Saucer Smear - Vol 33 No 03 - 1986

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 33, Number 3
Date: April 25th, 1986
Publisher: SAUCER AND UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Editor: James W. Moseley

This issue of "Saucer Smear" is a non-scheduled newsletter dedicated to ufological journalism. It features a prominent notice about potential ejection from the mailing list for subscribers with an 'X' on their envelope. The main content revolves around "Miscellaneous Ravings," an update on the upcoming NUFOC convention in Phoenix, Arizona, and a lengthy discussion initiated by Christopher Allen concerning the perceived lack of Black ufologists.

NUFOC Convention Update

The NUFOC convention is set to take place from May 16th-18th at the Executive Park Hotel in Phoenix, Arizona. Key speakers announced include nuclear physicist Stanton Friedman, author William Moore, contactee Daniel Fry, New Age writer Brad Steiger, skeptic Robert Sheaffer, and Bigfootologist Jon Beckjord. The program also features abductee Travis Walton, author Gary Kinder, ufologist Timothy Green Beckley, and Kal K. Korff. Jon Beckjord is slated to show the New Zealand UFO film. The editor, James W. Moseley, and his wife Anna plan to attend early. Hal Starr is the local host.

Discussion: The Lack of Black Ufologists

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to responses to Christopher Allen's question about why there are few Black ufologists. Several readers' comments are featured:

• Muhammad Ali: Believes UFOs are piloted by Black people who will take over the world, aligning with his Muslim faith.
• Barbara Hudson: A Black contactee who attended the 1967 convention in New York, claiming to be sent by "The Group" to observe. She disappeared from the ufological scene around 1975.
• Brandon Blackman: A Black ufologist who recently shared an apartment with the editor.
• General Observation: The editor notes that while there are a few Black ufologists, most Black individuals are not interested in UFOs, possibly due to the daily struggle for economic survival.
• Editor's Stance: The editor clarifies that he is neither a believer nor a disbeliever (agnostic), stating that after 40 years, no conclusive scientific proof of extraterrestrial visitation exists.
• Armand Laprade's "Would You Believe": The editor mentions being featured on the cover of this magazine, which includes an article by August C. Roberts about a supposed shrunken head.
• NAUFOF Disbandment: The North American UFO Federation (NAUFOF) has officially disbanded due to internal disputes.
• Society for Scientific Exploration: The editor has been "purged" from this society, with apologies offered.

Letters to the Editor:

• Charles R. Tolbert (Treasurer, Society for Scientific Exploration): Writes to apologize for retracting an earlier acceptance of Moseley's membership and encloses $10 for non-subscription costs, requesting continued receipt of "Smear."
• Bill Moore: Responds to Christopher Allen's inquiry, listing several Black individuals involved in ufology or related fields, including Henry Monteith, Richard Neal, Lt. Col. Robert Friend, and Sir Eric Gairy.
• Barry Greenwood (Assistant MUFON State Director, Massachusetts): Acknowledges the issue of few Black ufologists, suggesting they exist but are not overt. He names Don Jurnigan, Milton Scott, and Ulysee Douglas as examples. He posits that historical discrimination, the stigmatized nature of UFOs, and economic factors might deter Black involvement. He also notes a recent poll showing a drop in public belief in UFOs.
• Ken Behrendt: Suggests racial discrimination might make Black ufologists uncomfortable interviewing white witnesses. He also proposes a subconscious avoidance of topics suggesting extraterrestrial contact due to historical negative encounters with Europeans, and a focus on economically rewarding endeavors.
• Gene Buck: Playfully questions the color of "colored ufologists," implying he means Black ufologists.
• Walter Rogers: A Black ufologist of 22 years, states he knows only one other active Black ufologist in Cleveland and believes UFO interest is as prevalent among Black and other non-white populations as among Caucasians.
• August C. Roberts: Acknowledges writing to a Black man interested in UFOs and states that color does not affect UFO research, having given talks to Black people.
• Christopher Allan: Thanks contributors and mentions Sir Eric Gairy as a known Black figure in ufology.

News Briefies:

• Raymond Hilberg, father of ufologist Rick Hilberg, passed away.
• Dr. J. Allen Hynek's health is deteriorating due to a brain tumor.
• A rumor of Albert K. Bender's suicide is mentioned, seeking confirmation.
• Mary Robinson, widow of ufologist Jack Robinson, died after a severe stroke.
• Al Manak and Bob Easley have resurrected "Flying Saucer Digest."

Book Review:

• "In Advance of the Landing: Folk Concepts of Outer Space" by Douglas Curran: Praised as a high-class photographic and sociological look at UFOs and New Age movements. It features 62 illustrations and covers 90,000 miles of travel. The book mentions James Moseley on page 123, describing his stance at a 1982 UFO convention where he offered $1,000 for physical evidence of flying saucers. The book is priced at $16.95 and published by Abbeville Press, Inc.

Editor's Activities:

• On March 6th, the editor participated in a 3-hour talk show on Miami radio station WNWS with Alan Burke. Jack Horkheimer was scheduled but became ill.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly emphasizes the theme of diversity, or lack thereof, within the ufology community, specifically focusing on the representation of Black individuals. The editor, James W. Moseley, maintains a position of agnosticism regarding UFOs, highlighting the lack of definitive scientific proof. The publication also reflects a critical and sometimes irreverent tone, as noted by contributor Tom Burch, who describes "Smear" as "trashy" at times but always interesting. The issue touches upon the challenges faced by ufological organizations, such as internal disputes leading to disbandment, and the editor's own experiences with exclusion from certain societies. There's a recurring undercurrent of skepticism towards claims lacking empirical evidence, balanced with an acknowledgment of the sociological and psychological aspects of the UFO phenomenon.

FAQ

• Q: What is the NUFOC convention and who are the speakers? A: The NUFOC convention is scheduled for May 16th-18th in Phoenix, Arizona, at the Executive Park Hotel. Principal speakers include nuclear physicist Stanton Friedman, author William Moore, contactee Daniel Fry, New Age writer Brad Steiger, skeptic Robert Sheaffer, and Bigfootologist Jon Beckjord.
• Q: Why is there a discussion about the lack of Black ufologists in this issue? A: The discussion was initiated by Christopher Allen's question in a previous issue, and this issue features several letters and comments from readers offering their opinions and insights on why Black individuals may be underrepresented in the field of ufology.
• Q: What is the status of the NAUFOF? A: The North American UFO Federation (NAUFOF) has officially disbanded due to personality and doctrinal disputes among its board members.
• Q: What is the editor's stance on skepticism? A: The editor states that he is not a skeptic and neither believes nor disbelieves, describing himself as agnostic. He notes that after 40 years, no conclusive scientific proof of extraterrestrial visitation exists.
• Q: What is the significance of the "X" on the envelope? A: An "X" following a subscriber's name on the envelope indicates they will be ejected from the mailing list unless they contact the publication shortly.