Saucer Smear - Vol 33 No 06 - 1986

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 33, Number 6
Date: July 20th, 1986
Publisher: Official Publication of the Saucer and Unexplained Celestial Events Research Society
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of "Saucer Smear" presents a collection of articles, letters, and commentary on UFOlogy, skepticism, and related controversies. The publication, edited by James W. Moseley, is characterized by its direct, often critical, and sometimes humorous approach to the subject matter.

Miscellaneous Ravings: The James Randi Controversy

The lead article, "Miscellaneous Ravings," updates a previous "Hot exclusive" about magician James Randi. While acknowledging that Randi's primary focus has been disproving claims in parapsychology, the article connects his troubles to the UFO field. It details two documents obtained by "Smear": one from Scot Morris, Games Editor of OMNI, and another from Randi himself. These documents reportedly discuss events from 1968 in New Jersey, where Randi alleges that two men, posing as U.S. Department of the Navy investigators, "snowed" a local police department into providing false evidence against him. Randi contends these men were Uri Geller and Dr. Eldon Byrd. The article notes that Randi has been cautioned about potential lawsuits if he cannot prove these allegations, but he insists he can.

Tidbits of Trash

This section offers brief updates and news items:

• James Randi's MacArthur Prize: Randi has reportedly won a MacArthur Prize of $272,000 tax-free for his work in debunking paranormal claims.
• "The Most Haunted House in America": An article by Timothy Green Beckley, previously rejected by FATE Magazine, has been published by Inner Light Publications. A free trial subscription to "Inner Light" is offered.
• Brad Steiger's Books: Author Brad Steiger has signed a deal with Timothy Green Beckley for a series of books, the first titled "Demon Lovers."
• Todd Zechel's Zine: Todd Zechel is publishing a zine called "For Your Eyes Only." The first issue alleges that Phil Klass works with the CIA and has a friendship with a Russian Naval Attache named Vtorygin.
• Editor's Radio Appearance: James Moseley discussed UFOs and grave robbing on a talk show hosted by Jerry Wichner of WNWS Radio, Miami. Alan Burke has reportedly left WNWS.

Letter(s) About the Editor

This section features a critique of Ufologist Erik Beckjord's presentation on the New Zealand UFO film at a National UFO Conference. The critique, originating from the ParaNet newsletter, suggests Beckjord exaggerated his claims about disproving Phil Klass and Robert Sheaffer's "squid boat theory." The author of the critique notes that Sheaffer still believes the object could be a group of squid boats. Major James McGaha, head of the Tucson Skeptics, is quoted as being unimpressed with Beckjord's evidence. The ParaNet author clarifies that "Smear" editor Moseley does not necessarily endorse Beckjord's views, characterizing "Smear" as a publication with a dry, dangerous sense of humor that functions as comic relief. An anecdote is shared about Moseley photographing a woman claiming to be a high priestess of the Brotherhood of St. Germaine, who linked Stanton Friedman to the Chernobyl disaster.

Letters to the Editor

This section includes correspondence from readers:

• Erik Beckjord: Beckjord writes about his exclusion from the SSE (Society for Scientific Exploration) meeting, despite recommendations. He details encounters with figures like Jacques Vallee, Richard Haines, Richard Greenwell, Marcello Truzzi, Dennis Stillings, Marsha Adams, and Henry Bauer. He recounts a contentious interaction with Henry Bauer regarding the Loch Ness film.
• Professor Alvin Lawson: Lawson writes to protest the editing of his previous submission, accusing Moseley of revising his prose without permission and in a manner he deems crude.
• John Dressler: Dressler, self-described as Menehune Base Commandant and a MUFON State Section Director, requests a subscription to "Smear," finding it both amusing and disgusting. He explains the Hawaiian word "Menehune."
• Donald Ware: Ware, Florida State MUFON Director, poses a philosophical question about the nature of "proof" in UFO investigations and suggests that people struggle with happiness because they haven't decided what they are looking for.
• Greg Long: Long challenges Moseley to declare his true colors regarding skepticism, noting that Moseley's newsletter often lambasts UFO evidence while still being published.
• Jim Speiser: Speiser thanks Moseley for his remarks at a UFO conference, stating they helped him define where he *doesn't* stand on UFO issues. He introduces ParaNet as a network of BBS systems providing paranormal information and seeks ready-made materials for its database.

Philip J. Klass Letter

Philip J. Klass writes to Moseley with a hypothesis about government coverups. He questions how the U.S. Government could claim to be covering up UFO truths while simultaneously closing down Project Blue Book. Klass proposes that the government might be using covert agents within existing UFO organizations to investigate UFO incidents since 1969. He suggests that organizations like MUFON, which publicly accuse the government of a coverup, would be ideal candidates for such covert operations, as their own members might not suspect their organization's activities are government-funded. He anticipates that top officials in such organizations would deny any government connection.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of "Saucer Smear" include the ongoing debates between ufologists and skeptics, the credibility of UFO evidence, and the potential for government involvement or coverups in the UFO phenomenon. The editorial stance, as conveyed through Moseley's "Miscellaneous Ravings" and his wry comments on letters, appears to be one of critical inquiry, often laced with humor and a healthy dose of skepticism towards extreme claims, while remaining open to the possibility of genuine mysteries. Moseley positions himself as someone who "just doesn't know" and is willing to explore various facets of the UFO subject, even those considered fringe, without necessarily endorsing them. The publication serves as a platform for diverse viewpoints within the UFO community and beyond.