Saucer Smear - Vol 31 No 02 - 1984

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 31, No. 2
Date: March 1st, 1984
Publisher: SAUCER AND UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Editor and Supreme Commander: James W. Moseley

This issue of Saucer Smear is a non-scheduled newsletter dedicated to ufological journalism. The editorial content is largely driven by critiques of prominent figures and organizations within the UFO community, with a strong focus on the actions and views of Phil Klass.

Editorial: If Phil Klass Didn't Exist, Ufologists Would Have to Invent Him

The editorial centers on three UFO conferences and the key figures involved. It begins by detailing the University of Nebraska's November 10-13 convention, where Phil Klass allegedly attempted to have the conference shut down. The editor notes that Klass succeeded in uniting the ufological community against him, with Ed Biebel of NUFOC criticizing Klass's attempts at censorship. The University of Nebraska ultimately resisted Klass's pressure, and the conference proceeded as planned.

The editorial then delves into two subtle but complex points: firstly, that Klass sought to stop the conference due to its perceived lack of a balanced program, questioning if the CSICOP program in Buffalo was similarly balanced. Secondly, it addresses Klass's view that ufologists insisting on a governmental conspiracy regarding crashed discs is unpatriotic and aids communists. While the editor agrees that such a conspiracy is unlikely, they strongly disagree with Klass's assertion that the U.S. government has always acted fairly, citing historical events like Watergate, the Vietnam War, the Bay of Pigs, the Kennedy assassination, and Pearl Harbor as examples of governmental deception.

The editor also touches upon the Lincoln assassination as an unsolved mystery. The most frightening aspect of Klass, from a ufological perspective, is not his political stance but his potential belief that flying saucers are a 'crock of shit,' a sentiment the editor paraphrases with a more colorful, albeit indirect, quote.

UFO Conferences and Organizations

The newsletter discusses the upcoming 15th annual MUFON symposium in San Antonio, Texas, noting that the Dallas MUFON chapter mysteriously withdrew its sponsorship. An anonymous letter from a disgruntled MUFON member accuses Walt Andrus of unprofessional and deceptive behavior, claiming that excellent UFO data is withheld from the public. The editor questions whether Andrus would know how to react if a UFO landed in his backyard.

In contrast, the annual National UFO Conference (NUFOC), chaired by the editor, is presented as a conference free from censorship, internal dissension, and other issues. This event is scheduled for September 22nd in Cleveland, Ohio, with local co-chairpersons Bob Easley and Al Manak.

Miscellaneous Ravings

This section covers various updates and anecdotes:

• Williard McIntyre: The whereabouts of the former NICRAP photo consultant and Director of MARCEN are unknown; he was last heard heading into the China Sea on a small craft and is presumed dead.
• Dr. Bruce Maccabee: He has published a 77-page treatise titled "UFOs: The Public Informed" as a response to Phil Klass's book "UFOs: The Public Deceived." Maccabee's work highlights numerous UFO cases that suggest something strange and intelligent is occurring.
• Bigfootology: The state of Bigfoot research in the Pacific Northwest is discussed, referencing Tommie Throneberry's "The International Bigfoot Bulletin." Throneberry expresses disappointment with the field, citing threats and harassment from other researchers, and questions the reality of what he was looking for. He speaks positively of Erik Beckjord and his work on a Bigfoot documentary but remains skeptical of the Roger Patterson film.
• Douglas Curran: A forthcoming book by Douglas Curran, "In Advance of the Landing Folk Concepts of Outer Space," is mentioned. The book features pictures of constructed rocket and saucer-shaped objects. Contact information for Curran is provided for those with similar projects.
• Ruth Norman: She is described as a contactee who has sent extensive literature, and is noted for preparing Earth for the arrival of spaceships from the Unarius Foundation.
• Dr. Richard Haines: The Director of the North American UFO Federation reports that Henry McKay has resigned, and Pete Mazzola and John Musgrave have joined the organization. The editor notes that internal problems within NAUFOF are predictable.
• Michael Generelli: A non-subscriber from New Jersey wishes to correspond on various offbeat subjects, including UFOs.

Missives from the Masses

This section features letters from readers:

• William Steinman: Steinman expresses amazement at the editor's disbelief and insinuation that his letter regarding a scientist's verification of recovered flying saucers might be a hoax. He defends his source, stating the scientist is in a top position and must be protected. Steinman believes he and his associates (Moore and Friedman) share the goal of solving the UFO enigma.
• Charles Wilhelm: Wilhelm criticizes "Flying Saucer Review" and the MUFON Journal for not publishing critical articles about Len Stringfield's theories. He recounts an experience where Walt Andrus initially agreed to publish his article refuting Stringfield but later turned it down, questioning the value of damaging a reputation versus presenting the truth.

Further Correspondence and Commentary

• John Timmerman (CUFOS): Timmerman expresses gratitude for the editor's support and encouragement, noting that it has helped him regain enthusiasm for his work.
• Phil Klass Letter: A letter from Phil Klass is referenced, discussing his impending critique of 'psychic phenomena.' The editor invites Klass to speak for himself.
• Dr. J.B. Rhine and Psychic Research: A letter discusses Dr. J.B. Rhine's acknowledgment of fraud in early psychic experiments but his belief that computers could ensure honesty. However, Rhine later admitted to fraud within his own laboratory. The letter also quotes Dean Robert Jahn on the prostitution of psychic phenomena by charlatans and notes that Randi's demonstrations prove 'psychic power' is not required for such feats.
• Tom Burch: Burch is impressed by Allen Greenfield's argument regarding James 'The Amazing' Randi and CSICOP. He expresses weariness with CSICOP's public image and views the organization as sinister, driven by a collective fanaticism to eradicate dissent. Burch cites examples of CSICOP's alleged misconduct, including Dennis Rawlins' revelations, Carl Sagan's distortions, Randi's denigration of UFO phenomena, and Klass's character assassination. He specifically condemns Klass's attempt to undermine the MUFON/University of Nebraska conference by contacting university personnel and accusing UFO groups questioning government involvement of supporting communism. Burch states that as a Vietnam veteran, he does not take kindly to such accusations and suggests Klass is using a McCarthy-like approach.

Letters from Other Correspondents

• John Keel: Keel humorously comments on the response to a plug for "The Unicorn Review & Digest," noting that his non-subscriber list sent SASES (Self-Addressed Stamped Envelopes).
• Ron Spanbauer: Spanbauer expresses anticipation for "Saucer Smear" and makes a humorous, sexually suggestive remark about 'space people' and 'Cosmic VD.'
• Kris Bjork: Bjork recounts a bizarre experience involving 'spacemen' and a 'saucer shaped squid boat,' claiming it will revolutionize 'Saucerology.'
• Dr. Stephen Kurzweil: Kurzweil presents a serious theory that 'They' (presumably extraterrestrials) are humanity's parents, responsible for altering human DNA. He believes the 'cover-up' is to maintain the illusion of governmental authority and that humanity's misuse of intelligence is leading to self-destruction. He suggests the U.S. will lead a 'New Understanding' of Earth's future, but only if UFOs are openly recognized.

Stanton T. Friedman's Letter

Stanton T. Friedman, a nuclear physicist, writes to Jim Moseley, stating he has not been apprehended by the NSA or FBI despite his encounters with Phil Klass. Friedman details his work in science consulting and media appearances. He encloses a letter to Phil Klass demonstrating that Klass was incorrect regarding two arguments made on a recent TV show. Friedman clarifies that the Cutty Sark offer required a specific device, and JANAP 146 distinguishes between unidentified aircraft and UFOs. Friedman also notes that he has identified 25 false statements in Phil Klass's book about the Roswell Incident, attributing Klass's research to a partial reading and misinterpretations. He criticizes Oberg's dismissal of a coverup and reiterates that UFOs represent a highly classified subject. Friedman expresses interest in seeing if Klass will admit his errors.

Friedman also mentions a visit to the Public Archives of Canada, where he found material suggesting the Canadian public was told the opposite of the truth regarding official UFO investigations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include skepticism towards Phil Klass's views and actions, criticism of organizations like CSICOP and MUFON for alleged censorship or internal issues, and the exploration of various UFO cases and related phenomena such as Bigfoot. The editorial stance is critical of perceived attempts to suppress information and advocates for open inquiry, while also expressing skepticism about certain aspects of ufology, such as grand conspiracy theories. There is a consistent theme of challenging established narratives and encouraging critical thinking among readers.