Saucer Smear - Vol 29 No 07 - 1982

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Vol. 29, No. 7
Date: August 10th, 1982
Publisher: SAUCER SMEAR
Type: Official Publication of the Saucer and Unexplained Celestial Events Research Society

This issue of Saucer Smear, a non-scheduled newsletter, presents a mix of commentary, reader contributions, news, and reviews within the ufology community.

Persecution

The issue opens with a report on a threatening anonymous letter received by "Saucer Smear" headquarters. The letter, signed by "Amatucci Federici" with the alias "The Enforcer," warns against dissent within UFO research and suggests that action will be taken if the newsletter strays too far from reporting facts. The writer expresses annoyance with the perceived "misfits" in the field and states that only Dr. Joseph Allen Hynek is considered "decent." The publication notes that the letter has been turned over to the proper authorities.

Miscellaneous Ravings

A special party was held at the New Jersey headquarters in honor of Mary Robinson, widow of UFO researcher John J. ("Jack") Robinson. Attendees included radio personality Bob Zanotti, Dominick Lucchesi, Augie Roberts, and Mike Mann, described as ufological "old-timers."

Book Reviews and Mentions

While generally avoiding book reviews, Saucer Smear discusses several notable publications:

• "UFOs The Greatest Mystery" by Hilary Evans: Described as a well-illustrated tome that objectively reviews nearly forty UFO sub-topics, including historical evidence, natural causes, the 1897 airship scare, "Foo Fighters," Captain Mantell, George Adamski, government conspiracy theories, Mothman, "The Men in Black," abductions, and "alternative universe."
• "The New World Order: Channeled Prophecies from Space" by Timothy Green Beckley: This volume features an anonymous New York City businessman discussing telepathic communications from entities like "Monka of Mars" and "Aura Raines" of Clarion. The review notes Aura's previous contact with classic contactee Truman Betherum.
• "World of Ufology" by Bob Easley: A second mention is made of this autobiographical book, which the editors have read and enjoyed, though it has mysteriously disappeared from their files.

News Briefies

• A Labor Day weekend meeting of the ufological unity committee, appointed in Toronto, has been canceled with no new date set, raising concerns about the committee's future.
• Bruce Maccabee's Fund for UFO Research, Inc., is offering a $2,000 award in early 1983 for "published research or other writing which contributes significantly to our understanding of UFOs." The award is in the name of Prof. Alvin Lawson.
• Gray Barker's Newsletter #16 is noted as being "better than usual."

Reader Contributions and Commentary

The issue features several contributions from readers, offering diverse perspectives:

• Coral Lorenzen (APRO): Congratulates Saucer Smear on its handling of the Toronto summit and clarifies that Barbara Schutte of Iowa originated the idea. She also mentions a dispute between APRO and John Schuessler's group, VISIT, regarding the Cash/Landrum Case.

• Marcello Truzzi (Editor of "The Zetetic Scholar"): Addresses a letter from Dr. Posner, clarifying the difference between skepticism and disbelief. Truzzi argues that a skeptic demands inquiry and expresses agnosticism, not denial. He criticizes both Ufologists who claim to have identified UFOs (e.g., via the ETH) and debunkers who propose extraordinary explanations (like Klass's plasma theory) without sufficient proof. Truzzi believes that explanations offered by both proponents and critics for UFO reports remain unconvincing, and that Dr. Hynek would likely agree.

• Dave Schroth ("Terrible Skeptics"): Agrees that Dr. Alvin Lawson's research deserves a hearing but suggests that most UFO enthusiasts are motivated by fame or excitement rather than a quest for knowledge. Schroth believes Lawson's thesis that no aliens are involved in UFO "abductions" is unpopular. He argues that many abduction stories originate with "confounded liars" and that simpler explanations are often overlooked.

• Kenneth Behrendt: Responds to a review of "Life in the Universe," arguing that the book's premise, which suggests life evolves only under very narrow planetary conditions, is based on fallacious assumptions. Behrendt maintains that extraterrestrial life is probable and that intelligent humanoid life could evolve on planets with earth-like conditions over long periods.

• Big Jim Oberg: Reports on his research into the Soviet UFO scene, claiming to have made significant breakthroughs. He notes a lack of response to his preliminary reports from leading ufologists and details his debunking of several Soviet UFO cases, including the June 14, 1980 "cloud UFO" over South America.

• Floyd Murray: Expresses gratitude for Saucer Smear, calling it a "small gold mine" for keeping isolated researchers informed. He notes a perceived lull in major UFO activity and public interest but praises the publication's quality and contribution to UFO research.

• Allen Greenfield: Submits a poem titled "My Debt to Ufology," reflecting on his past fascination with flying saucers and occult powers, and his eventual disillusionment with the "swirl" of scams and lies he found in the world.

• Tommy Roy Blann: Claims to have investigated the "secret government device (theory)" and suggests that the ufological community struggles against a "vast intelligence community." He likens the ufologist to a child playing with a rattlesnake and warns that those who uncover certain truths must remain silent.

• Steve Kurzweil, M.D.: Urges a focus on "crashed saucers" rather than Bigfoot, humorously suggesting that military bases have run out of room for their own planes due to these craft. He expresses a desire to speak directly with extraterrestrials.

• Jim Rigberg: Offers encouragement and a humorous remark about "Rumors of Death of Moseley Persist."

• Gary Buell: Expresses a dilemma, finding little to comment on in the current issue. He humorously suggests his letter is a response to receiving the newsletter and implies his life would be less empty if he received mail.

Specific Cases and Reports

• Unseen, unheard visitor (Huntington Beach, USA): A large, unidentified object or creature has been leaving "animal droppings" on a second-floor balcony. While a veterinarian analyzed the sample as the work of a "huge pig," this explanation has not gained widespread support.

• Space shuttle called a hoax (Lancaster, California, USA): Charles K. Johnson of the Flat Earth Society declared the space shuttle landing a hoax, claiming it was a simple airplane and that man has never been to space. He also espouses a Flat Earth model.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the state of ufology, the challenges faced by researchers, and the ongoing debate between believers and skeptics. There's a sense of frustration with internal disputes and a perceived lack of progress in uncovering definitive answers. The publication, through its editor James W. Moseley and the various reader contributions, appears to maintain a critical yet engaged stance, valuing open discussion and well-documented research, while also acknowledging the often-cynical nature of the field. The presence of a threatening letter suggests an external pressure or opposition faced by the publication and the broader UFO community.