Saucer Smear - Vol 31 No 03 - 1984

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 31, No. 3
Date: April 25th, 1984
Publisher: James W. Moseley (Editor and Supreme Commander)
Type: Non-Scheduled Newsletter, Official Publication of the Saucer and Unexplained Celestial Events Research Society.

This issue of Saucer Smear, a publication dedicated to ufological journalism, delves into internal disputes within the North American UFO Federation (NAUFOF) and critiques various figures and events in the UFO community. The tone is often critical and satirical, reflecting the publication's unique editorial stance.

Doctor Haines "Muzzles" NAUFOF Board Members!

The lead story reports on alleged actions by Dr. Richard Haines, head of NAUFOF, to silence his board members. The editor, James W. Moseley, expresses disappointment, stating that while "Smear" supports the goal of unity in ufology, Dr. Haines has adopted a "suspicious and almost paranoid attitude." A "classified" form letter from Haines to board members is quoted, requesting that no individual board member speak publicly concerning NAUFOF business for a period of up to nine months, with only the Director authorized to do so until December 1st, 1984. The article suggests that Dr. Haines, who is described as "almost unknown in the UFO field anyhow," should quietly resign as Chairman of NAUFOF, proposing Dr. J. Allen Hynek as a suitable replacement.

Misc. Ravings

This section covers a variety of miscellaneous topics:

• National UFO Conference (NUFOC): The 21st annual conference was scheduled for September 21st and 22nd in Cleveland, Ohio, with speakers including "Smear" editor James W. Moseley, Gray Barker, Ron Schaffner, and Ed Biebel. Details were available from Bob Easley.
• Martin Kottmeyer's Research: Martin Kottmeyer of Carlyle, Illinois, submitted a 20-page study linking UFOs, rabbits, and the Sirius Mystery. The publication offered to loan a copy to interested readers.
• James Randi and Tina Resch: The article discusses James Randi's involvement in a case in Columbus, Ohio, concerning a 14-year-old girl, Tina Resch, who allegedly could move objects with her mind. A team of psychic researchers was convinced, but Randi and two scientists were denied entry to the house. Randi's team wrote a negative report, which the article suggests might be accurate given Tina Resch's history of deception and publicity seeking.
• "Extraterrestrials Only" Club: A new UFO-oriented club called "Extraterrestrials Only" has been started by Andrew Ferguson, catering to "transplanted aliens" and "helpful-minded Earthlings." The club aims to connect closeted aliens and has reportedly attracted about 300 members at $10 each.
• Andrew Ferguson's Address: For those interested in the "Extraterrestrials Only" club, the address provided is Box 395, Intervale, New Hampshire 03845.

MUFON UFO Journal Critiques

Three articles from the January issue of the MUFON UFO Journal are discussed:

• John Schuessler: Deputy director of MUFON, Schuessler made negative comments about researchers, including the "Smear" editor and Walt Andrus (MUFON's "czar").
• Bob Pratt: The journal editor exposed a sensational UFO landing case at Elsworth AFB, South Dakota, in 1977, as a hoax.
• Michael Lewis: A former MUFON director, Lewis abandoned the extraterrestrial theory for UFOs.

Ufological Deaths

Two notable figures in ufology have passed away:

• Kenneth Arnold: Who famously sighted "nine gleaming objects" in 1947, died on January 16th of that year. The editor found him to be a "very disagreeable character."
• James Rigberg: Publisher of "Flying Saucer News," one of the oldest UFO magazines, died. Rigberg also ran a UFO and occult bookstore in Manhattan.

"Saucer Smear" Typo

Harold Salkin, a publicist, pointed out that the "S" in "Smear" has been printed UPSIDE DOWN for years, and the editor admits to lacking the patience to correct it.

Tribute to Long John Nebel

The editor participated in a six-hour radio tribute to Long John Nebel, a popular all-night talk show host in New York City who promoted UFO contact stories. The tribute included Sanford Teller, Candy Jones, James Randi, Lester Del Ray, and David Field. The event was hosted by WABC's Alan Colmes.

News Briefies

• John Keel's "Unicorn Review": Described as "BAD" and filled with "sleezy pyramid-club type ads." Keel is also promoting a new book, "Strange Mutants."
• Bill Lutters: A fan of twenty years, his next letter will be printed.
• Pete Mazzola: Has handed over editorship of his "SBI Report" to James Leming. The SBI may hold a convention in New York City.
• Allen Benz: President of the Foundation for UFO Research, announced that Bill Moore received the organization's Significant Work Award for his research on the Roswell UFO crash.
• Bruce Maccabee's Fund: Larry and Mike Frizzell received $500 each for their work on UFO abduction cases.
• New UFO Epic: The next issue of "Smear" will review a new UFO book by Dominick Lucchesi titled "Flying Saucers from Khabarah Khoom."

Letters to Ye Olde Editor

• Barry Greenwood: Responds to Phil Klass's belief that those who insist on a government UFO cover-up are aiding the Communist cause. Greenwood clarifies points from his book "Clear Intent" and criticizes the "McCarthyism" surrounding the discussion.
• Barry Hoffman: The cartoonist offers a philosophical quote: "As you know, I believe everything I read, even when the facts contradict each other. There is a shred of truth floating in every pool of hogwash. All I ask is to acquire enough shreds to someday weave a basket."
• Dr. Thornton Page: Describes himself as a "male non-subscriber" and agrees with Phil Klass that UFOs are Communistic, suggesting the Soviets use UFO stories to cover secret satellite launchings. He questions why Klass doesn't campaign in Russia for the rights of Soviet people.

Phil Klass's Response

Phil Klass writes, clarifying his motivation for calling Robert Mortenson regarding a pro-UFO conference. He states he did not seek to "stop the University sponsorship" but rather to "needle" the University for sponsoring conferences where only one side of the issue was presented. He welcomes UFO conferences for selling books and providing material. Klass challenges Friedman and Moore on their "Cosmic Watergate" claims, offering a public apology and a bet involving kissing their bare asses if their claims are not proven true through Congressional hearings or major media investigations.

Dr. Gary Posner's Support for Phil Klass

Dr. Gary Posner, a follower of Phil Klass, defends Klass, stating that the "Phil Klass" described by Ufologists is an invention. He asserts that the real Phil Klass is a respected journalist with a reputation for honesty and factual accuracy, and that there is no credible evidence of a "Cosmic Watergate" or U.S. Government cover-up of UFO evidence.

Ken Behrendt's "Skeptics' Creed"

Ken Behrendt offers a six-point "Skeptics' Creed" for dealing with skeptics:

1. Any UFO/Paranormal experience report is either mistaken or lying.
2. Any observation can be explained by prosaic terms, however improbable.
3. If an experience can be duplicated by trickery, the original was a hoax.
4. Earth science is complete, proving real UFOs and Paranormal events don't exist.
5. Supporters of UFO/Paranormal phenomena are not seeking truth but are gullible, deluded, greedy, or recruiting for causes.
6. UFO views are "pro-Science," not "anti-Everything."

Bob Sheaffer on William Steinman

Bob Sheaffer discusses William Steinman, who claims to have a letter from a "well known scientist" proving the government recovered crashed flying saucers but refuses to reveal the scientist's name. Sheaffer is skeptical of Steinman's claims and his alleged book, "Saucer Down 12 Miles East of Aztec; Scully Was Right."

Erik Beckjord on Cryptozoology

Erik Beckjord writes about his ongoing dispute with Richard Greenwell of the International Society of Cryptozoology. Beckjord is frustrated that Greenwell refuses to print his letters and articles, despite having requested submissions on Bigfoot. Beckjord asserts that no one owns the name "Cryptozoology."

• Tommie Throneberry: Mentioned as a lady who is tough and can outdrink men.
• Gwen Smith Nessie Film: Beckjord analyzes a 1977 film that allegedly shows a changing face with eyes, horns, and teeth in each frame, suggesting it is not a static image.

Ron Schaffner on Feuds and Research

Ron Schaffner comments on feuds within the Bigfoot research community, suggesting they are more prevalent than in ufology. He defends the Throneberrys' research in Texas.

• September NUFOC Convention: Schaffner will be speaking on "Sasquatch and Alien Hominid Hoaxes and Frauds," discussing cases like Tomato Man, the Wallace Film, and the Walla Walla and Rome, Ohio cases.

Audio/Digital Systems Letter

Blaine Hamrich writes to clarify issues surrounding the MUFON 1984 Symposium fiasco, refuting claims made by an anonymous writer (identified as Tommy Blann). Hamrich details the deterioration of the symposium plans due to Rev. Neal Hearn's resignation and Stan Ferguson's disappearance. Lindy Whitehurst was left to plan, but then became unemployed. Tommy Blann offered to take over on the condition he be a featured speaker, which Walt Andrus refused, possibly due to Blann's "far-out ideas" and "demanding attitude."

Hamrich describes Blann's theories as "out in the weeds" and "gov't conspiracy type," including a belief in a secret underground installation at Ft. Hood with a hidden door for aircraft. Blann reportedly refuses to elaborate, citing fear for his family. Hamrich suggests Blann may need "professional psychiatric help" and that his ideas would cause MUFON to be "laughed out of middle UFOlogy."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Saucer Smear consistently exhibits a critical and often satirical stance towards figures and organizations within the UFO community. Skepticism towards claims of government cover-ups and sensationalism is evident, particularly in the critiques of Phil Klass and the discussion of James Randi's involvement. The publication champions open debate and criticizes attempts to silence researchers or control information, as seen in the lead story about Dr. Haines. There's a clear preference for evidence-based research and a disdain for what the editor perceives as pseudoscientific or overly speculative theories. The editorial stance is one of challenging authority, questioning motives, and providing a platform for diverse, often controversial, viewpoints within the UFO and paranormal fields.