Saucer Smear - Vol 29 No 09 - 1982

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Vol. 29, No. 9
Date: October 25th, 1982
Publisher: SAUCER AND UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Editor and Supreme Commander: James W. Moseley

This issue of SAUCER SMEAR, a non-scheduled newsletter dedicated to ufological journalism, presents a collection of news briefs, miscellaneous observations, and contributions from various researchers and organizations within the UFO and cryptozoological communities.

News Briefies

The newsletter begins with "News Briefies," noting a hoax sympathy card addressed to "the survivors of James Moseley." It provides an updated address for "Doc" McIntyre and seeks information for Doris Van Tassel, widow of a controversial contactee. A new British book, "George Adamski The Untold Story," by Lou Zinsstag and Timothy Good, is recommended as an objective look at the contactee. Editor James W. Moseley recounts an appearance on the Candy Jones radio show, featuring a dream therapist and a psychic. Thanks are extended to Tom Lind for a copy of "The Catalogue of UFO Periodicals."

Misc. Ravings

Under "Misc. Ravings," the issue explores the connection between human sexuality and the UFO field, referencing a pornography exhibit called "SEXFO '82." Publicists Harold Salkin and Mike Luckman are mentioned. The piece highlights Jeff Goodman, former editor of "Official UFO," now a columnist for "Screw" Magazine, whose writings were used as a theme for an anti-porn demonstration that led to arrests and the closure of the "SEXPO '82" show.

Page 2 Content

The second page discusses an article by Bob Easley in "UFO Journal" about a banned diet book and a pending bill that could penalize the distribution of books deemed "contrary to the weight of medical and scientific opinion," potentially halting saucer research. It also reports on a lecture by Michael and Aurora El-Legion in New York, who described an event where half a million Earth people would be "swooped up" into spaceships. A photograph shows the "Smear" editor being ejected from a MUFON-sponsored UFO "Unity" conference in Toronto, with Dennis Stacy and Allen Benz identified.

A news item from UPI reports on a brawl in Nueva Jerusalem, Mexico, sparked by the announcement that a 16-year-old "virgin saint" was pregnant.

Page 3 Content

This page critiques an hour-long Public Television UFO documentary for its perceived bias against non-startling explanations, citing dismissals of the Warminster sightings, the Travis Walton case, the Val Johnson case, and the New Zealand UFO film. Notorious non-subscribers Jim Oberg and Phil Klass are noted as interviewees, and Dr. Hynek and Walt Andrus are mentioned as issuing a joint statement against the show.

Under "Ufology Marches On," the editor's lecture in Cleveland for the UAPA is described. Bigfoot hunter Ron Schaffner presented on Bigfoot cases, and a "bootlegged" Bigfoot film was shown, allegedly featuring Ray Wallace. The editor notes complex feuds within the Bigfoot field, particularly mentioning Dennis Pilichis. The editor was presented with the "Ufologist of the Year" award for the second time.

"Press-Time Tid-Bits" mentions the editor's expected attendance at a UFO convention in Reno, Nevada, with speakers including Major Wayne Aho, Col. Wendelle Stevens, Tim Beckley, and Bob Short.

Page 4 Content

This page features a letter from Richard Henry, a physics professor, who describes "Saucer Smear" as a "meeting-ground" and a "good-humored" publication. He praises the "world's worst UFO debunker" and "world's worst prophet" features. Charles Wilhelm of OUFOIL writes with an updated address for Williard McIntyre and MARCEN and questions Zechel's information regarding crashed saucers. Larry Peters claims to have taken over MARCEN from McIntyre.

Page 5 Content

Larry Peters writes about a struggle between factions in ufology, criticizing those who do not spend time in the field. He recounts solving a mystery of "red-eyed" creatures in Baltimore woods, which turned out to be a new housing development and a street light. Jerome Clark of FATE Magazine writes, refuting Jim Oberg's misrepresentation of his review and criticizing Oberg's book as "spectacularly misguided." Dave Schroth nominates Jerome Clark for the "Worst Grammar by a UFO Investigator" Award, citing his use of terms like 'paraphysical' and 'collective unconscious.'

A headline announces "Mosley out of jail after name cleared," and another reports "Clare Luce sees aliens as threat."

Page 6 Content

Dave Schroth continues his critique of Jerome Clark, accusing him of misusing words and creating an impression of deep thought through "pretentious words and phrases." Dennis Stacy of MUFON presents "The Ufologist's Creed," a list of beliefs encompassing various UFO phenomena, organizations, and figures, while also expressing trust in the Freedom of Information Act and rejecting the Condon Report.

Page 7 Content

Martin Kottmeyer, a "rabbit expert," writes about the prevalence of rabbits in UFO sightings and related phenomena, referencing the McMinnville photos and "E.T.". Barry Greenwood reports that the Rudi Nagora UFO photos from Austria are a hoax, despite being listed as "bona fide" by Ground Saucer Watch. The editor notes this revelation as a loss of an "Ufological Truth."

Bigfoot hunter Jon Beckjord announces the formation of the National Cryptozoological Society. Blaine Hamrick writes about the supposed disappearance of General Westmoreland, which was reportedly a false alarm concerning an "extraterrestrial" kidnapping.

Page 8 Content

Marcello Truzzi of Eastern Michigan University writes to James W. Moseley, discussing definitions of UFOs and the polarization between "believers" and "skeptics." Truzzi argues for a more inclusive scientific approach to ufology, criticizing dogmatism from both proponents and critics. He also addresses Phil Klass's use of the term "zetetic" and advocates for responsible science.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of SAUCER SMEAR include the ongoing debates and disputes within the UFO community, the challenges of distinguishing between genuine phenomena and hoaxes, and the critical examination of evidence and explanations. The editorial stance, as conveyed through Moseley's contributions and the selection of material, appears to favor a broad, if sometimes critical, exploration of UFO and related topics, while also engaging in pointed commentary on individuals and organizations within the field. There is a clear emphasis on investigative journalism, even if it involves highlighting controversies and personal conflicts.

The issue also touches upon the intersection of UFOlogy with other fringe topics like Bigfoot and the paranormal, and reflects a general skepticism towards mainstream media portrayals of UFO phenomena. The editor's willingness to publish diverse viewpoints, even critical ones, and to engage in direct commentary, characterizes the publication's approach.