Saucer Smear - Vol 28 No 10 - 1981

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 28, No. 10
Date: October 10, 1981
Publisher: SAUCER AND UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of "Saucer Smear" is a non-scheduled newsletter dedicated to ufological journalism. The cover features a quote from John Keel and the magazine's title.

Misc. Ravings

The editor, James W. Moseley, recounts his appearance on the Candy Jones radio show in New York City, noting public apathy towards UFOs. He also discusses his participation in the "National UFO & New Age Conference" in Midtown, NYC. This event included UFO personalities such as Gray Barker, Dr. Frank Stranges, Alex McNeill, and Tim Beckley. Moseley presided over a panel that included Tim Beckley, John Keel, Mike Luckman, and Dominic Lucchesi. Lucchesi's contribution is described as a "wild pseudo-scientific flight of fantasy" related to the Albert K. Bender "hush-up" in 1953. A speaker named Frank Winn, a college professor, is noted for allowing a Martian entity "Mon-Ka" to speak through him, receiving applause for both personas. The conference also featured "New Age" speakers like Kitty Steele and Jane Allyson. Moseley commends Beckley for organizing the event, which drew about 200 enthusiasts, and expresses hope for future conferences.

The Jessup Dimension Controversy

The newsletter delves into the controversy surrounding Dr. M.K. Jessup's death, referencing a book by Anna Genzlinger, published by Gray Barker's Saucerian Press. Genzlinger's investigation suggests Jessup's death was not a suicide but possibly murder or a result of "mind control." The editor, however, dismisses this, citing Jessup's own letters to talk-show host Long John Nebel indicating suicidal intent and a desire to test coming back from the dead. The editor also notes that Jessup was a contributor to "Saucer News" (formerly "Nexus") and that they knew him personally, finding "mundane reasons" for his suicide. The editor expresses distaste for those who profit from personal tragedies and suggests that Genzlinger and Barker should know better.

Tid-Bits of Trash

This section highlights "UFO Journal" (October 1981) which reprinted a Bigfoot article from "Saucer Smear." The editor promotes "UFO Journal" as a bargain.

News and Correspondence

Judge Sends Keel to Psychiatric Center: A brief, uncaptioned item notes this.

Local Program for Wife Abusers: Another brief, uncaptioned item.

Air Force Admits UFOs are Real: Mary Robinson sends a clipping from the "National Enquirer" stating that an official Air Force training manual called "Introductory Space Science" discusses the interplanetary theory and admits the U.S. has fired on UFOs, and that the phenomenon has persisted for thousands of years.

CAUS vs. NSA: Peter Gersten of CAUS is appealing a decision regarding the release of 135 UFO-related documents from the National Security Agency (NSA). Oral arguments are scheduled in Washington.

Missives to the Supreme Commander:

• James Maney writes regarding the Straith letter, refuting any involvement with Richard Ogden. Maney states the Straith letter is dated December 1957, while his interest in UFOs began in late 1958, and his contact with Ogden was limited to a few letters in 1959. He also discusses letterhead stationery, noting that while he sent a State Dept. letterhead sample to Gray Barker in 1959 to refute allegations about the Straith letter's authenticity, he believes the letter is a hoax.
• John P. Timmerman of CUFOS thanks the editor for not including him on a mailing list and jokingly offers to resign as Treasurer if the editor contributes to CUFOS.

Dr. Thornton Page (NASA) responds to a remark about astral voyages to the Pleiades, stating his interest in reaching the Moon or Earth orbit. He mentions spending time in New Zealand and Australia and not receiving "Saucer Schmear." He also refers the editor to Hynek and CUFOS regarding Robert Hastings.

Elizabeth Philip compliments the editor's "saucer series" and eye for headlines.

Bob Schiller expresses gratitude for the "glorious issue" and compliments the editor.

John Keel's Opinion: Keel's latest comments are presented, describing the post-1973 period as the "Longest Lull in UFO non-history." He criticizes "Saucer Smear" for contributing to this dullness and compares it unfavorably to "Fate" Magazine, suggesting the editor give up and get an honest job.

Timothy Greed Beckley is investigating two cases: startling photos from Flint, Michigan, including "outer space sex," and an "absolutely authentic" photo of an alien from the Soviet Union. He mentions Capt. T.W.B. Shoush, who apparently requested a refund for "Hangar 18" after being convinced a "Tomato Man" photo was fake.

Gary Underwood comments on a photo of a "little green man" in a mayonnaise jar, suggesting it looks like a Dr. Hynek costume.

Ron Schaffner responds to comments about Bigfoot witnesses in West Jefferson, Ohio, and the theory that sightings are linked to the eruption of Mt. St. Helena. He believes creatures migrated towards Mt. Hood, Oregon, and that Ohio Bigfoot sightings are likely from creatures that have always been there.

Jon Beckjord of Project Bigfoot announces a CBS network TV program on monsters featuring himself and requests it be printed in "Smear." He also comments on Ohio Bigfoot sightings, agreeing with the editor that evidence of large bites in available woods is lacking.

"Another Saucer Smear" Special Feature: This section announces the reprinting of "Page 8" (formerly Page 7) from the Aug. 10, 1980 issue of "Saucer Beer." This page caused trouble with the Post Office Department due to a letter-writing campaign to the White House by OUFOOL members, which the Feds perceived as a threat to the President.

Letter from Betty Hill

Betty Hill writes to Jim Moseley regarding his statement on hypnosis. She agrees that people can lie under hypnosis and distinguishes between stage hypnosis (used for weight loss, smoking cessation, recalling events) and medical hypnosis. Medical hypnosis, she explains, has no similarities to stage hypnosis, can be dangerous if used unethically, and can immobilize the subject. She notes its use as anesthesia and for determining physical causes of conditions. Hill mentions that medical hypnosis has physical effects like lowering pulse rate and controlling hemorrhaging. She states that she and "Barrey" had medical hypnosis. She expresses conviction about the experiences of three people in the Dayton, Texas case and warns that UFOs can cause harm. She concludes by questioning if aliens digging up soil samples might be related to Bigfoot.

Letter from Jerry Clark

Jerry Clark responds to Dave Schroth's outburst in "Saucer Smear." Clark defends his earlier statements, particularly regarding the Billy "Pleiades" Meier hoax, stating that ufologists have overwhelmingly responded skeptically. He challenges Schroth to produce a list of prominent ufologists who believe Meier and to document his claims of errors in Clark's article on Phil Klass. Clark addresses Schroth's specific points:

1. 1953 F-89 disappearance: Clark stands by his statement that it appears UFO-related, referencing an article by E. A. Metz and Metz's debunking of the "Great Lakes Triangle."
2. Mistakes: Clark admits to being wrong about the Merkel, Texas, and Alex Hamilton stories but asserts that unlike Schroth and CSICOP, he does not cover up his mistakes.
3. UFO phenomenon as alien intelligence: Clark questions if it's surprising that manifestations might seem bizarre or perverse. He maintains an open mind about exotic reports from sincere individuals and describes himself as a "UFO agnostic," meaning he maintains a wait-and-see attitude.
4. Hypnosis: Clark admits he was wrong to state "it is impossible" to lie under hypnosis, attributing this error to two hypnotists. He reiterates his request for Schroth's list of Meier believers and factual errors in his Klass article.

White House Correspondence

A letter from Daniel M. Chew, Director of Presidential Correspondence at The White House, dated July 28, 1980, is addressed to Mr. James W. Moseley. It acknowledges Moseley's message to President Carter and states that in accordance with policy to address only official business, his correspondence is being forwarded to the Carter/Mondale Presidential Committee for response.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of "Saucer Smear" maintains a critical and often skeptical stance towards ufological claims, while also engaging with various facets of the UFO and paranormal community. The editor, James W. Moseley, frequently injects his own opinions, often with a cynical or humorous tone, particularly in the "Misc. Ravings" and "Tid-Bits of Trash" sections. There is a strong emphasis on debunking or questioning sensational claims, as seen in the critique of Anna Genzlinger's theories about Dr. Jessup's death and the dismissal of the Billy Meier case as a hoax. The newsletter also serves as a platform for correspondence from various researchers and enthusiasts, showcasing a range of perspectives, from those who present new evidence and theories (like Timothy Beckley) to those who offer critiques and counter-arguments (like John Keel and Jerry Clark). The publication appears to value direct evidence and logical reasoning, often contrasting it with what it perceives as "pseudoskeptical posturing" or "folklore-artists." The inclusion of letters from organizations like CUFOS and CAUS, as well as correspondence with government entities like NASA and The White House, indicates an attempt to engage with the broader UFO research landscape and official channels, even if critically. The recurring theme of UFO secrecy and the perceived cover-ups by government agencies is also present. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry but with a strong inclination towards rational explanation and a healthy dose of skepticism towards extraordinary claims, particularly those lacking robust evidence.