charles Berlitz and Bill Moore to discuss their new book, "The Roswell Incident".
• October 11th: The editor will attend Timothy Greed Beckley's "UFO and Space Expo" in Pittsburgh.

Political and Personal Notes

The editor mentions sending letters to three presidential candidates asking for a pro-UFO plank in their platforms, receiving responses from the Carter/Mondale Re-Election Committee and a faked Reagan signature. Both responses were deemed mundane.

A Miami man charged with robbery, assault, and rape is using an "astrology defense," claiming his birth chart dictated his criminal path.

Former UFO researcher Todd Zechel is reportedly working in a Los Angeles pool hall. Pioneer Ufologist John Otto of Chicago and Los Angeles has died. Leonard Stringfield has become a non-subscriber, denying rumors of being a contactee.

A "FLASH" note reveals that an "Ufological Enemy" complained to the White House about an allegedly pornographic drawing in "Saucer Beer," leading to a postal inspector's inquiry. The editor denies any malicious intent.

Missives from the Masses

Don Strachan writes, praising "Saucer Queer" and mentioning Phil Klass's offer of $25 for proof of psychic ability, and "Mebon." He also notes a blank page 4 in his copy.

Tommy R. Blann inquires about a method to read hidden writing on page 2, having failed with various scientific means. He suspects a mistake or a psychological test and requests page two.

Jim Harris thanks the editor for "Saucer Queer" and comments on the Kent State meeting and a "hop secret" letter.

Bob ("Raving Robert") Schiller reacts to an attack on McIntyre, suggesting the author is part of the "Silence Group" and predicting a backlash from "paragons of Ufology" at the Kent State Con.

Denis Corey looks forward to reading about the Kent meeting and muses about the editor being a member of the "Silence Group" or CIA, which would imply withheld information.

Tom Benson expresses concern about the SBI (Saucer Information Bureau), claiming their magazine misrepresents CUFOS's "800" UFO Central 'Hotline'. He alleges SBI is influenced by the KGB and that new subscribers might be "Double Agents." Benson also refutes SBI's claim that he has never spoken with them, detailing two phone conversations with Jim Fillow regarding an "unknown" fiery white object that crashed into Barnegat Bay in April 1979. Benson declares "WAR!" on SBI.

Bill Retoff praises "Saucer Queer," enjoying the Kent State coverage, Phil Klass's excerpts, and the headlines. He asks if J. A. Hynek answers his mail, having written him for airship information.

Michael R. Dennett, a new non-subscriber, thanks the editor for "Saucer Fear," "Saucer Beer," and "Saucer Queer." He attended a news conference by the Fund for UFO Research where Dr. Hynek, Dr. Maccabee, Stanton Friedman, Capt. Startup, and Peter Gersten spoke. Dennett found the conference unnewsworthy, noting confusion regarding Capt. Startup's comments on a New Zealand UFO film.

Dave Reissig offers three observations:
1. UFOs are "bigger inside than they are on the outside."
2. Hypnotized individuals can produce contactee stories with prodding.
3. He considers himself an excellent UFO witness due to sharp eyesight.

Jon Beckjord of Project Bigfoot writes, responding to an accusation from editor Moseley about bringing a beard to Lewiston, N.Y., to fool CSICOP Chairman Faul Kurtz. Beckjord claims Kurtz has formed a CSICOP sub-committee on Bigfoot and experienced something paranormal: seeing an "invisible, probably interdimensional, beard."

Dave Schroth, a skeptical non-subscriber, hopes the Klass, Oberg, and Sheaffer team trounced the opposition in the debate. He offers an observation on abduction stories, suggesting that if they make people think more critically, aliens should start kidnapping "True Believers" to encourage this.

Cartoons and Headlines

The issue includes cartoons and mentions "weird headlines" sourced via Gene Buck. One cartoon depicts a conversation about a "UFO Cover-Up!" story, while another shows figures discussing what they want to know about "IT."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently covers UFO sightings, debates, and research, often featuring contributions from both proponents and skeptics. The editor, James W. Moseley, appears to have a critical and sometimes confrontational stance, as evidenced by his "WAR!" declaration against SBI and his interactions with other figures in the UFO community. There's a recurring theme of internal disputes and rivalries within the ufology field, as well as skepticism towards certain claims and organizations. The publication also touches on related topics like Bigfoot and alleged government secrecy surrounding UFO phenomena.