Saucer Smear - Vol 31 No 09 - 1984

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 31, Number 9
Date: December 15th, 1984
Publisher: Official Publication of the Saucer and Unexplained Celestial Events Research Society
Editor: James W. Moseley

This issue of SAUCER SMEAR, a non-scheduled newsletter, is dedicated to the memory of Gray Roscoe Barker, who passed away on December 6th, 1984, at the age of 59. The newsletter also includes updates on ufological events, reader contributions, and discussions on related topics.

Gray Barker Obituary and Tribute

The issue begins with an obituary for Gray Barker, a prominent flying saucer author and publisher, who died after a period of illness. Editor James W. Moseley, a close friend of Barker since 1953, reflects on Barker's significant contributions to ufology. Barker was instrumental in bringing attention to the Flatwoods, West Virginia monster case (circa 1951) and later founded the magazine "Saucerian," which Moseley considers a benchmark for ufological reporting. Moseley notes that Barker's strength lay in "spinning a yarn into good English that would excite and titilate the reader," functioning more as an entertainer and folklorist than a factual reporter. Barker's 1957 book, "They Knew Too Much About Flying Saucers," is highlighted for popularizing the concept of "Men in Black" in relation to the Albert K. Bender case.

Moseley also touches upon Barker's diverse career, which included roles as an English teacher, theater owner, and salesman. He briefly mentions rumors of homosexuality and alcoholism but states he will not delve into such details. Moseley concludes that Barker's passing marks the end of a "classic" era of saucer research, which he believes effectively ended in the 1950s.

Miscellaneous Ravings and Reader Contributions

The newsletter includes a section of "Miscellaneous Ravings," featuring updates and opinions from various individuals.

• August C. Roberts: A veteran UFO researcher and friend of Gray Barker, Roberts has been seriously ill but is recovering. He plans to write about his near-death experiences of "going down the tunnel" toward a light.
• Blaine Hamrick: A non-subscriber, Hamrick is seeking assistance with a portable psychotronic device.
• National UFO Conference (NUFOC) 1985: The upcoming conference will be sponsored by Kal K. Korff in Fremont, California, in May 1985. Speakers will include Kal K. Korff, Bill Moore, and Thomas Gates of MUFON. Profits will support the local high school's athletic fund.
• 2nd Annual SBI Convention: Held on Staten Island on November 4th, the convention was attended by approximately 250 people. Notable absences included Geraldine Ferraro, Helen Wheels, and Larry Warren. Speakers included Budd Hopkins and Barry Greenwood. A film of a UFO over the New Jersey Turnpike was shown. The event was deemed a "limited success."
• Washington Post Article: A recent article in the Washington Post's magazine section discussed the "Believers vs. Skeptics" debate in the UFO field, analyzing the views of Bruce Maccabee and Phil Klass.
• Fartean Item: A report describes a large chunk of earth (several tons) inexplicably plucked from a wheat field near Grand Coulee, Washington, landing intact 73 feet away from the hole it left, with no track marks.
• Armand Laprade: Editor of "Would You Believe," Laprade has published a 44-page booklet by the late Isabel Davis titled "Meet the Extraterrestrials," which reviews early contactee books but takes a negative stance.
• Bob Girard's Catalogue: The editor expresses moral offense at Bob Girard's catalogue, which offers John Keel's original book manuscripts for $1500, promoting them as investments.
• "Just Cause" Newsletter: Larry Fawcett and Barry Greenwood are reviving their newsletter "Just Cause," which was prominent in the late 1970s for its fight against government secrecy regarding flying saucer evidence. The current price is $10 for four issues.

News Briefs

• "He Blames Aliens": Brian Dussault, accused of killing his wife, was declared innocent by reason of insanity in Alaska, claiming his wife was taken over by alien beings.
• "'Streaker' to Get Help": A Michigan man who ran naked through a plane was ordered to seek mental treatment.
• "'Nice' Teen Arraigned in Father's Ax Murder": Robert Ludwig, 17, was charged with hacking his father to death with an ax in Hingham, Massachusetts.

Letters to the Editor

• Ron Schaffner: A Bigfootologist, Schaffner commends the magazine for exposing "The Martians" of Brewster, New York, and urges ufologists to be more objective investigators.
• Susan Hoskins: President of the Church of the Mystic Light, Hoskins expresses enjoyment of "Smear" and hopes to visit Florida.
• Dr. Thornton Page (NASA): Page comments on a photo of Moseley's shrunken head and mentions a dramatic background story involving grave robbing in Peru. He also attended a NASA Symposium on plans for a Lunar Base, discussing telescopes, lunar law, and cooperation with the Soviets, and humorously questioning what extraterrestrials do with human sewage.
• Bob ("Raving Robert") Schiller: Schiller praises a recent issue of "Smear" and criticizes Phil Klass, calling for a unified response against "imperialistic war mongers."
• Brent Raynes: Raynes expresses reservations about Phil Klass but finds Todd Zechel's allegations intriguing, questioning the potential legal action.
• Jerome Clark (FATE Magazine): Clark refutes Phil Klass's explanation for the cancellation of a Fortean conference, stating it was due to fear of legal problems. He also comments on Klass's alleged threats and Gary Posner's agreement with Klass.
• Phil Klass: Klass responds to Todd Zechel's "expose," questioning whether Zechel is a penetrating investigator or a "con-man." He encourages Zechel's threatened legal action, mentions his age, and humorously claims a secret Swiss bank account with vast sums from UFO book royalties, suggesting CIA purchases of his books.
• Michael Dennett: Suspected of being a Skeptic, Dennett reports on the CSICOP Conference at Stanford University, where Phil Klass and J. Allen Hynek spoke. He found Klass's talk good but surprisingly cordial to Hynek, whose presentation was considered the "low point." The UFO Subcommittee discussed finding a more "pro" UFO speaker for future conferences.
• Robert Sheaffer: Sheaffer also reports on the CSICOP conference, noting the overwhelmingly skeptical audience of approximately 500 people. He mentions the formation of new skeptic groups and the rising circulation of the "Skeptical Inquirer." He also notes that "believers" like Peter Sturrock and Russ Targ declined invitations to address the group.
• Erik Beckjord: Beckjord writes a farewell note as he moves to Los Angeles. He recounts his experiences investigating Bigfoot, including sightings, paranormal evidence, and encounters. He suggests that Bigfoot might be connected to the UFO scene and expresses a desire to temper his life with more sunshine and fishing, while still pursuing investigations.
• Larry Peters: Peters questions where Erik Beckjord gets his information and hopes for a direct confrontation.
• Tommy R. Blann: Blann seeks individuals who have conducted investigations yielding technical data and offers to exchange such information.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the passing of significant figures in ufology (Gray Barker), the ongoing activities and debates within the UFO community (conferences, skepticism vs. belief), and the intersection of ufology with other phenomena like Bigfoot. The editor, James W. Moseley, maintains a somewhat irreverent and critical tone, particularly towards skeptics like Phil Klass and perceived sensationalism within the UFO field. He also uses the newsletter to promote upcoming events and engage with his readership through letters and personal anecdotes. The editorial stance appears to favor genuine enthusiasts while acknowledging the presence of "CIA informants, interplanetary infiltrators, and the like" on the mailing list, suggesting a playful yet cautious approach to information dissemination.