Saucer Smear - Vol 33 No 09 - 1986

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 33, Number 9
Date: November 10th, 1986
Publisher: SAUCER AND UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Editor: James W. Moseley

This issue of "Saucer Smear" is a non-scheduled newsletter that delves into the current state of ufology, organizational shifts, and reader contributions. The tone is informal, often opinionated, and reflects the editor's direct engagement with the UFO community.

Miscellaneous Ravings

Editor James W. Moseley opens with commentary on the "sad state of ufology." He notes the division within the National UFO Conference (NUFOC) governing board and expresses disappointment that none of the four members from Cleveland contacted the publication. He warns that unless he hears from them, they will be removed from the board.

Moseley then reports the death of Jim Lorenzen, Director of APRO, at age 64. He mentions that APRO, founded by Lorenzen's wife Coral in 1952, is the oldest UFO organization in the U.S. (possibly excluding the Borderland Sciences Research Foundation). APRO's future is uncertain due to Coral's ill health and declining membership, with its bulletin appearing irregularly.

The editor also notes the semi-mysterious disappearance of the SBI (Scientific Bureau of Investigation) headed by Pete Mazzola, declaring it defunct. This leaves MUFON and CUFOS as the primary UFO groups. Moseley believes CUFOS will not regain the prestige it held under its founder, Dr. J. Allen Hynek, positioning MUFON as the largest and most active group. Moseley himself serves as MUFON State Section Director for Monroe County, Florida.

He ponders who will be the next mainstream ufology spokesman, like Major Keyhoe and Allen Hynek. After much thought and discussion with other ufologists, he identifies Dr. Bruce Maccabee of the Fund for UFO Research as the most logical candidate. Maccabee is described as young, academically qualified, articulate, and pro-UFO. He is also slated to host the next annual MUFON symposium. However, when Moseley contacted Maccabee to express his feelings, Maccabee's response was "less than enthusiastic," facetiously suggesting Phil Klass as an alternative.

Moseley reiterates his commentary on the "sad state of ufology," noting the emergence of new computer-hookup saucer groups, some of which may contribute to the field. He hopes for more convincing UFO evidence to convince the public.

Cover Story: "I Married the Man Who Shot Me in the Head Four Times"

The cover features a headline that appears to be the title of a story, accompanied by a drawing of a man with a gun. The content of this specific story is not detailed in the provided text, but it is presented as a prominent feature.

Tid-Bits of Trash

This section compiles various short news items and personal notes:

• Bill Moore vs. Phil Klass: Author Bill Moore has suggested Phil Klass retire from ufology, citing "advancing age and self-acknowledged mental impairments," and offered $100 for a "gala Phil Klass retires from ufology" banquet. Klass has accepted the offer, setting up an interesting confrontation.
• Ron Schaffner's Move: Ron Schaffner, editor of "Creature Chronicles," has moved and provided a new P.O. Box address in Cincinnati, Ohio.
• Antonio Huneeus Lecture: Antonio Huneeus gave a UFO slide lecture at the United Nations on September 17th, as part of an unofficial club that schedules talks on various subjects.
• California UFO Group: A new group called "California UFO" has formed, offering a hotline and a magazine. Contact information is provided.
• "UFO Contact Beyond Rigel, Earth Survey" Book: Lt. Col. Wendelle Stevens, Bob Girard of Arcturus Books, and Lucius Farish of MUFON are involved in a forthcoming 192-page book selling for $14.95.
• Wendelle Stevens' Status: There is speculation about whether Wendelle Stevens is out of prison, as his sentence was not expected to be up yet.
• Jolly UFO Photo: A "jolly UFO photo" is presented on Page 3, claimed to be the "most genuine, unaltered photograph of a UFO to date."
• Laura Mundo Article: A brief article on Page 3 discusses Laura Mundo, taken from "Whole Life Review."

William L. Moore Named Local Chairman Of National UFO Conference

The 24th annual National UFO Conference, themed "UFOs Over America: 40 Years and Counting," is scheduled for Los Angeles, California, in the summer of 1987. William L. Moore has been selected as the local chairman for the event. The theme references two significant historical UFO events: the Kenneth Arnold sighting near Mt. Rainier on June 24, 1947, and the Roswell, New Mexico, "crashed UFO" case beginning on July 2, 1947. James Moseley is the permanent chairman and can be reached via mail. More details about the conference program are expected soon.

Interplanetary News!

This section features information about Laura Mundo, a "contactee" who has been publishing a newsletter with "saucer teachings." She is reportedly very ill, and her associates are giving away copies of her booklets and selling her autobiography, "The Mundo UFO Report," for $2. The teachings are described as "classic contactee stuff," involving communication with "space brothers" and paths to becoming a "Pre-Atomic Energy Being."

UFO Expert Claims: These 4 Types of Space Aliens Are Regular Visitors to Earth

By Peter Fenton, this article reports that top UFO researchers, including Walter Andrus, international director of MUFON, claim at least four types of space aliens regularly visit Earth. These aliens range from a "hairy 7-foot-tall beast" to a creature resembling a human. These classifications are based on thousands of close encounter cases in MUFON's files.

Is Phil Klass Secretly An Alien From Another Planet?

This article humorously questions if Phil Klass is an alien, prompted by an article in "The National Enquirer" featuring Walt Andrus of MUFON. The article reprints a drawing from the Enquirer, noting that none of the pictured entities resemble alleged alien sightings. It jokingly suggests the alien on the left resembles a "pint-sized Phil Klass" with webbed hands and feet, and questions if Andrus has "sold out" to the Enquirer.

Missives From The Masses

This section contains letters from readers:

• Warren Thompson: Corrects misinformation about the "Bay Area Group's" "Bigfoot Bibliography," stating it is not available to the general public and clarifying that the Bay Area Group is not affiliated with Erik Beckjord or his proposed cryptozoology museum.
• Erik Beckjord: Responds to criticism about UFO films, arguing that any evidence is valuable. He recounts an experience in Maryland woods with former MARCENite Larry Peters, searching for "monsters with red eyes," and his appearance on the David Letterman TV show, where he plugged the "Cryptozoology Museum-to-be in Malibu."
• Hilary Evans: Addresses the confusion surrounding Portuguese ufologists, explaining that many share the surname Fernandes. He also mentions a 50-page report from Portugal detailing a UFO case involving two Air Force training Chipmunks circling a disc-shaped craft.
• Lee Speigel: Expresses admiration for "Saucer Smear's" consistency in informing readers about each other. He criticizes "pseudo/amateur investigators" and advocates for letting "guesswork, gossip and gossips" alone. He also defends James Randi against detractors, questioning the relevance of his alleged homosexuality.
• Riley Crabb: Comments on the "non-subscribers flail[ing] away at each other" in "Smear." He notes a contradiction between a Washington informant's version of "Star Wars" and the book "Sky Crash," regarding collusion between the U.S. government and aliens versus the Star Wars defense system being developed to counter alien invaders.

Tom Brown's Letter

Tom Brown, director of BSRF, responds to a previous letter from Bruce Walton, dismissing the idea that UFOs have a Satanic origin. He suggests Walton read Wilhelm Reich's "Ether, God and Devil" and argues that the universe is a functioning organism, not inherently evil.

Jim Leming's Letter

Jim Leming of IAPRI comments on Phil Klass being alive and rhymes his name with "ass." He discusses Erik Beckjord's appearance on the David Letterman show and MUFON's "hypocrisy." He also mentions Frank Bruckmann's assessment of intellectual levels and expresses surprise that "Smear" took so long to become active.

Howard Kaufman's Letter

Howard Kaufman writes about the calm in Monroe County, Florida, since Moseley moved, questioning if it's due to his presence or his MUFON membership.

Armand LaPrade's Letter

Armand LaPrade, editor of "Would You Believe?", humorously addresses Moseley as "Supreme Commander" and discusses "non-subscribers" who fear "walking the plank." He uses pirate imagery to describe the magazine's journey and the potential for mutiny.

Jim Speiser's Letter

Jim Speiser announces the creation of the "Federation of Arizonians for Rational Thought," an organization dedicated to debunking pseudo-scientific claims. Their first task will be to investigate the nature and behavior of swamp gas, and they invite reader suggestions for future projects.

Cartoons

The issue includes several cartoons, including "The Quigmans," "Ernie - The National Skeptics Alliance Is Sending You An Award!" (with a caption "I'll believe it when I see it."), and two cartoons related to "Telepaths Club" and a gentleman claiming an ancestor defiled a crypt.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the internal politics and struggles within UFO organizations (NUFOC, APRO, MUFON, CUFOS, SBI), the search for credible spokespersons in the field, and the ongoing debate between believers and skeptics. The editorial stance, as expressed by James W. Moseley, is critical of apathy within the UFO community, supportive of MUFON's prominence, and somewhat skeptical of certain claims while remaining engaged with the subject matter. There's a strong emphasis on personal opinions and interactions within the UFO research community, often presented with a touch of humor and directness. The issue also highlights the historical context of UFO research by referencing landmark cases and figures.