Saucer Smear - Vol 32 No 09 - 1985

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue Date: December 10th, 1985
Volume: 32, No. 9
Publisher: SAUCER AND UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY

This issue of "Saucer Smear" is a non-scheduled newsletter dedicated to ufological journalism. It features a mix of editorial commentary, letters from readers, news briefs, and a significant cover story.

Editorial and Miscellaneous Ravings

Editor James W. Moseley begins with reflections on the passing of Gray Barker, noting that he is missed and that his estate remains unsettled. Moseley humorously mentions hoping to acquire home movies from Barker's estate. He then discusses an article about "the most haunted house in America" that was rejected by FATE Magazine for "insufficient research," despite the author's admission of finding nothing supernatural. Moseley also notes his role as an unpaid consultant for OMNI Magazine and mentions receiving a review copy of "OMNI's Catalog of the Bizarre," edited by Pamela Weintraub.

Reader Contributions and News

The "Missives from the Masses" section features several notable contributions:

• John A. Keel writes about a convention in Costa Rica, describing it as a "sensation" and mentioning attendees like Charles Berlitz and Jacques Vallee. He humorously notes that UFOs are "Nazi secret weapons" and that he revealed "The Secret."
• Greg Long comments on the perceived blandness of the issue and the "death knell of ufology," attributing it to a "patina of cynicism" that has seeped into the field.
• Ken Behrendt describes a bizarre experience of sneezing out a "snot-covered silver bead" with gold wires, questioning where to send it for analysis.
• Robert Davis discusses Gray Barker's book "They Knew Too Much About Flying Saucers," asserting that Barker did not invent the stories and that he could have made the book more sensational.
• Erik Beckjord is looking for a location to set up a Cryptozoology Museum in Los Angeles.
• George Earley critiques John Merrell's research and writing, emphasizing the need for clear accounts of investigations.
• Peter Sutherland promotes the magazine "Awake!" and its free cassette offering a 3-D UFO story.
• Ron Spanbauer reflects on the "dying out" of the UFO field, suggesting that researchers' obsession with objectivity is the cause, and that imagination is key to creativity.
• Bob Schmidt discusses articles in "Flying Saucer Review" relating to "JINN family" and UFOs, and offers books and articles for sale.
• Christopher Ashtar Herron Lee apologizes for a lack of a "super-spectacular UFO flap" and mentions factions of the "Pharae."
• Hans Petermann questions the editor's susceptibility to "Klass-ified bullshit" and mentions his work on a rotor-converter generator for future spaceships.

News Briefs

• A debate at the International Conference on the Unity of the Sciences featured Dr. Bruce Maccabee and arch-skeptic Jim Oberg discussing UFO cases and the "Black Box Hypothesis."
• Dr. J. Allen Hynek is recovering from brain surgery.
• MUFON Czar Walt Andrus is reportedly upset about a story concerning Airman Simone Mendez and a fake UFO report.
• John Timmerman of CUFOS notes the resurrection of the Mothman legend in a documentary radio program.
• MUFON has a "PIPE Committee" for public information, which is viewed with some suspicion.
• UFO researcher Laura Mundo is ill.
• A hurricane in Key West has postponed a mayoral election.
• The next issue will feature a "Big Story" involving Jerry Clark and Dr. J. Allen Hynek.

Cover Story: Star Wars and Space Aliens

The main cover story, attributed to a "high-ranking government official" and reported by James Moseley, claims that President Reagan's Star Wars defense system is not for protection against Russians but against space aliens. The source states that Reagan acknowledged this need after a UFO landing in Rendlesham Forest, England, and convened a panel including Dr. Edward Teller. The CIA is accused of staging the 1984 Westchester County UFO sightings as a "smokescreen" to make the public believe UFO reports have prosaic explanations. The story also suggests that the Russians are aware of the alien threat and are willing to cooperate with the U.S. on Star Wars technology.

A former Soviet scientist living in the U.S. supports this claim, stating that the Soviet Union knows nuclear war means the end of civilization and that cooperation between superpowers might save the planet from an extraterrestrial takeover.

Other News Items

• A separate headline reports that the Supreme Court says aliens may become notaries.
• A brief article discusses fire officials being grilled over kerosene heaters.
• A celebrated statue in Ireland was attacked by youths.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of "Saucer Smear" maintains its characteristic blend of skepticism and belief within the ufological community. Editor James W. Moseley, while publishing a wide range of opinions, often injects his own dry wit and critical observations. The magazine seems to thrive on controversy and the airing of diverse viewpoints, from the highly skeptical to the deeply convinced. The cover story, alleging a secret alien threat driving the Star Wars program, exemplifies the publication's willingness to explore sensational and conspiratorial angles. The "Missives from the Masses" section highlights the ongoing debates and personal experiences within the UFO field, showcasing both the passion and the occasional absurdity of its proponents and critics.