Saucer Smear - Vol 28 No 07 - 1981

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 28, No. 7
Date: July 15th, 1981
Publisher: SAUCER AND UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Editor and Supreme Commander: James W. Moseley

This issue of "Saucer Smear" is a non-scheduled newsletter dedicated to ufological journalism. It features a collection of "Misc. Ravings" from the editor, detailing his attendance at various UFO conventions and events, alongside reader contributions and debates within the ufology community.

Editor's Activities and Observations

James W. Moseley, the editor, reports on his attendance at the APRO convention in Cleveland, Ohio, from June 5th-7th, 1981. Speakers included Jim Lorenzen, Bill Moore, Betty Hill, Dr. Leo Sprinkle, Stan Friedman, and Peter Jordan, who presented a talk on cattle mutilation. Due to a scheduling conflict, Moseley also gave a UFO lecture for Rick Hilberg's Northern Ohio UFO Group in Parma, Ohio, which took place in a library, contrasting with the APRO convention's motel setting near the Cleveland airport.

Moseley conducted an informal interview with Coral Lorenzen at the APRO convention, clarifying a previous article about attempts to remove the Lorenzens from their organization, stating the issue was not directly related to Pleiades feelings, but rather instigated by the APRO librarian who has since been removed.

He also interviewed John Timmerman, chairman of the board of CUFOS, who is working to save the organization from financial difficulties. Timmerman is also a new, albeit reluctant, non-subscriber to "Saucer Smear".

On the weekend of June 26th-27th, Moseley attended the 18th annual National UFO Conference (NUFOC) in De Pere, Wisconsin. As national chairman of NUFOC, he served as master of ceremonies. Speakers included Rick Hilberg, Bill Moore, Timothy Greed Beckley, Col. Wendelle Stevens, and Ron Spanbauer, who announced his retirement from ufological research.

The NUFOC event was well-covered by local media, but the attendance at the public sessions was smaller than anticipated, leading Moseley to speculate that a "live Pleiadean" might be needed to attract attention.

NUFOC Delegate Session and Logistics

The informal delegate session at NUFOC was well-attended by UFO investigators. Notable attendees included Ted Sauppe, John Schuessler, Chuck Sherwood, Ben Jamison, Jerry Clark of "Fate" Magazine, and Bob Schiller from Denmark, Wisconsin. The business portion of the session was brief, with the main item being the appointment of Ed Biebel to the Permanent Organizing Committee. Moseley noted a minor but persistent issue with the motel toilets at the Howard Johnson's, where the seat would not stay up, causing inconvenience.

Next year's NUFOC is scheduled to return to Cleveland, with Rick Hilberg and the Northern Ohio Ufologists in charge.

Tid-Bits of Trash

This section features various short news items and reader contributions:

• Charlie Wilhelm of OUFOOL is active with the "Hoax and Fraud Committee," challenging Len Stringfield and Pete Mazzola regarding an analysis of the "Tomato Man" photos. Wilhelm also sent a threatening letter to Bigfootologist Jon Beckjord over a dispute involving pornographic cartoons.
• McIntyre and Ron Shaffner of OUFOOL have offered to meet with Beckjord in Seattle. Beckjord is investigating a Bigfoot case near Columbus, Ohio.
• The application for membership in the SBI (Scientific Bureau of Investigation) includes questions about drug use, criminal record, psychiatric care, and political affiliations, raising concerns about its invasiveness.

Cover Story: "Jury Clears Cow In Horse Death" and "Keel suing Iran, for $5 million"

While not elaborated upon in the provided text, these headlines suggest unrelated news items or potentially metaphorical statements within the context of ufology.

Bermuda Triangle and UFO Case Histories

Moseley comments on the inaccuracies in a Bermuda Triangle movie, noting how case histories were garbled. He draws a parallel to UFO references, suggesting that if Triangle disappearances are misrepresented, UFO facts might also be distorted.

Allen Greenfield and MUFON Journal

Allen Greenfield has a new address and has published "Notes from a Skeptical Ufologist" and "The Stargate Times." Major Donald E. Keyhole has joined MUFON as "Director of Government Affairs," while NICRAP is reportedly defunct.

Editorial Stance and Title Choice

Moseley thanks readers for keeping their letters concise, noting that some good letters could not fit due to the 8-page limit. He confirms that "Saucer Smear" will be the semi-permanent title of the publication, feeling it expresses the "high purpose" of the zine.

Updates

Shroud Supporter Changes His Mind

Rev. David Sox, a former advocate for the Shroud of Turin, has concluded it is a medieval forgery after studying Dr. Walter McCrone's findings that the image is made of iron oxide used in paint.

Cohen Wins Grand Prize

Daniel Cohen won the grand prize in Omni magazine's Unconfirmed Rumors competition with a story about albino marijuana growing in the New York City sewer system, guarded by alligators. Isaac Asimov received honorable mention for a rumor about a rift between East and West Africa.

"Kiddie smut" Foe Held as Molester

Jack Gregorio, leader of Taxpaying Parents Against Kiddie Smut, was arrested and charged with sexually molesting two minors. This occurred after a controversy over sex education books in the public library.

Austin College Honors Moseley with Chair

This is a brief mention of Austin College establishing a chair in honor of Moseley, with further details likely in the full publication.

Missives from the Masses (Reader Letters)

This section contains numerous letters from readers, offering a variety of opinions and information:

• John Cook is looking to sell or trade his collection of "Flying Saucer Review" issues.
• Tom Adams, a cattle mutilation expert, humorously suggests a "Journal of Ufological Verbosity, Ambiguity and Pomposity" (JUVAP).
• Bob Schiller praises Moseley's "Saucer Smear" for its unique style and the way personalities emerge, stating that "UFOs are real, but Ufoologists are more real."
• Dave Reissig prefers shorter letters and makes a humorous observation about policemen having "bigger balls than firemen" because they "sell more tickets."
• George Fox comments on the timeliness of reporting, fearing that by the time facts are gathered, witnesses may be gone.
• Gary Underwood questions the reality of the "Swimming Pool Man" photo.
• Barry J. Greenwood references a Phil Klass article in "The Skeptical Inquirer" about UFO propulsion systems and CIA memos, questioning Klass's sources and suggesting he might have a "secret deal" with the CIA. Greenwood also analyzes the "Swimming Pool Man" photo, interpreting it as a MIB (Man in Black).
• Kris Bjork questions Phil Klass's interest in UFOs if he believes they don't exist and humorously mentions finding a "dead Gray Barker."
• Bill Retoff humorously asks about the meaning of "Editor and Supreme Commander" and suggests adding "ad hominem" to a thesaurus of UFO terms.
• Philip J. Klass responds to accusations from James Maney, defending his actions during a debate with Stan Friedman. Klass claims Friedman himself initiated the discussion about his employment status and that Klass's White Paper provided a summary of Friedman's career to allow readers to appraise his background as a "scientist."
• Tom Burch notes an increase in journalistic attacks on skeptics like Oberg, Klass, Sagan, and Randi, suggesting they should be more open-minded about the UFO controversy.

Jon Beckjord and Project Bigfoot

Jon Beckjord writes about the "Middle Ufologists" being driven mad by their failure to gather evidence, leading them to turn on each other. He addresses the issue of Williard McIntyre's educational credentials, citing a "Who's Who in the East" entry listing a PhD from the University of Missouri and an honorary MA from Purdue. However, Beckjord claims that neither university has any record of McIntyre. He also notes that McIntyre has admitted the "Who's Who" information is incorrect, possibly supplied by a former employee.

Ron Schaffner of OUFOOL

Ron Schaffner comments on "Son of Saucer Leer," finding it amusing and noting the publication's investigative reporting. He clarifies that the pornographic material sent to Jon Beckjord originated from Cliff Crook, and a Texas Bigfoot group has proven it was not from Crook's typewriter, refuting accusations against OUFOIL based on a Cleveland postmark.

Kal K. Korff

Kal K. Korff reports that Charles Wilhelm and McIntyre have formed a new organization.

"Hoax and Fraud Committee" Proposals

This section outlines proposals for the "Hoax and Fraud Committee" to expose:

1. 'Dr.' Williard McIntyre and his MARCEN organization.
2. The source of the "Tomato Man" photos and reasons for refusing to answer criticisms from James Oberg.
3. The names and addresses of members of OUFOIL, the Coalition of Concerned Ufologists, and the "Hoax and Fraud Committee."

The author expresses doubt that any serious ufologist takes this trio (McIntyre, Pilichis, and Wilhelm) seriously.

Robert Goerman and the Philadelphia Experiment

Robert Goerman writes about the "Philly Experiment," suggesting that "Rainbow" might be a code word from the Inter-Services Code Word Index. He references a document from British origin, circa 1941, protected by the War Secrets Act. Goerman expresses a desire to have "worn a gas mask" due to the implications.

Bill Moore Responds to Goerman

Bill Moore responds to Goerman's claims about the "Allende/Philly Experiment cultists." Moore questions Goerman's logic in accepting Carlos Allende as a source while deeming him unreliable. Moore insists that there are too many non-Allende sources to dismiss the Philadelphia Experiment story and is not yet prepared to believe in teleportation, but also not ready to dismiss the story entirely.

Jim McCampbell, MUFON Director of Research

Jim McCampbell distances himself from Moseley's group, calling the recent issues of "Saucer Whatever" (presumably "Saucer Smear") "trash." He criticizes Robert Sheaffer's new book, "The UFO Verdict," as "terrible" and filled with "debunking stuff" and "ad hominem" arguments. McCampbell acknowledges Sheaffer as congenial and intelligent despite their differing views on UFOs.

Gary Posner, M.D.

Gary Posner, a skeptical non-subscriber, writes that there is nothing significant happening in Ufology besides Bob Sheaffer's book. He finds it difficult to understand how anyone can remain optimistic about Ufology's case after reading "UFOs Explained" and Sheaffer's book.

Earl Jones of OUFOOL

Earl Jones retracts previous remarks about Al Manak, apologizing for misinterpreting his comments as an attack on OUFOOL. He explains his reaction was due to being "shell-shocked" by recent criticisms.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of "Saucer Smear" reflects a strong editorial stance favoring ufological investigation and often critical of skeptics and perceived "debunkers." The publication actively engages in debates within the ufology community, publishing reader letters that range from supportive to highly critical. There is a clear emphasis on investigative reporting, as noted by Ron Schaffner, and a willingness to challenge established figures and organizations. The editor, James W. Moseley, plays a central role, not only in publishing but also in attending and reporting on major UFO events. The use of the title "Saucer Smear" itself is explained as expressing the publication's "high purpose," suggesting a direct and perhaps provocative approach to the subject matter. The recurring themes include convention reports, analysis of specific UFO cases (like "Tomato Man" and the "Philly Experiment"), critiques of skeptical viewpoints, and discussions about the credibility of researchers and organizations within the field.