Saucer Smear - Vol 35 No 04 - 1988

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Vol. 35, No. 4
Date: June 5th, 1988
Publisher: SAUCER SMEAR
Editor: James W. Moseley

This issue of Saucer Smear, a non-scheduled newsletter dedicated to ufological journalism, features a mix of reviews, opinions, announcements, and personal reflections from the UFO community.

Miscellany and Reviews

The "MISC. RAVINGS" section begins with a positive review of Robert Boyd's "International Who's Who in UFOlogy Directory." The editor praises the encyclopedia for focusing on personalities rather than just the phenomenon itself, and for including international figures. Boyd reportedly contacted over 500 people, and those who did not reply were excluded. Notable American ufologists who did not make it into the book include Jerry Clark, Major Donald Keyhoe, Leonard Stringfield, Budd Hopkins, Dennis Stacy, George Earley, Jim Oberg, and August C. Roberts. The book is described as a tool for people in the field to connect, providing addresses and phone numbers. While generally excluding the deceased, it includes tributes to Jim Lorenzen and Jim McDonald, and a touching tribute to Jim Lorenzen written by his daughter, who has since passed away. A humorous anecdote describes Dr. J. Allen Hynek in an "arctic outfit" holding one of his books. The review notes that most entries include a "statement of position," with a significant number being "questionable" or "opposed" (skeptics). The editor himself lists as a "ufological agnostic." The book is recommended as a worthy effort, available for $8.95.

Another item concerns Robert Boyd and his work with CUFOS and MUFON. A story in the "CUFOS Bulletin," co-authored by Boyd and Mark Rodeghier, casts doubt on the notorious "Mr. Ed" contactee case of Gulf Breeze, Florida, suggesting the photographs are "most probably a hoax."

The newsletter then delves into the "Mr. Ed" case further, citing points from MUFON investigators and the National Enquirer's refusal to publish the photos. The editor suggests that if Gulf Breeze turns out to be a hoax, the MUFON hierarchy would appear "silly."

MJ-12 Document and UFO Conferences

The issue addresses the ongoing discussion surrounding the MJ-12 documents. A linguistics professor, Roger Wescott, is quoted as saying there is "no compelling reason to regard any of these communications as fraudulent or to believe that any of them were written by anyone other than Hillenkoetter himself." However, the editor finds it odd that such a document would be written solely by Admiral Hillenkoetter without input from staff.

UFO conventions are highlighted as becoming more common than sightings. Several upcoming events are listed: the "PSI Symposium" in Waltham, Mass. (May 6-7); the annual MUFON convention in Lincoln, Nebraska (June 24-26); the Ninth Rocky Mountain Conference on UFO Investigations in Laramie, Wyoming (July 1-2); "The UFO Experience" conference in North Haven, Conn. (October 8-9); and the 25th annual National UFO Conference (NUFOC) in Cleveland, Ohio (September 16-17), hosted by the editor.

Flash: Last-Minute News

Lt. Col. Wendelle Stevens, known for his association with Pleiades, has been released from prison and is in a halfway house. The newsletter recalls Stevens' imprisonment for sexual misconduct with female minors, a story previously featured in Saucer Smear on August 25th, 1983.

Letters to the Editor

Several letters are included:

• Bob Marsland of APRO congratulates Saucer Smear on being the oldest investigative agency afloat and reflects on the immense effort required to maintain UFO files and answer correspondence, particularly praising the late Coral Lorenzen for her dedication.
• Jean Misner also congratulates the publication and suggests a follow-up on the idea of a permanent location for UFO collections. She also inquires about Coral Lorenzen's important files.
• August C. Roberts, a long-time UFO researcher, laments the passing of older UFO groups and expresses hope that Saucer Smear will continue its work in the search for truth.
• Robert Achzehner writes about his personal friendship with Jim and Coral Lorenzen, detailing his involvement as a field investigator for APRO and discussing metaphysical possibilities of UFOs. He also mentions Mark Probert and the Yada di Shi'ite, and a book being written about Mark Probert's life.
• Klaus Webner from West Germany expresses skepticism about APRO, calling it a "saucer fiction club" and stating that several APRO-promoted saucer photos were hoaxes, including one he unmasked as a hub cap.
• Ken Behrendt of AURA expresses sadness over Coral Lorenzen's passing and hopes APRO's UFO case files will not be lost. He mentions his own journal, AURA, will feature an article on "flying manoids."
• John Lear comments on Bill Moore's research, advising readers to check facts but stands by his own "hopeless mishmash of fact, fantasy, innuendo, hearsay, and horseshit."
• Lew Tery humorously suggests a world-wide TV telethon for "rectal orifice operations" for UFO "grays."
• Larry Peters of Bigfoot fame offers his services as a private investigator and mentions an approach by a group with lasers planning an expedition to kill a "man-beast."
• Timothy Good, a famed author, thanks Saucer Smear for the publication and mentions his book "Above Top Secret" has been delayed.
• Dean Zevchek congratulates the publication on being mentioned in OMNI magazine and humorously wonders about the percentage of "Men in Black" driving Cadillacs who are actually pimps.
• Jim Leming of I.A.P.R.I. makes a brief comment about Phil Klass and his associates.
• Barry Hoffman comments on the newsletter, enjoying Jim Oberg's revelation about "fartons" and Professor Kottmeyer's solution to the flying saucer enigma, calling them "journalistic errors" and "mythological rationalizations."
• Greg Long states that "The greatest form of evidence is self evidence. People believe what they want to believe," applying this to the "science" of UFOs.

Reagan Voices Thoughts on Space Aliens

A brief news item reports on President Reagan's Wednesday remarks about a threat from "another planet... in outer space." It clarifies that he was using this as an analogy to make a point about international relations, suggesting that such a threat would unite the world.

Phil Klass' Letter

Philip J. Klass writes to Jim Moseley, reflecting on the death of Coral Lorenzen and CSICOP chairman Paul Kurtz's comment about finding a successor for Klass. Klass notes that his own successor may have to come from the ranks of "UFO-believers," as his current colleagues Robert Sheaffer and Jim Oberg are focused on other pursuits. He humorously states that CSICOP pays him $100,000,000 per year and kicks in another $1.99 for his debunking efforts, hoping this might attract some "UFO-believers." He outlines criteria for his successor: a long background in UFOlogy and being an "obnoxious SOB" that pro-UFOlogists would "love to hate." He considers Jerry Clark but notes his appointment as editor of FATE magazine makes him unlikely. S. Terry Friedman is also mentioned as a potential convert. Klass concludes by urging volunteers to come forward, otherwise CSICOP might resort to "abduction" and "brainwashing."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently reflects a skeptical yet engaged approach to UFO phenomena. While reviewing a new encyclopedia and discussing various UFO cases and theories, there is a clear undercurrent of questioning and debate, particularly concerning the Gulf Breeze case and the MJ-12 documents. The editor, James W. Moseley, positions himself as a "ufological agnostic," open to information but not quick to accept extraordinary claims without scrutiny. The publication serves as a platform for a wide range of voices within the UFO community, from believers to skeptics, and includes a strong emphasis on historical cases and the researchers involved. The passing of prominent figures like Coral Lorenzen is treated with respect, highlighting their contributions to the field. The ongoing debate between ufology and skepticism, represented by figures like Philip Klass and CSICOP, is a recurring theme, with Saucer Smear providing a space for these discussions.