Saucer Smear - Vol 35 No 05 - 1988

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Vol. 35, No. 5
Date: July 25th, 1988
Publisher: SAUCER AND UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Editor: James W. Moseley

This issue of Saucer Smear, a non-scheduled newsletter, offers a mix of ufological news, personal opinions, and controversies within the UFO community.

Misc. Ravings

The editor, James W. Moseley, begins by commenting on a letter from ufologist John Lear, son of aviation pioneer Bill Lear. Lear, a recent convert to the UFO cult, has become Nevada state director for MUFON and is sponsoring the 1989 MUFON convention in Las Vegas. Moseley notes Lear's 'far-out ufological views' and expresses that the magazine failed to take them as seriously as Lear allegedly takes them, leading to Lear's anger.

The newsletter also promotes the 25th annual National UFO Conference (NUFOC) to be held in mid-September in Cleveland, Ohio.

Face-shaped Mars Rock

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to the 'face-shaped Mars rock' (one mile long), photographed by NASA's Viking I craft in 1976. The article discusses the implication that an ancient Martian civilization carved the face. Richard Hoagland, founder of the Mars Project, is quoted stating there was a bias against this data at the time. Skeptic Jim Oberg dismisses the attention given to the rock, suggesting it appeals to Congress for NASA funding. The editor concludes that definitive answers will require better Mars photos or future human exploration.

UFO Research and Controversies

The issue touches upon various figures and events in ufology:

• Jerrold (Jerry) Baker: Moseley has reconnected with Baker, a key figure from the 1950s associated with George Adamski and George Hunt Williamson. Baker was an informant for a 1957 'Special Adamski Expose Issue' of SAUCER NEWS, revealing a piece of Adamski's fakery. His current views on UFOs are unclear.
• Phil Klass and Bill Moore: Phil Klass is reportedly in trouble. He is accused of being a science fiction writer and is facing a lawsuit threat from ufologist Bill Moore for allegedly conducting a 'malicious smear campaign.' Moore's accusations stem from a letter Klass allegedly sent to Robert Collins, claiming the FBI arrested Moore and Jaime Shandera for 'public disclosure' of 'extremely sensitive information' and that the U.S. Government requested Canada to extradite Stanton Friedman. Klass, who believes the MJ-12 documents are fakes, is seen as using 'heavy-handed humor.' The article notes Klass's pseudonym, William Tenn, is associated with science fiction writing, and quotes a description of Tenn's style as 'literate and his sense of the incongruous impeccable.'
• Wendelle Stevens and Christa Tilton: A letter from Christa Tilton claims she married ufologist Wendelle Stevens in an Arizona prison on September 18, 1987. She alleges the marriage was never consummated, and that Stevens later sent her 'highly pornographic letters.' Stevens was released after serving five years for sexual acts with female minors. Tilton, who had a UFO abduction story, co-authored a manuscript with Stevens called 'The Triad Experiment.' She now wishes to withhold publication due to her disillusionment with Stevens. Tilton also claims Stevens confessed to sex crimes but later denied the conversation. She states Stevens blames Moseley, Moore, and others for being 'framed' and sent to jail, though 'Smear' only published the story based on court documents.
• Erik Beckjord: The magazine expresses frustration with Bigfootologist Erik Beckjord. Beckjord claims two retired colonels encountered a huge anomalous skull (5½ feet wide, 7½ feet long, 4½ feet deep) in Vera Cruz, Mexico. Beckjord wants Moseley to fund and accompany him to retrieve the skull for his cryptozoological museum in Southern California, an endeavor Moseley deems absurd and risky, especially given the potential lack of commercial value. Moseley warns readers about doing business with Beckjord.
• Robert Boyd: MUFON State Director for Alabama, Robert Boyd, has been fired by Walt Andrus for his opposition to the Gulf Breeze UFO case, which Andrus, Bruce Maccabee, and others support, while Boyd and Dr. Wiley Smith are skeptical.

Tidbits of Trash

This section provides brief news items:

• The New York Fortean Society held a meeting featuring a talk by Michael Grosso, Ph.D., on personal experiences.
• James Randi is profiled in Time Magazine for his attacks on Uri Geller.
• Tim Beckley has launched a new magazine, 'UFO Universe,' and may co-sponsor the National UFO Conference in Phoenix in 1989.
• Jim Dehling is seeking correspondence from non-subscribers.
• Orfeo Angelucci, author of early contactee books, has reportedly died.
• Peter Herkos, a psychic convicted of impersonating an FBI agent, has also passed away.
• The 1988 National UFO Conference in Cleveland, Ohio, is mentioned again.

Missives From The Masses

This section contains letters from readers:

• Lawrence Oberc writes that 'Smear' destroys illusions about alien abduction and expresses enjoyment of the magazine.
• Bill Nash, a retired pilot who had a classic UFO sighting in the early 1950s, writes about Coral Lorenzen's passing and his past involvement with APRO. He mentions an experience Coral shared with him that she wanted kept quiet.
• Tom Brown, Director of Borderland Sciences Research Foundation (BSRF), thanks 'Smear' for a mention and states BSRF is interested in UFO phenomena but less so in abductions. They focus on 'living forces of nature' and archetypal phenomena, considering themselves the oldest UFO organization.
• Riley Crabb, former Director of BSRF, advocates for a '4-D explanation' of flying saucers and criticizes those seeking orthodox scientific explanations. He mentions a tract by Admiral Byrd about an interview with a 'Grand Master' in the Inner Earth.
• Dennis Stillings of the Archaeus Project submits a spoof on alien technology, suggesting aliens provide assistance (like the Stealth Bomber) while also terrorizing the population through abduction and mind-control programs designed to create 'mind-slaves' and spread disinformation for a 'massive takeover.'
• An anonymous writer reports a tipoff that 1988 will be a 'big flap year,' citing a Games Magazine article and 'mystery UFO lights' in New York City suburbs. These lights are attributed to Cessnas from Stormville Airport, possibly part of a government-sponsored operation to create a 'UFO flap' to divert attention from upcoming bad news, such as the potential presidency of George Bush.

Letters to the Editor

• Jim MeleSciuc resigns his Massachusetts state directorship of MUFON, citing interference from HQ and control by alleged abductees. He feels lying when stating MUFON is a scientific organization.
• Bob Pratt comments on Phil Klass, acknowledging his role as an antagonist but questioning the need for him. Pratt suggests Klass's value is in pointing out the 'stupid and crazy' aspects of ufology.

Back Page Letter

A letter from John Lear, dated June 9, 1988, is printed on the back page, addressed to 'Fuck you, Moseley...' This is likely a response to Moseley's critical comments about Lear in the 'Misc. Ravings' section.

1988 National UFO Conference Announcement

Details are provided for the 25th Annual National UFO Conference in Cleveland, Ohio, on September 17, 1988. It will feature speakers like Antonio Huneeus, James W. Moseley, William L. Moore, and others. The J. Allen Hynek CUFOS Photo Exhibit will be displayed, along with dealer tables. The event is presented by the United Aerial Phenomena Agency and Flying Saucer Digest.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a critical and somewhat skeptical stance towards many aspects of ufology, particularly concerning claims of abduction and 'contactees.' While it reports on these phenomena, it often questions the credibility of sources and highlights internal conflicts and controversies within organizations like MUFON. The editor, James W. Moseley, appears to value scientific justification and is wary of what he perceives as unsubstantiated or 'nutty' claims. The publication also engages in personal commentary and criticism of figures within the field, as seen in the exchanges with John Lear and the critique of Erik Beckjord. There is a clear distinction made between 'conservative' researchers who seek scientific justification and those with 'far-out' views. The magazine also seems to enjoy exposing perceived fakery or questionable practices within the UFO community.