Saucer Smear - Vol 33 No 07 - 1986

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 33, Number 7
Date: August 15th, 1986
Publisher: SAUCER AND UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY

This non-scheduled newsletter issue of SAUCER SMEAR, edited by James W. Moseley, is dedicated to ufological journalism and features a mix of editorial commentary, reader letters, and news briefs. A prominent notice warns subscribers with an 'X' on their envelope to respond or be removed from the mailing list.

Miscellaneous Ravings

The editor begins with "Miscellaneous Ravings," detailing a dispute with UFO researcher Todd Zechel. Zechel has published a new zine, "For Your Eyes Only," which criticizes Philip Klass, accusing him of being a CIA operative. Zechel apparently became upset when SAUCER SMEAR sent him a semi-sarcastic postcard informing him that their paid copy of his zine was sent to Klass. Zechel responded with an angry letter, part of which is printed in the "Letters" section, and also kicked SAUCER SMEAR off his paid subscription list, refunding $3.00. The editor notes that publicly distributed zines must be available to anyone willing to pay, or it could be considered discrimination. They threaten to re-subscribe under a different name and urge readers to buy Zechel's zine to ensure he sends copies #2 and #3 to them.

Zechel's publication, though "wild and undocumented," is described as interesting reading, with an address provided for Paragon Productions in Sauk City, Wisconsin.

The editor then poses questions about the implications if Philip Klass were indeed working with the CIA, questioning whether it would change the reality of UFOs or grant undue power to debunkers. The piece concludes this section by noting that neither Klass nor Reagan could prevent a UFO landing on the White House lawn.

Tidbits of Trash

This section notes that OMNI Magazine has picked up an item from "Saucer Smear" for a future "AntiMatter" column, based on their "Black Ufologists" discussions. The editor expresses flattery, quoting an OMNI editor who noted Moseley's circulation is impressive. The August OMNI also contains a favorable article about Erik Beckjord.

UFO Researchers and Theories

Lew Tery of Las Vegas is mentioned as a UFO researcher who participated in a discussion at a Phoenix flying saucer convention. Tery's theory suggests the U.S. Government has built secret bases at natural magnetic vortices in the southwest to conceal UFO activity. Tery was reportedly "silenced" by an FBI agent named Russ Nielsen before he could speak at a UFO conference at the University of Wyoming.

Shavertron and Richard Shaver

The newsletter recommends a zine called Shavertron, which has recently folded. It was dedicated to the work of Richard Shaver. The editor admits they were not deeply involved in the "Shaver thing" but notes that Shavertron's editor, Richard Toronto, recognized the "Shaver Mystery" bordered on science fiction. The final issue, #26, discussed UFO contactee George Hunt Williamson. Toronto can be contacted at P.O. Box 248, Vallejo, California.

Key West Trivia

A trivia item about Key West, Florida, explains that natives call themselves "CONCHS." The newsletter humorously delves into the Spanish meaning of "concha" (edible sea shell and an intimate part of the female anatomy), finding it amusing that people voluntarily call themselves "conchs."

The Cedric Allingham Case

An article discusses the case of Cedric Allingham, author of the 1954 book "Flying Saucers From Mars." Old-timers in the UFO field may recall the book, which was similar to George Adamski's work. Rumors circulated that Allingham did not exist, and he supposedly died in a Swiss sanatorium. A new article in the British zine "Magonia" (#23, July 1986) by Christopher Allan and Steuart Campbell reportedly analyzes internal evidence and concludes that the book was written by English astronomer Patrick Moore, with Peter Davies as a ghostwriter.

Missives from the Masses (Letters to the Editor)

Todd Zechel's Letter: Zechel writes a scathing letter to Moseley, accusing him and Klass of being similar personality types and calling Moseley a "toady and informant." He criticizes Klass's "outlandish praise" and Moseley's "journal." Zechel states he will not communicate with Klass, considering any attempts harassment, and will report them to authorities. He also states his reports on Klass are supported by evidence from U.S. Government sources. Unlike James McDonald, he will not be pushed into suicide but will face Klass in court. He is returning $3.00 for the unused portion of his subscription.

Rev. John Vandrie: An exorcist, Vandrie writes about checking out the "Myrtles House" mentioned in a previous article. He claims to have found over 4600 discarnates and 1600 spirits, and used a pendulum to clear the house, stating no further manifestations will occur. The editor notes that the owner might have grounds for a lawsuit.

Bob ("Raving Robert") Schiller: Schiller expresses delight with the "screaming Randi expose" and the Zechel-Klass feud, urging Moseley to "fan the flames" of the clash between skeptic and believer.

Molly Squire: A co-worker of Erik Beckjord, Squire congratulates James Randi on his MacArthur Foundation grant. She decries ad hominem arguments and suggests that critical arguments would be more productive than gossip.

Armand LaPrade: Editor of "Would You Believe?," LaPrade questions why Philip Klass focuses on MUFON as potentially government-funded and why he emphasizes the year 1969, suggesting Klass should review concepts from anti-ufology experts like Donald Menzel.

Ron Schaffner: Of the Ohio UFO Investigators League, Schaffner finds Phil Klass's letter interesting and suggests that the government might manipulate a controversial individual with a large organization to gather information.

Williard McIntyre: Formerly of MARCEN, McIntyre is mentioned as fitting the criteria for a government-manipulated individual.

John Dressler: MUFON State Section Director for Oahu, Hawaii, calls SAUCER SMEAR a "much-needed therapeutic medication" and a "tranquilizer for stress." He agrees that covert agents in MUFON are unlikely, as research data is available.

George Fawcett: States that if UFO organizations are infiltrated by government agencies, it's not a worry but expected.

Ken Behrendt: Of AURA, suggests that UFOs are proven to be extraterrestrial craft when their behavior aligns with expectations of such craft.

Charles Wilhelm: Believes that the full magnitude of UFO phenomena will only be realized when an investigator uncovers hard physical evidence that can be scientifically examined.

Jim Oberg: Sends a postcard from Europe, mentioning a two-week vacation in the French Alps funded by the French government for lectures on Soviet Space and Interplanetary Travel.

Tom Higgins ("The Terminator"): Writes about recent earthquakes in California, attributing them to creatures from "Out There" crashing their spacecraft, which are destroyed on impact.

Riley Hansard Crabb: Editor-at-Large for Borderland Sciences Research Foundation, writes from New Zealand. He mentions the passing of Harold Fulton, an early researcher of Men-in-Black incidents. Crabb also speculates if J. Allen Hynek, who joked about Halley's Comet's visit in his birth year, might have been an extraterrestrial.

Martin Kottmeyer: Mentions "MEBON" and peach-colored bunny rabbits on Venus from the book "ViVenus: Starchild," noting numerous rabbit/UFO correlations. He also references a speculation that AIDS may be an alien plot.

Steve Barnett: Argues that people need something transcendent or "magikal" to make modern civilization livable, and that UFOs, whether extraterrestrial or not, provide a "wonderful thought."

Tom Cannon: Describes SAUCER SMEAR as an "interesting and provocative newsletter" that serves as an "escape valve" and keeps the public aware of UFO phenomena.

Christopher Allan: Questions the value of the New Zealand films, calling them "meaningless blobs of light" and useless as evidence, comparing them to the Tremonton films.

News Briefies

James Randi's career is highlighted due to his MacArthur Foundation prize, including appearances on the Johnny Carson TV show and features in People Magazine. The editor, James W. Moseley, celebrated his 55th birthday. The next issue will hopefully announce the dates and location for the 1987 National UFO Conference. Apologies are extended to Erik Beckjord for not including his reply to critics in the previous issue.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the ongoing debates within ufology, particularly the tension between believers and skeptics. The editorial stance, as represented by Moseley, appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging discussion and debate, even if it involves controversial figures and publications. There's a clear emphasis on the importance of evidence and factual reporting, contrasted with what the editor perceives as sensationalism or unsubstantiated claims from some researchers. The newsletter also functions as a platform for reader engagement, showcasing a wide range of opinions and perspectives from within the UFO community. The editor's tone is often witty and sometimes sarcastic, particularly when addressing disputes or perceived absurdities in the field.