Saucer Smear - Vol 31 No 08 - 1984

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 31, Number 8
Date: November 5th, 1984
Publisher: OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SAUCER AND UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Country: USA
Language: English

SAUCER SMEAR, presented as "DEDICATED TO THE HIGHEST PRINCIPLES OF UFOLOGICAL JOURNALISM," is a non-scheduled newsletter that offers a unique blend of commentary, satire, and reporting on UFO phenomena and related topics. The publication is known for its editor, James W. Moseley, and his distinctive sense of humor, which has led some to label him the "Voltaire of the UFO movement."

Key Articles and Commentary

UFO Flap Explanation and Skepticism

The issue leads with a "FLASH" reporting on the New York State UFO flap, referencing an article from "Discover" Magazine. This article suggests the flap was largely caused by local pilots flying small planes in tight formation, who referred to themselves as "The Martians." The report notes that UFO spokespersons like Gersten and Mazzola seemed uninterested in this explanation, preferring to perpetuate the mystery. The number of UFO sightings reportedly dropped significantly after the pilots discontinued their stunts.

Another "FLASH" reports the suicide of Piet Hoebens, a Dutch skeptic associated with CSICOP. The newsletter recalls Hoebens as a witty correspondent and mentions a controversial cartoon he created for "Smear" that depicted Bob Sheaffer as a baby on Phil Klass's knee.

Integretron and Other Reports

A third "FLASH" provides an update on George Van Tassel's Integretron, located in the California desert. It mentions that Walt Vorhes has taken up residence there with plans to make the machinery operational. A local clairvoyant is also mentioned in relation to this.

Letters and Opinions

Al Greenfield's Perspective: Al Greenfield, writing under the alias "Spider Rainbow," requests a correction regarding a previous mention of him. He clarifies his pen name reflects his current involvement in "New Age" circles and his "anti-authoritarian classical libertarian" politics. Greenfield expresses a shift in his view on UFOs, stating he'd rather be classed a "former enthusiast" than a "former researcher." He concludes that "UFOs are a crock of shit, but ufology was always fun, as long as it didn't take itself too seriously," and wishes the publication continues to be "the boil on the ass of ufology it needs and deserves."

Bill Moore on Ed Biebel: Author Bill Moore addresses a letter from Ed Biebel, correcting Biebel's confusion about his identity and location. Moore humorously lists several individuals with common names, including a James Mosley (not Moseley) indicted for drug trafficking, Phillip Klass as a science fiction writer, and George Washington and Benjamin Franklin supposedly living in Los Angeles, to highlight the ease of mistaken identity.

Barry Greenwood on "Clear Intent": Barry Greenwood, co-author of "Clear Intent," comments on the magazine's cover, defending it. He mentions running across a 1,000-page CIA file on a "J. Moseley, Undercover Agent" but declined to include it in his book. Greenwood also addresses Tom Burch regarding the quality of government UFO document reproductions in "Clear Intent," noting that many were too low quality for direct reproduction. He provides his address for those with doubts about information on Loring and Malmstrom.

Brent Raynes on Phil Klass: Brent Raynes criticizes Phil Klass, suggesting he is "going over the edge" and is not interested in fair debate. Raynes compares Klass to "militant atheists" and criticizes the magazine for including "controversial tidbits" and potentially "depraved" content, referencing comments about Ogden.

Dr. Gary Posner's Hypothetical: Dr. Gary Posner offers a hypothetical scenario of the magazine being named "Christ Smear," devoted to exchanges between non-subscribers like Jerry Falwell and Madalyn Murray O'Hair, predicting escalating acrimony.

Robert Sheaffer on "Saucer Smear" and Klass: Robert Sheaffer expresses concern that "Saucer Smear's" "noble experiment is rapidly reaching the end of the line." He likens ufology to religion rather than science and criticizes the quality of the magazine's content. Sheaffer also comments on Phil Klass, stating Klass has "sunk into the sewer" by engaging in protracted debates, and suggests Jerry Clark could improve by ceasing publication of magazines like FATE.

Phil Klass Responds: Phil Klass responds to Jerry Clark's criticisms, calling them "gross distortion and exaggeration." He attributes the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's decision not to sponsor a UFO conference to the previous year's financial disaster. Klass addresses Clark's interpretation of a "murder threat," urging him to report it to the FBI. He recounts an instance where Clark took a satirical offer of a $10,000,000 contract from NASA seriously, demanding an apology. Klass concludes by stating he has wasted too much time on "Kooks and dum-dums" and suggests "non-subscribers" direct their correspondence to Clark, requesting a one-year moratorium on his name in "Saucer Smear."

Todd Zechel on Phil Klass: Todd Zechel analyzes Phil Klass's position, suggesting Klass's regular publication of "classified" information and his relationship with a KGB agent create an appearance of disloyalty. Zechel argues that Klass functions as a "journalistic asset" of the U.S. government, operating as a covert agent for the CIA's Psychological Warfare Staff. Zechel states that legal actions will expose Klass as a "conspirator" and "journalistic asset of the CIA," detailing his meetings with a KGB agent and plans to assassinate a Soviet defector.

Dave Reissig's Comments: Dave Reissig congratulates Moseley on his "life term as Supreme Commander" and makes a lighthearted P.S. comment about Miss America.

Dave Schroth on "Mute Evidence": Dave Schroth discusses the book "Mute Evidence" by Kagan and Summers, confirming John Keel's observation that it offends many. He notes that the book reveals some people want to believe in cattle mutilators as strongly as others believe in friendly saucer aliens, citing irate cattle owners in Arkansas when presented with logical explanations for mutilations. Schroth quotes H.L. Mencken on the folly of believing passionately in the palpably untrue, suggesting that UFO and mutology buffs often refuse to debate fundamental premises.

Bigfoot and Creature Reports

Erik Beckjord on Bigfoot: Erik Beckjord shares an anecdote about Larry Peters shining a flashlight on what he thought were Bigfoot eyes, which turned out to be cows. He also recounts a similar situation in Oregon. Beckjord is skeptical of Peters' research methods and his past work, particularly a photo of Bigfoot that appeared as a ball of light.

Beckjord then describes a Bigfoot investigation trip with a "psychic blonde," who reportedly caused a Bigfoot to appear and leave SO2 smells. He questions how such a smell can be documented.

Tim Curry on Creature Fans: Tim Curry expresses enjoyment of "Smear" for its humor and information. He identifies more as a "creature fan" than a UFO fan and comments on the opinions of Ron Schaffner and Erik Beckjord regarding the Patterson film creature carrying an infant. Curry believes Erik may be seeing things as he wishes, suggesting the infant-like feature might be a pattern in the fur. He emphasizes the importance of believing Bob Gimlin, an eyewitness, over interpretations of the film alone, and suggests the alleged infant should be visible in early frames of the film.

Ken Behrendt on Bigfoot Capture: Ken Behrendt, author of a forthcoming UFO book, shares his "Believer" status after seeing the 1967 Patterson film. He finds it naive to think that capturing Bigfoot would lead to its evidence being accepted by mankind. Behrendt suggests that any such capture would likely result in the creature being taken to a secret government laboratory and the researchers being "liquidated" or having their memories erased, unless they operate in total secrecy and announce the capture in a credible international forum.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of SAUCER SMear consistently displays a skeptical and often satirical approach to ufology. While acknowledging the existence of UFO reports and ongoing investigations, the publication frequently questions the methodologies, motivations, and conclusions of prominent figures in the field. There is a clear emphasis on debunking sensational claims and promoting rational explanations, even if presented with a humorous or critical edge. The inclusion of numerous letters from readers and other commentators highlights a vibrant, albeit sometimes contentious, debate within the ufology community. The publication seems to champion critical thinking and a "no-nonsense" approach, often using humor and directness to challenge what it perceives as irrationality or self-deception among enthusiasts and researchers.

The editorial stance, as embodied by James W. Moseley, appears to favor rigorous investigation and a healthy dose of skepticism, even while appreciating the entertainment value of the subject matter. The publication is not afraid to criticize fellow ufologists, including those who are generally considered allies, when it believes their work lacks scientific rigor or is overly credulous.