Saucer Smear - Vol 34 No 03 - 1987

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 34, No. 3
Date: March 20th, 1987
Publisher: SAUCER AND UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY

This issue of Saucer Smear, a non-scheduled newsletter, is dedicated to ufological journalism and features a collection of miscellaneous ravings, news items, and reader contributions.

Miscellaneous Ravings

The editor, James W. Moseley, opens with a section covering several current topics in the UFO field. He notes the upcoming book "Light Years" by Gary Kinder about Billy Meier, published by The Atlantic Monthly Press, and questions the involvement of Lt. Col. Wendelle Stevens. Moseley also inquires about the whereabouts of Kal K. Korff, who previously exposed Meier. The editor mentions Whitley Strieber's new abduction book, "Communion," and Budd Hopkins' book "The Intruders." A book titled "The Zone of Silence" about a magnetic anomaly in Mexico is also mentioned, as is Vaughn Greene's "The Six Thousand Year Old Space Suit," which draws parallels between ancient Japanese Dogu statues and modern space suits. Kenneth Behrendt's book, "The Physics of the Paranormal," is also highlighted.

UFO Cases and Investigations

Frederick Valentich Case

The issue revisits the Frederick Valentich case, noting it has been seven years since his disappearance. A newspaper clipping from Australia details the ongoing cliffside vigil of his family and the belief that a UFO interfered with his flight. Researchers have identified over 50 reported UFO observations in the Bass Strait area around the time of his disappearance.

JAL Flight 1628 Sighting

Stanton T. Friedman strongly criticizes Phil Klass' explanation of the JAL flight 1628 sighting near Fairbanks, Alaska, as Jupiter and/or Mars. Friedman argues that the UFO was tracked by radar, maintained pace with the 747, and the crew's drawings do not match planetary observations. He also defends the pilot's experience and professionalism, suggesting Klass' explanation is absurd and incompetent.

Other Cases and Mentions

Jim Speiser predicts that the Billy Meier book will become a "cause celebre." The disappearance of Karl Hunrath and Jack Wilkinson in 1952, who rented a plane to fly to a rendezvous with a flying saucer, is recalled. The issue also mentions a UFO landing in Texas in late 1986, detailed in a tract from the International Space Science Foundation.

Skepticism and Criticism

James Randi

A letter from James Randi to psychic researcher Dennis Stillings is featured, detailing Randi's recent successes, including a MacArthur Foundation award. Randi also makes serious accusations regarding an alleged blackmail scheme against him, involving an individual he claims was "arrested and convicted as a child molester."

CSICOP and Anti-Ufology

The issue mentions the upcoming CSICOP conference in Pasadena, California, where James Randi and Carl Sagan are scheduled to appear. The editor expresses skepticism about anti-ufology efforts, particularly Phil Klass' explanations.

UFO Conferences and Events

The National UFO Conference (NUFOC) is announced to hold its 24th annual convention in Burbank, California, from June 12th-14th, featuring speakers like Brad Steiger, Bill Moore, and Stanton Friedman. A one-day ufological symposium on "Forty Years of Government Cover-Up" is scheduled for June 21st in New York City. Additionally, Dr. Bruce Maccabee's Fund for UFO Research will sponsor the annual MUFON convention in Washington, D.C., from June 26th-28th.

Reader Contributions and Opinions

Bruce Walton Controversy

Several readers, including Dean Zevchek, Andron Gymus, and Tom Brown, respond to a letter by Bruce Walton. Walton's view that UFOs are "demonic spiritual manifestations" is strongly contested. Tom Brown, from BSRF, apologizes for stomping on Walton's beliefs but maintains that Christianity is a "life-negating religion" and that while spiritual aspects of UFOs are valid, nuts-and-bolts craft may also exist and be in government possession. BSRF also claims a saucer sighting in San Diego on October 9th, 1946, predating Kenneth Arnold's sighting.

Sub-Genius Cult and Wet Paint Party

An article discusses the "Church of the Sub-Genius" and a party in Miami at an art gallery called Wet Paint, which was disrupted by a disgruntled group. The editor humorously notes the connection to UFOs is minimal.

Other Letters and Comments

Dennis Stacy of MUFON questions Moseley's "UFO-phobia" regarding the JAL flight 1628 sighting. Rob MacGregor writes about the "Will to Dis-Believe" and questions if UFOs are related to alien abductions or cryptozoology. George Earley comments on Todd Zechel's claims about Phil Klass and the KGB, and the "mysterious tunnels" at the University of Texas at Arlington. John Merrell, a skeptic being sued by a psychic, notes the relative lack of lawsuits within the UFO community.

Miscellaneous News Items

An item from Alaska mentions the FAA offering a package on a Japan Air Lines pilot's UFO sighting for $194.30. Loren Coleman's new book, "Suicide Clusters," is noted. A report of a man drowning at a lifeguard party in New Orleans is included, as is a brief mention of Patrick Stevens dying after apparently drinking rat poison in Chicago.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

Saucer Smear consistently champions ufological investigation while maintaining a critical stance towards overly simplistic explanations and perceived cover-ups. The publication provides a platform for various viewpoints within the UFO community, from believers to skeptics, and often injects a dose of humor and satire. The editorial stance appears to favor open inquiry into paranormal phenomena, with a healthy dose of skepticism towards established authorities and a critical eye on those who dismiss evidence without thorough investigation. The issue highlights the ongoing debate between belief and skepticism, the role of media in shaping public perception, and the persistent interest in UFOs despite official dismissals.