Saucer Smear - Vol 28 No 12 - 1981

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 28, No. 12
Date: December 15th, 1981
Publisher: SAUCER SMEAR
Editor and Supreme Commander: James W. Moseley

This issue of SAUCER SMEAR, a non-scheduled newsletter dedicated to ufological journalism, presents a mix of book reviews, reader letters, and news from the UFO community. The publication maintains a skeptical yet engaged tone, often employing humor and satire.

"The UFO Verdict" by Robert Sheaffer

The issue opens with a commentary on Robert Sheaffer's new book, "The UFO Verdict." Initially, the editor, James W. Moseley, admits he almost overlooked the book because Sheaffer refused to send a free review copy. However, after receiving blurbs and seeing a passage on page 153 that humorously compared him to Voltaire, Moseley's curiosity was piqued. He notes that even MUFON's Walt Andrus called the book "An insult to the intelligence of any knowledgeable reader," which only increased the editor's interest. After reading parts of the book, including the Voltaire comparison, Moseley acknowledges Sheaffer's "deep perception, and amazing 3½-D insight." While not all parts of the book maintain the same quality, Moseley finds Sheaffer's research into UFO sightings and "intramural feuds" thorough and the skepticism "not thrust upon us unduly." Sheaffer's summation argues that scientific progress is threatened by UFO "mythology," but Moseley counters that science itself has brought the world to the brink of disaster. He concludes by urging readers to buy the book, humorously suggesting it will make Sheaffer rich enough to write about sensible subjects.

Misc. Ravings: Gray Barker and Ufology

This section features a photograph of ufologist Gray Barker with relatives at his remodeled country estate near Sutton, West Virginia, the site of the 1952 Flatwoods Monster sighting that propelled Barker into the UFO field. Barker is now semi-retired and has a new mailing address in Jane Lew, W. Va. He is working on an index of the old SAUCER NEWS (1954-1970). The newsletter notes that rare back issues of SAUCER NEWS are now selling for up to $25 each. Gray Barker has also been appointed to the Permanent Organizing Committee (POC) of the National UFO Conference (NUFOC), replacing Tom Benson, who has resigned from ufological activities. Other POC members listed include Rick Hilberg, Carol Hilberg, Al Greenfield, Tim Beckley, Ed Biebel, Bob Easley, and Al Manak.

Reader Contributions and News

Hal Starr of Phoenix, Arizona, sent a tape of a radio interview by Bill Spaulding of Ground Saucer Watch (GSW), who now believes UFOs are a government plot involving misinformation, drugs, and hypnosis, a theory influenced by Jacques Vallee and Leon Davidson.

Dave Reissig shares an excerpt from John Curtis Gowan's book "Trance, Art, and Creativity," which discusses a "3½-D" theory, a concept Moseley claims to have independently developed. The theory posits that the time dimension is half a space dimension, leading to an intuitive understanding of three spatial dimensions but an inability to intuit the fourth, which is experienced as time.

Palmer Publications, publisher of "Search" Magazine, has been bought by a non-ufological outfit, and "Search" may be discontinued.

The newsletter wishes loyal non-subscribers a "Cool Yule" and encourages short letters in 1982.

"Shuttle's a hoax... and that's flat" is a cartoon and short piece by Joe Nicholson, quoting Charles Johnson of the Flat Earth Society, who claims the space shuttle is a hoax and that the Earth is flat. Johnson asserts the shuttle program is a "giant rip-off" and that the shuttle landed at sea after liftoff.

A brief, unrelated item mentions Sheryl Sohn, jailed for killing her parents, who called her father her "greatest supporter."

Missives From The Masses

Rick Hilberg of Cleveland reports on the progress of the 19th annual National UFO Conference (NUFOC), scheduled for May 29th, 1982, in Parma, Ohio. He highlights that Gray Barker will give a major presentation, and other speakers will include Tim Beckley and Ed Biebel. Hilberg invites researchers to contact them with proposals.

John P. Timmerman of CUFOS writes that the Board of Directors refused his resignation, humorously noting that anyone who can extract financial contributions from James W. Moseley should be retained. He comments on Moseley's reputation for "parsimony."

Dr. Thornton Page of NASA wishes the editor a "merry one" and suggests toning down the "boil on the ass" references, proposing J. Allen Hynek be called a "pimple on the nose" of the NSF. He also mentions family visits for Christmas.

Bob Sheaffer (identified as skeptical young Bob Sheaffer) writes to express pride in reviews of his book "The UFO Verdict" from publications like "Sky and Telescope," "Astronomical Society of the Pacific," and "New Scientist," contrasting them with criticism from MUFON.

James Maney reviews Sheaffer's book, calling it the "best anti-UFO book except for Menzel's," but finds some of his logic strange, particularly regarding the Alan Smith photograph. He agrees with about 90% of Sheaffer's points about Ufology.

Betty Powell of West Jefferson, Ohio, recounts a Bigfoot and UFO experience. She describes strange bird-like calls, a Bigfoot encounter with Bob Gardner, and a sighting of a UFO landing in a creek, which she believes may have picked up a Bigfoot in her absence. She also notes that the city of London, Ohio, lost all electric power during the event.

Jon Beckjord of Project Bigfoot addresses comments about Bigfoot's diet, stating that West Coast Bigfooters have reports of Bigfoot stealing chickens and digging out marmots, suggesting they are not strictly vegetarians. He questions the source of feces analysis for Joan Jeffers.

Arthur Goodstone expresses sadness at the departure of Tom Benson, a "truly great researcher," from the UFO field. He praises Benson's work in expanding the field to include high technology and his journal, "The Sixth Quark Journal."

Frank Bruckmann discusses Tom Benson's departure from the UFO field, finding it amazing. He shares an anecdote about a local sighting Benson showed no interest in. Bruckmann also comments on a sensational news article about a "Mother of four girls weds rapist," finding it irrelevant to ufology but accepting of the newsletter's right to print what it chooses.

Martin Kottmeyer on UFOs and Trickster Figures

Martin S. Kottmeyer writes about potential similarities between the UFO mythos and the trickster-figure in Jungian psychology. He speculates that UFOs might be entrusted with the "special task of doing the work of the trickster in our culture," humorously referring to them as "flying assholes." He includes supporting material from Tom Benson's defunct "Sixth Quark Journal" featuring drawings of UFO structures.

Tim Beckley's UK Experiences

Tim Beckley, alias "Mr. UFO," reports on his trip to the United Kingdom. He spoke at the House of Lords to the "All Party UFO Study Group," organized by the Earl of Clancarty. He reviewed classified U.S. documents and world-wide sightings. Beckley also traveled to Scotland, where he discussed UFO sightings near Loch Ness and visited Warminster, famous for UFO reports documented by Arthur Shuttlewood. Beckley recounts a sighting of an unusual light in the sky near Warminster, which moved in loops and bobbed and weaved at exceptional speed, suggesting intelligent control. He notes the rich paranormal lore of England and plans to return.

Allen Benz and MARCE N Issues

Allen Benz, formerly of APRO, writes to refute Jim Lorenzen's assertion in the "APRO Bulletin" that Benz attempted to convert APRO's assets for personal benefit, calling the claim "inaccurate and highly defamatory."

Tom Burch forwards a letter concerning Dr. Williard F. McIntyre and Dr. Luckett Davis. McIntyre had informed the IRS that Davis was a MARCEN Board of Governors member, but Davis emphatically denied authorizing the use of his name and stated he had never been asked to join the Board. Davis is reportedly disturbed by McIntyre's unauthorized use of his name. The letter details McIntyre's alleged misconduct, including soliciting money for unwritten journals and making false claims about MARCEN's publication schedule.

Dave Schroth on Hypnosis

Dave Schroth offers a "radical proposition" that "hypnosis" or a "hypnotic trance" does not exist. He argues that the phenomenon is merely ritualized conversation, role-playing, pretense, and lying. He cites psychologist Theodore X. Barber and psychologist Theodore Sarbin as skeptics who argue there is no evidence for a hypnotic state or trance.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of SAUCER SMEAR reflects a consistent editorial stance that blends skepticism with a deep engagement in ufological topics. The editor, James W. Moseley, uses humor and satire to critique both the sensationalism within the UFO community and the dismissiveness of mainstream sources. The publication actively encourages reader participation through letters and contributions, covering a wide range of UFO-related phenomena, from sightings and alleged government cover-ups to more fringe topics like Bigfoot and the nature of reality itself. There's a clear emphasis on critical thinking, even when discussing seemingly outlandish claims. The issue also highlights internal debates and conflicts within the ufology community, such as the dispute involving Williard McIntyre and the departure of Tom Benson. The overall tone is that of an independent, often contrarian, voice in the field of unexplained phenomena.