Saucer Smear - Vol 35 No 08 - 1988

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 35, No. 8
Date: December 15th, 1988
Publisher: SAUCER AND UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Editor: James W. Moseley

This issue of Saucer Smear, a non-scheduled newsletter dedicated to ufological journalism, focuses on re-examining the infamous MJ-12 documents and the potential involvement of Dr. Donald Menzel, former Director of Harvard Observatory. The publication also includes a collection of "usual tidbits of trash" covering various UFO-related news, reader letters, and commentary.

Dr. Donald Menzel's Martian Fantasies or The MJ-12 Documents Re-Exposed, Once Again:

The lead article presents a thesis that the inclusion of Dr. Donald Menzel in the alleged MJ-12 documents is the most obvious proof that they are fake. The editors argue against Stanton Friedman's belief that Menzel lived a "double life," positing instead that Menzel's strong public and private anti-UFO stance, which he maintained even with his wife, suggests he was not privy to any cover-up. The article references a paragraph from the "Operation Majestic-12 Preliminary Briefing" dated November 18th, 1952, which mentions Mars as a possibility for alien origin and notes that "most notably Dr. Menzel, consider it more likely that we are dealing with beings from another solar system entirely." The editors find it implausible that Menzel, who allegedly had knowledge of the Roswell crash and subsequent cover-up, would publicly maintain such skeptical views.

The piece then introduces Menzel's "strange paintings of mythical Martian scenes," displayed on page three. These paintings are described as "primitive," "childish," "crude," "humorous," and "whimsical." Menzel's widow, Florence Menzel, reportedly stated that he painted them for his grandchildren and began this diversion during the Seattle World's Fair. The paintings were eventually sold, with three purchased by the "Smear" editor for about $50 each. The article suggests that Menzel's interest in art was due to his scientific prestige rather than artistic talent, quoting Dr. Ernest Taves, a friend, who admitted, "It's not Picasso." Mrs. Menzel also mentioned that her husband painted "Moon People" and other whimsical subjects.

Florence Menzel is portrayed as finding the concept of extraterrestrial life humorous, similar to her husband. However, the editors caution readers that there is a ".001% possibility" that Stanton Friedman might be correct. When questioned about Menzel discussing classified matters with his wife, she replied he was "very good about that," implying he might have withheld significant information. The article sarcastically suggests Dr. Menzel deserves a "Special Posthumous Academy Award, for Cover-Up Activity Far Above & Beyond the Call of Duty" if he indeed hid the "dreadful reality of interplanetary invasion" and lived a lie.

The Usual Tidbits of Trash:

This section comprises various short news items and reader contributions:

• Christmas Greeting: A reminder that subscribers with an "X" on their envelope will be dropped from the mailing list if they do not respond.
• "Mr. Ed" Visit: The editor plans to visit "Mr. Ed" in Gulf Breeze, Florida, but no date is set.
• Erik Beckjord: Erik Beckjord is reportedly no longer speaking to the editor.
• Klark Kent/Bruce Forester: The real name of the Ohio ufologist and vendor is revealed as Bruce Forester, previously pictured in the magazine.
• Flying Saucer Information Center: The center, founded by Laura Mundo in 1954, has ceased operations due to Laura's illness.
• John Lear vs. Jim Speiser: John Lear, Nevada State MUFON Director, called Jim Speiser of ParaNet "a treasonous little son of a bitch" after being removed from the ParaNet Alpha board. The dispute reportedly involved Bill Cooper and efforts to identify "Falcon" and "Condor," pseudonyms for Bill Moore's alleged government UFO informants.
• Robert Baker's Reply: Dennis Stacy, editor of the MUFON UFO Journal, received a skeptical reply from Robert Baker, PhD, of the University of Kentucky, who expressed a phobia about putting things in their proper place.
• 1989 MUFON Convention: The convention is scheduled for June 30th-July 2nd, 1989, at the Aladdin Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, with John Lear and Hal Starr as hosts.
• John Schuessler's Petition: MUFON member John Schuessler is circulating a petition for Congressional hearings on UFOs. Interested parties should contact Betty Cash.
• Bill Moore's Informants: Bill Moore claims four of his ten informants regarding MJ-12 are willing to testify before Congress.
• John Kennedy Assassination: The editor recounts his experience driving to Clarksburg, West Virginia, on the day of the assassination 25 years prior, recalling the "grassy knoll" lead and the subsequent announcement of Oswald's death. He quotes Earl Warren's statement that "The truth will not be known in our lifetime."
• Phil Klass Identification: The article clarifies that Phil Klass, the UFO skeptic, is not William Tenn, the science fiction writer.
• Philip Glass Play: A writer named Philip Glass has created a sci-fi musical play, "1000 Airplanes on the Roof," about UFO abductions.
• Bruce Maccabee's Fund: The fund is seeking $16,000 for Stanton Friedman's MJ-12 document study.
• Project Visual: A new organization, Project Visual, is a nation-wide clearing house for UFO sightings and encounters.
• Recent TV Programs: The editor notes seeing programs featuring Betty Luca (formerly Andreasson), Budd Hopkins, and Paul Kurtz of CSICOP.
• William Pitts' New Organization: William Pitts has started "The New Project Blue Book," an organization inspired by the USAF and composed of military and civilian employees.

"Saucer Smear" Gives an Exceedingly Rare Favorable Book Review:

Daniel Cohen's new book, "UFOs: The Third Wave," is reviewed favorably. Cohen, a freelance science writer and a skeptic, is noted for aiming to entertain and enlighten rather than indoctrinate. The review highlights that the book contains three references to the editor, James W. Moseley, and quotes a statement calling "Saucer Smear" "the best publication" and "genuinely funny."

Lettres to Ye Olde Editor:

• Jim Speiser (ParaNet): Speiser expresses gratitude for being selected to organize the 26th annual National UFO Conference in Phoenix, Arizona, from September 15th-17th, 1989. The theme is "UFOs in the Media." Speakers will include Stanton Friedman, Tracy Torme, Phil Imbrogno, Vickie Cooper, Sheri Stark, and others. The goal is to present "real goods" and "best evidence" to the media.
• Donald Ware (MUFON Florida State Director): Ware thanks "Saucer Smear" for its coverage and reiterates his belief that "God's missionaries and their associates from other worlds have been here for a very long time." He also criticizes "Dr. Smith's 'scientific combat with the MUFON hierarchy'" as debunker activity. He reports a UFO sighting in Valparaiso on October 24th, '88, and another in Gulf Breeze on November 21st, '88, both described as close encounters.
• Tom Burch (Ufologist): Burch expresses interest and trepidation regarding the Gulf Breeze events, calling the endorsements of Mr. Ed's photos and the case's significance "premature." He states both sides are "guilty of overzealousness" and advises heeding Jerome Clark's words: "Having an open mind doesn't mean letting your brains fall out."
• Barry Greenwood (CAUS): Greenwood explains his resignation from his MUFON position due to dissatisfaction with public statements by MUFON, unrelated to the Gulf Breeze case. He asks if the editor has heard about "UFO researcher food fights."
• Dennis Stillings (Archaeus Project): Stillings observes the ufological scene with "diminishing interest," likening it to a "Spaceship of Fools." He sarcastically suggests inviting people to look for UFOs in his garden hose and critiques the portrayal of aliens in a recent TV special as liking "strawberry ice cream, eat vegetables, listen to Tibetan music, and believe that God and the universe are one."
• Christopher Allan: Allan expresses surprise that computer analysis of the "Mars Face" identified it as Phil Klass, arguing that the spectacles in the photo do not match Klass's and that the face predates Klass's potential involvement.
• Phil Klass: Klass writes a strongly worded letter to the editor, accusing "Smear" of protecting "Mr. Ed's" anonymity while revealing the "Face on Mars" identity. He suggests the computer virus that obscured the true identity of the MJ-12 chairman was a fortunate event. He also claims the "Face on Mars" is actually S. Terry Friedman without his beard.
• Ron Schaffner ("Creature Chronicle"): Schaffner comments on Erik Beckjord's ability to "piss people off" and his lack of charisma, questioning his seriousness. He expresses surprise that MUFON has not expelled the editor for being too outspoken.
• Carlos Mentira: Mentira criticizes the editor for "caving in" to MUFON and suppressing "Mr. Ed's" real name, questioning if the editor is trying to become respectable. He asks to cancel his "non-subscription."

Where's the Beef?

This lengthy article details the phenomenon of cattle mutilation, describing it as a "sinister conspiracy" that has occurred for 25 years across the United States. Ranchers have reportedly found their herds decimated, with animals "violated in the most obscene fashion." The article lists several disturbing characteristics of these mutilations: they occur at night, there are no witnesses, no signs of struggle or footprints, the animals are completely drained of blood, and specific organs (eyes, tongue, sexual organs, rectum) are removed with "surgical expertise." Furthermore, there is no death smell, scavengers avoid the carcasses, and residents have reported seeing "strange lights" prior to the attacks. The article notes that animals' legs are often broken, suggesting they were dropped from a great height.

The author strongly implies that "Space Aliens" are responsible, questioning their motive. The article speculates humorously about the possibility of an "intergalactic range war" or a need for beef by a "fast-food chain in another galaxy," such as a "McWotan's." It concludes with a call to bring these "BEEF BANDITOS" to justice and suggests shipping them home in a styrofoam box as a lesson.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance:

The recurring themes in this issue include skepticism towards official narratives and alleged cover-ups, particularly concerning the MJ-12 documents and the Roswell incident. The magazine consistently champions an independent and often contrarian viewpoint, as evidenced by its critical examination of Dr. Donald Menzel's role and its willingness to publish diverse and sometimes controversial reader opinions. There is a clear editorial stance favoring open inquiry and a distrust of established institutions, including MUFON at times. The publication also exhibits a darkly humorous and sometimes sarcastic tone, particularly in its "tidbits" section and its speculative discussions on alien motives. The editor, James W. Moseley, is presented as a central figure, both as the subject of favorable commentary and as a recipient of critical feedback from readers.