Saucer Smear - Vol 35 No 02 - 1988

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 35, No. 2
Date: March 5th, 1988
Publisher: SAUCER SMEAR
Editor: James W. Moseley

This non-scheduled newsletter from SAUCER SMEAR, dedicated to ufological journalism, covers upcoming UFO conventions, book sales, and various opinions and news within the UFO community. The issue features a mix of announcements, personal accounts, and critical analyses of UFO-related topics and personalities.

25th Annual NUFOC Convention

The United Aerial Phenomena Agency (UAPA) of Cleveland, Ohio, is sponsoring the Silver Anniversary convention of the National UFO Conference (NUFOC) on September 16th and 17th. James W. Moseley, the editor of "Smear", is the Permanent Chairman of NUFOC. Featured speakers include Antonio Huneeus, who wrote a "Smear" article on the UMMO inhabitants; John Timmerman of CUFOS; Ed Biebel of MUFON; and Bill Moore, known for his involvement with MJ-12. Several Ohio-based individuals are also scheduled to appear. Information about the UAPA's 100th issue can be obtained from P.O. Box 347032, Cleveland, Ohio 44134.

Other Conventions and Events

New Jersey MUFON Director Tom Benson is hosting an independent event on October 30th and 31st, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of Orson Welles' "War of the Worlds" radio broadcast near Grover's Mill, N.J. Details can be obtained from P.O. Box 1174, Trenton, N.J. 08606. Benson also offers UFO material for sale by mail.

Two other 1988 conventions are mentioned: the annual MUFON bash in Lincoln, Nebraska, on June 24th-26th (details from Walt Andrus), and a MUFON-related conference in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, on March 25th & 26th. The latter features speakers like Curtis Fuller of FATE Magazine and Major Dewey Fournet & Al Chop, associated with the "olde Keyhoe/NICAP/Air Force conspiracy team". Room reservations for Eureka Springs can be made at "The Inn of the Ozarks" (501-253-9768). Moseley humorously states he will attend the Eureka Springs event only if Armand Laprade of "Would You Believe?" Magazine also attends.

Miscellaneous Ravings (Tidbits of Trash)

"Smear" is offering back issues for $1.00 each and complete sets from early 1976 for $95. There are approximately 135 back issues available.

James W. Moseley's book, "The Wright Field Story", allegedly written by him and published in 1971 by Gray Barker's Saucerian Press, is described as a "Purple Prose" special "ghosted" by Barker. It is offered for $16.00 per copy, or $15.00 for personally autographed copies. The book is described as a collector's item documenting the bizarre UFO movement. Moseley admits he has never read the book completely.

Also mentioned is "Jim Moseley's Book of Saucer News" (circa 1967), an anthology of articles from the original "SAUCER NEWS" magazine, but copies are not available for sale.

A photograph of Major Donald E. Keyhoe (Retired U.S. Marine Corps) is included, noted as being taken around his 90th birthday. Keyhoe is remembered as the guiding force behind NICAP in the 1950s and 1960s, though he was later eased out of the organization. NICAP itself is described as being "fully Retired".

Gulf Breeze Sightings and MUFON Politics

James W. Moseley, appointed MUFON Section Director for Monroe County, Florida, reports on unusual sightings in Gulf Breeze, Florida. These events occurred around November 11th of the previous year and were reported in a January 29th UPI story. Walt Andrus of MUFON investigated the case. Photos of portholes and a videotape exist, but the main witness, nicknamed "Mr. Ed", is known only to a select few within MUFON. "Mr. Ed" allegedly uses foreknowledge of UFO events for his pictures and is planning a book. The case is being compared by MUFON insiders to the "another Billy Meier case". A "Doctrinal Dispute" is brewing within MUFON regarding this case, which may challenge the organization, particularly concerning the Meier case's disrepute among ufological conservatives.

MJ-12 Documents and Skepticism

The issue delves into the controversy surrounding the MJ-12 documents. Stanton T. Friedman, a nuclear physicist, writes a letter dated December 22, 1987, defending the MJ-12 Briefing document and other related materials against criticisms from Phil Klass and CAUS. Friedman argues that Klass's criticisms are based on misrepresentations and flawed logic, citing examples of alleged factual errors in Klass's arguments. Friedman asserts that the documents appear genuine and that critics are jumping to conclusions without solid research.

Conversely, John Dressler expresses skepticism about the MJ-12 documents, pointing out incorrect security markings, classifications, and formatting issues. He questions whether the documents were legitimately released, leaked, or planted by the government. Dressler suggests that Bill Moore's handling of the documents, including sanitizing and releasing information slowly, makes him appear to be the perpetrator and that the documents may be fabricated, though some information within them might be valid.

Phil Klass himself is mentioned as having a new anti-UFO book titled "Abductions: A Dangerous Game", available from Prometheus Books for $18.95. The book is noted for its inscription to Jim Moseley. However, it is pointed out that the book fails to reference Jim Moseley or "Saucer Smear", leading to questions about the thoroughness of Klass's research.

Other Contributions and Opinions

Ron Schaffner of OUFOIL offers his perspective on UFOs, suggesting that many earlier sightings occurred near military bases and that the government and military are masters of disinformation. He posits that the extraterrestrial theory might be a created belief system, influenced by Hollywood and faked documents.

Mike Lindner comments on Erik Beckjord's Loch Ness photo, calling it the most important in Fortean/psychic photography and humorously identifying various celebrities within it.

Michael McKown discusses the difficulty of proving the extraterrestrial origin of UFOs, given that elements found on Earth are also found throughout the universe. He prefers to view UFOs as folklore, where possibilities exist but are impossible to prove.

Barry Hoffman, a "Homespun philosopher", advocates for maintaining skepticism in the face of "irrationalisms and reductio ad absurdumbios", suggesting that prosaic explanations suffice to stifle enthusiasm for UFO study.

George Earley, an "Olde-Time Researcher", questions the belief that intact UFOs can be moved over long distances without public knowledge, citing an announcement about the moving of oversized objects for a space program that exceed existing transportation capacities.

Letters to the Editor

John Lear, who will host the next year's MUFON convention, writes to Moseley, expressing honor at being featured on the front page and acknowledging Moseley's comments about him.

Bill Moore responds to John Lear's "curious epistle", suggesting that Lear's "current hypothesis" is based on discordant stories and that Lear has accepted virtually everything he heard as true, even referencing the discredited "Blue Book Report 13". Moore disputes Lear's account of his positions on cattle mutilations and comments on the A.F. Academy volume.

Marcello Truzzi of the Center for Scientific Anomalies Research (CSAR) writes about Bob Sheaffer's previous comments regarding a phone call to Jerry Clark. Truzzi challenges Sheaffer's interpretation, stating that Rogo and Bayless claimed the call was paranormal, not Jerry Clark, and that Clark asserted the call was likely normal. Truzzi suspects Sheaffer of misrepresenting Jerry Clark's views.

Robotman Comic

A "Robotman" comic strip is included, depicting "Room 39" as the "HEART OF THE UFO COVER-UP!" where the government suppresses UFO data. The comic humorously suggests that Carl Sagan, Erich von Däniken, and Shirley MacLaine are being held captive there.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the organization and promotion of UFO conventions, the ongoing debate surrounding the authenticity and implications of the MJ-12 documents, and the differing viewpoints between ufologists and skeptics. The editorial stance, as represented by James W. Moseley, appears to be one of open inquiry, willingness to publish diverse opinions, and a critical yet engaged approach to UFO research, often with a touch of humor and skepticism towards established authorities and certain factions within the UFO community.