Saucer Smear - Vol 35 No 01 - 1988

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 35, No. 1
Date: January 25th, 1988
Publisher: SAUCER SMEAR
Editor: James W. Moseley

This non-scheduled newsletter from SAUCER SMEAR, the official publication of the Saucer and Unexplained Celestial Events Research Society, covers a range of topics within the ufology and paranormal sphere. The issue features contributions from various researchers and enthusiasts, discussing controversial documents, upcoming conferences, personal anecdotes, and critical analyses of UFO phenomena and related subjects.

Beyond MJ-12

The newsletter begins with a discussion of an 8-page document received from ufologist John Lear, which reportedly ties together MJ-12, cattle mutilations, alien landings, genetic experiments, abductions, secret underground bases, and the 'Star Wars' program. The editor expresses a degree of apprehension if the information is true but also notes that it is probably not. Further evaluation is promised, and Lear is described as an "interesting guy."

Misc. Ravings

This section announces the confirmed time and place for the 1988 National UFO Conference (NUFOC), to be held in Cleveland, Ohio, on September 16th and 17th. Previous attempts to organize the convention in New Jersey and Florida had failed due to a lack of cooperation. The Cleveland bid comes from a group including Rick Hilberg, Bob Easley, and Al Manak, who were involved in the 1964 NUFOC. Details about speakers will be provided in future issues.

The delay in the next phase of public information regarding the MJ-12 documents is also mentioned, with sources Bill Moore and Jaime Shandera indicating a delay of a couple of months, possibly until February. The editor expresses no surprise, predicting that the documents will never be conclusively proven or disproven, allowing proponents to maintain their claims.

Bigfootologist Mark Opsasnick has released a book titled "The Maryland Bigfoot Reference Guide." The editor notes that Opsasnick's book speaks kindly of "Smear's" editor and quotes Opsasnick as saying, "I figure most of the Space Brothers will hate me for this."

Reflections on Donald Menzel and MJ-12

The newsletter includes an account of a conversation with Mrs. Donald Menzel, widow of the late Harvard Observatory director, who was allegedly a member of the MJ-12 group. Mrs. Menzel reportedly stated that her husband never believed in UFOs and did not participate in crashed saucer retrieval involving alien bodies. She recalled him visiting a landing site in New Mexico with Dr. Clyde Tombaugh, but dismissed it as "nothing." The editor uses Menzel's paintings of Martian landscapes as evidence against his involvement in MJ-12, questioning why a scientist would ridicule UFOs if he knew aliens had landed.

Wendelle Stevens and CSICOP

Lt. Col. Wendelle Stevens is scheduled for release from prison on May 30th, 1988, after pleading guilty to sexual activities with under-aged females. Despite his incarceration, he has continued to author UFO books, apparently with the help of his daughter. The newsletter also comments on the growing influence of the CSICOP organization, noting that while they are growing, the forces of "Credulity and Superstition" are rising even faster, citing a Time Magazine article on the "New Age."

Missives from the Masses

This section features letters from readers:

• Aileen Edwards praises "Smear" for doing more for ufology than MUFON combined.
• Larry Oberc describes "Smear" as informative and controversial, covering all sides of the issue, including commercial nonsense and skepticism.
• Dave Fideler enjoys "Smear" and discusses its contents with others, also mentioning "Bob" and Dobbsian stuff.
• Tommy Roy Blann (Thomas) submits a message emphasizing the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the imminent return of the Lord.

Bigfootologist Erik Beckjord and George Earley

• Erik Beckjord addresses critics of his monster photos, attributing the 1987 Nessie photos to an expedition member and discussing his experiences in Washington state. He also comments on Larry Peters' claims about Bigfoot.
• George Earley questions Larry Peters' claims about taking a Bigfoot, suggesting a camera should be used instead of a gun.

Virginia M. Reddy and Bob Sheaffer

• Virginia M. Reddy thanks the editor for the newsletter and provides details about Wendelle Stevens' UMMO books, including ordering information.
• Bob Sheaffer critiques the logic in Jerry Clark's letter regarding a phantom phone call and the MJ-12 documents, suggesting a more parsimonious explanation.

Gene Duplantier and Dennis Stillings

• Gene Duplantier expresses skepticism about MJ-12, calling it a hoax and questioning the focus on UFOs.
• Dennis Stillings offers a speculative interpretation of the Santa Claus myth as an extraterrestrial visitation, linking it to UFO phenomena and government coded messages.

Phil Klass and MJ-12 Document Authenticity

• Paul Mason (formerly Dr. Williard McIntyre) agrees with Phil Klass's skepticism about the MJ-12 documents. He details his efforts to have the documents examined and notes that they were met with laughter. Mason provides five specific points refuting the authenticity of the MJ-12 documents, including inconsistencies in typefaces, classification levels, lack of Navy representation, and potential errors in typing and proofreading.

Dave Reissig and Jennings Frederick

• Dave Reissig discusses the nature of belief and skepticism, stating that believing is always wrong, even when it aligns with fact.
• Jennings Frederick ponders the implications if the UFO enigma is part of a larger controlled and suppressed narrative, suggesting that governments may have solved UFO propulsion problems and recovered alien technology, leading to a drastic alteration of human understanding and potential global panic.

News Briefs and Cover Story

• A brief news item reports the arrest of a man in New York for assaulting a volunteer Santa Claus.
• A separate article, "Nativity-napped," details the theft of a baby Jesus doll from a nativity scene in Coral Springs, Florida, and a ransom note left by the perpetrators.

Southern Nevada UFO Vortex Zones Map

Page 8 features a map of Boulder City, Nevada, highlighting it as a "Central Location for Watching and Researching the Southern Nevada UFO Vortex Zones." Several locations are marked with specific phenomena, including "Gravity Vortex," "UFO Doorway," "Suspected UFO Base," "Strong Magnetic Vortex," and "Proven UFO Sighting Area."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include skepticism and critical analysis of UFO phenomena, particularly the MJ-12 documents, alongside a continued interest in UFO sightings and related mysteries. There is a clear editorial stance favoring critical examination and questioning official narratives, while also acknowledging the enduring public fascination with the unknown. The newsletter also touches upon broader cultural trends like the rise of "New Age" beliefs and the intersection of science fiction and reality. The editor, James W. Moseley, appears to maintain a position of open inquiry but with a healthy dose of skepticism towards extraordinary claims, particularly those lacking concrete proof.