Saucer Smear - Vol 32 No 02 - 1985

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 32, No. 2
Date: February 5th, 1985
Publisher: SAUCER AND UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Editor: James W. Moseley

This issue of "Saucer Smear" is dedicated to the highest principles of ufological journalism and presents a non-scheduled newsletter format. The cover headline boldly states that the publication is "TEETERING ON THE VERY EDGE OF THE DREADFUL ABYSS OF SKEPTICISM."

Editorial Stance and Skepticism

Editor James W. Moseley expresses a profound loss of faith in the UFO field, noting that after nearly forty years of "Saucerdumb," there are still no totally proven cases, despite numerous mysterious reports. He outlines two "sickening conclusions":

1. Human Perception: Moseley questions the reliability of human perception, citing examples of people mistaking Venus or the Moon for UFOs and questioning why a presidential sighting (Jimmy Carter) is given more weight than a civilian's. He suggests that even trained observers like police and airline pilots can make significant errors.
2. Background Checks: He argues that background checks on UFO sighters are crucial, including their honesty, truthfulness, and use of psychedelic drugs. He uses the example of "Klass" and Travis Walton, suggesting that Klass's findings would make it difficult to believe Walton's abduction report, deeming it worthy of the "Circular File."

Moseley also discusses the "Will to Believe," a force that leads people to "prove" religious principles derived from faith rather than reason. He criticizes those who manipulate data to fit preconceived notions, discard contradictory evidence, and adopt a "hurrah for our side" attitude, which he feels is far removed from the scientific method. He reminds readers that in dealing with anomalies, the burden of proof lies with the proponent.

Despite these doubts, Moseley acknowledges that "something very odd is going on," even if it turns out to be psychological. He notes that educated, unbiased individuals often give up on finding "nuts & bolts" spaceships and either become skeptics or move into other areas. He believes that if aliens were truly invading, the "Truth" could not have been suppressed for so long by governments or international bodies.

He concludes that with sufficient time, money, and scientific research, the truth might be learned, though it may not be as sensational as "bisexual long-haired Venusians or evil dwarfs."

The Nature of the Mystery

Even if UFO phenomena are ultimately explained as delusions or "mass hysteria," Moseley argues that there is still a need to explain why so many people report similar bizarre hallucinations, close sightings, contacts, and abductions, including "Missing Time" and "little men" encounters. He references a former researcher, Gordon Evans, who gave a lecture titled "Why the Martians Won't Let Us Land on the Moon," suggesting a scholarly but perhaps ultimately unfulfilled pursuit of answers.

Miscellaneous Ravings and Announcements

• NUFOC Conference: The 22nd annual National UFO Conference (NUFOC) is scheduled for May 25th in Freemont, California (near San Francisco). Principal speakers will be Kal K. Korff and William Moore.
• MUFON Symposium: MUFON's 1985 Symposium will be held at the Chase Hotel in St. Louis, Missouri, from June 28th-30th.
• NAUFOF Affiliation: MUFON has discontinued its affiliation and financial support of the North American UFO Federation (NAUFOF), as has the Center for UFO Studies. This decision was made at a meeting in San Antonio during the 1984 Symposium, as NAUFOF had deteriorated into a group of splinter organizations.
• APRO Feud: Walt Andrus, MUFON's Director, is reportedly in conflict with Coral Lorenzen of APRO over an article Lorenzen wrote for the "APRO Bulletin."
• George Fox Contribution: The back page of this issue is a contribution from George Fox of New York City.

Reader Correspondence and Researcher Notes

The issue features a significant amount of correspondence from readers, many of whom are reacting to previous articles or the editor's evolving stance:

• Richard Ogden: Sends a letter claiming "Straith was not Gray Barker but me," signing as "Richard Ogden '666' R.E. Straith." The editor notes Ogden's apparent mental instability and incoherent letter, but acknowledges he still reads "Saucer Smear."
• William Steinman: Expresses concern about the unauthorized circulation of a letter from a prominent scientist regarding crashed flying saucers and requests information from readers.
• Brent Raynes: Seeks information about Fred Lee Crisman, a figure involved in the Tacoma UFO fragment case and the JFK assassination investigation, and his connection to UFO conventions.
• Daniel Cohen: Complains about being misquoted in the "National Enquirer," which presented his book "The Encyclopedia of Monsters" as evidence he believes in such tales, when he was merely presenting them.
• "National Enquirer" Article: The publication notes an "Enquirer" article identifying Key West, Florida, as "America's Real Ghost Town," based on information from local ghost hunter Barbara Hodgens.
• Jim Rigberg & Gray Barker: The death of former UFO zine publisher Jim Rigberg is noted, ironically occurring after Gray Barker had prematurely reported Rigberg's death.
• Larry Peters: Writes about the "Straith" business and notes that his telephones have stopped acting strangely after three years, suggesting either their efforts failed or they are "too close to the flames."
• Denis Corey: Reacts to the "Straith" expose, questioning if Moseley's "confession" was genuine or another hoax.
• William Steinman (again): Asks if Moseley intends to expose all the hoaxes created by himself, Barker, and others, stating his belief that despite hoaxes, many individuals still hold firm to cases involving crashed saucers.
• Ken Behrendt: Submits his own UFO research journal, "AURA," and questions Moseley and Barker's motives in giving "official verification" to George's "messianic complex," suggesting they may have enjoyed "hoaxing the King of hoaxers."
• Tommy R. Blann: Expresses disappointment with Moseley's past activities but hopes he has learned a lesson. He suggests publishing a zine where skeptics and believers can present documented facts.
• Ron Spanbauer: Inquires about another hoax involving R.E. Straith, Clarksburg, West Virginia, a truck, and a movie camera, and asks Moseley to reveal details of the Clarksburg and Benedum Airport incidents.
• Editor's Note (Spanbauer): Clarifies that the incident was near Lost Creek, West Virginia, not Clarksburg, and that the flying saucer was surprisingly small, less than six inches in diameter.
• Charles Wilhelm: Confirms his suspicions that the "Straith Letter" was authored by Barker and Moseley, and suggests Barker may have also created the "Men in Black" phenomenon. He believes removing such "garbage" would clarify the UFO field.
• Tom Burch: Comments on Moseley's recognition in OMNI magazine, noting his "newly-attained celebrity status."
• Phil Klass: Congratulates Moseley for bringing "smiles and laughs" to the ufology field with a "light touch."
• Tom Hackney: Critiques Phil Klass, questioning his credibility and suggesting that Klass's attempts to debunk ufology have inadvertently strengthened the case for UFOs.
• Pete Tate: Describes Phil Klass as an "Alien" and a "Communist," suggesting his activities are part of a larger manifestation, possibly linked to Henry Kissinger and Wedgewood-Benn.

Other Content

• "The Return of SAUCER LUST" Cartoon: A cartoon by Barry Hoffman is featured, depicting a mermaid and a bearded man looking at the sky for flying saucers. A get-well wish for Gray Barker is included, noting his recent death.
• TODAYS WORLD - ALABAMA: A brief news item about a 69-year-old department store Santa Claus in Birmingham, Alabama, being charged with stealing merchandise.
• Horoscopes: A section provides humorous and often insulting horoscopes for each zodiac sign.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around skepticism within ufology, the questioning of witness testimony and human perception, and the prevalence of hoaxes. Editor James W. Moseley's personal shift towards skepticism is a central narrative, driven by the lack of concrete proof and the perceived unreliability of evidence presented in the field. The issue highlights a tension between believers and skeptics, with numerous letters reflecting debates about the nature of UFO phenomena, the integrity of researchers, and the methods used to investigate cases. The editorial stance, while critical, acknowledges that a genuine mystery may still exist, even if its explanation is not what believers hope for. The publication also serves as a platform for various UFO researchers and enthusiasts to share their views, controversies, and ongoing investigations.