Saucer Smear - Vol 30 No 08 - 1983

Magazine Overview

SAUCER SMEAR, Volume 30, No. 8, dated October 10th, 1983, is presented as a non-scheduled newsletter and the official publication of the SAUCER AND UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY. It is dedicated to the highest principles of ufological journalism. The issue features a cover story titled 'Aliens killed in crash' and includes a variety of articles, letters, and commentary on UFO-related topics, personalities, and debates within the ufology community.

A Blast From The Past

The issue revisits Elliott Rockmore, who published an early amateur magazine devoted to UFOs and Fortean events in the early 1950s. Rockmore reportedly became paranoid around 1954 and disappeared, later subscribing to SAUCER NEWS from a mental hospital. He resurfaced in 1965 and recently sent a 'semi-threatening' letter to the editor, beginning with 'Dear Mr. Treason Queer'.

Misc. Hot Flashes

British non-subscriber Hilary Evans has written a sensible UFO book titled 'The Evidence for UFOs', which the publication recommends but notes may receive little attention due to its sane approach. Bob Pratt, formerly of the National Enquirer, has replaced Dick Hall as editor of the 'MUFON UFO Journal'. Bigfootologist Erik Beckjord recently visited New Guinea and believes people there are seeing Dugongs, not mermaids. He has also reportedly taken film at Loch Ness.

Which Twin Is The Phony? An Expose Exposed

This section critiques 'Gray Barker's Newsletter' for publishing a parody of a cartoon originally drawn by Dutch skeptic Piet Hoebens. The original cartoon depicted skeptic Phil Klass teaching 'baby' skeptic Bob Sheaffer about UFOs. Barker's version, drawn by an artist named 'Chris', allegedly replaced Sheaffer with a puppet resembling the editor, James W. Moseley, and removed the 'Entity'. The article criticizes Barker's publication for its 'rude, crude parody' and for including a lengthy letter from skeptic Jim Oberg, who has apparently solved many foreign UFO cases.

The editor states that while he does not fully agree with skeptics, their arguments are becoming stronger due to a lack of proof for saucer reality. The critique of Barker's newsletter notes that it reprinted photos from 'Smear' that Barker claimed were not worth printing, and that Barker, under the pseudonym 'Craig Caldiron', accused the editor of being an 'Air Force agent' and staging a fake 'panty raid' to confiscate UFO pictures. However, Barker later admitted these charges were likely false. The article concludes by offering a copy of Barker's newsletter for two twenty-cent stamps.

The Readers Strike Back

This section features letters from readers:

• Bill Herrmann writes about his association with Wendelle Stevens, co-authoring 'Contact from Reticulum'. Herrmann details Stevens' arrest and conviction for child molestation and Kiddie Porn, calling it a 'self-destructive' act. He accuses Stevens of misrepresentation of UFO cases and factualizing the Billy Meir hoax. Herrmann states he has severed ties with Stevens and given his data to APRO and Harry Lebelson.
• Denis Corey congratulates 'Saucer Smear' on its consistent ufological journalism and comments that the 'misdeeds' of Wendelle Stevens cast a negative light on ufologists. He also questions if a photo depicts John Keel.

Aliens Killed in Crash

This section compiles letters from various individuals:

• Piet Hoebens, a Dutch skeptic, expresses surprise at the revelations about Wendelle Stevens, questioning their relevance to his UFO work. He finds the 'Huneeus confession' more relevant and praises the review of Philip J. Klass's book, though he finds Klass's humor questionable. Hoebens proposes a theory that 'Ufonauts' resemble squids and were fishing for them to communicate.
• Kenneth Behrendt inquires about atmospheric optical illusions that could explain the rotation of light sources observed in the New Zealand UFO case, suggesting it could be a structured extraterrestrial craft if not an illusion.
• Philip J. Klass provides a 'Last Will & Testament' in which he bequeaths 'The UFO Curse' to critics, stating they will never know more about UFOs or government knowledge of them. He implies that skeptics are focusing on 'best cases'.

Someone Writing Under the Name of "Claymore Finch"

This section features a letter attributed to 'Claymore Finch', likely John Keel. The letter is addressed to 'Muttonhead' (presumably the editor) and questions the origin of photographs, mocks the editor's appearance, and accuses him of hoaxes. It also mentions other figures like Tim Beckley and the Amazing Randi. The writer recommends Dr. Berthold Schwarz's book 'UFO Dynamics' and threatens to release documents if it is not reviewed.

Bob Pratt Writes

Bob Pratt, the new editor of the MUFON Journal, writes about his decision to take the position, acknowledging the potential for controversy. He praises 'Saucer Smear' as a vital force in ufology and admires the editor's willingness to engage in debates. Pratt also expresses sadness about the news concerning Wendelle Stevens, calling him a 'fascinating story teller'.

Bob Sheaffer Writes

Bob Sheaffer, a skeptic from San Jose, California, addresses Hal Starr's comments about a 'bug' in his motel room, clarifying that the events were in sequential issues, not the same one. He discusses the 'mysterious deaths' of Morris K. Jessup and James McDonald, attributing them to suicides rather than CIA or MIB involvement. He also mentions Dr. Steven Kurzweil's observation that FUFOR people do not attend UFO meetings.

Barry Hoffman Writes

Barry Hoffman recounts an experience where he yelled 'I'm ready for Sex!' and received a response of 'Not now. We have a Cosmic Headache:' from the heavens. He classifies this as a 'close encounter of the third and a half kind'. He also lists various unusual items, including 'black holes, white rabbits, bent keys, obsidian blades, crystal skulls, and the mummified Unicorns'.

Cover Story Snippet

A headline from The SUNDAY EXPRESS-NEWS, San Antonio, May 8, 1983, reads 'Aliens killed in crash'. Another headline from The New York Times, dated 12/10/82, states '2 Teen-Agers Indicted For Drowning in Lake'. A UPI article quotes Clare Boothe Luce saying 'aliens pose bigger threat to U.S. than A-bomb does'.

Letter from Jim Oberg

Jim Oberg writes to Jim Moseley regarding the preliminary results of an opinion poll conducted at a MUFON conference. Oberg notes that MUFON members rated Phil Klass as a more reliable UFO authority than Todd Zechel. Skeptics like Sheaffer and Moseley were rated 'middling accurate', while Condon and Menzel were rated lower, and Phil (presumably Klass) was rated at the bottom among skeptics but higher than some pro-UFO individuals. Oberg discusses the evaluation of various UFO cases, noting that the top ratings went to cases like Iran, Kaikoura, and Socorro, while others like the Pleiades case and the Tunguska blast received mixed or negative evaluations. He also mentions thirty 'statements' where members strongly disagreed that public interest in UFOs has waned, agreed that the US government has UFO secrets, and that hypnotic regression is valuable. The majority agreed that Uri Geller can perform genuine paranormal feats, but most photos of structured objects are fakes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of SAUCER SMEAR include debates between skeptics and proponents of UFO reality, critiques of other publications and personalities within the ufology community, and discussions of specific UFO cases and alleged encounters. The editorial stance appears to be one that acknowledges the growing strength of skeptical arguments due to a lack of definitive proof, while still engaging with and presenting various viewpoints and claims within the field. The publication seems to pride itself on its directness and willingness to tackle controversial subjects and personalities, as evidenced by the various letters and commentaries included.