Saucer Smear - Vol 36 No 01 - 1989

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 36, No. 1
Date: January 10, 1989
Publisher: SAUCER AND UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Editor: James W. Moseley

This issue of Saucer Smear, a non-scheduled newsletter, is dedicated to ufological journalism and features a lengthy report on an exclusive interview with "Mr. Ed" of Gulf Breeze, Florida, concerning his controversial UFO photographs.

Exclusive Interview with "Mr. Ed"

The lead article details an interview conducted by editor James W. Moseley with "Mr. Ed" (whose full name and that of his wife are withheld) over two days in Gulf Breeze. The focus is on the "Gulf Breeze Case," involving five photos Ed took on November 11, 1987, of a glowing object near tree-top level. Ed initially omitted certain details, such as a "blue beam" from the craft, to make the incident sound less weird, but critics now claim he added it later. Ed has been protective of his privacy, which has been significantly impacted by the case and the media attention.

Despite Ed's efforts to remain anonymous, his identity has gradually become known to Gulf Breeze residents and UFO researchers. A key incident was Dr. Willy Smith revealing Ed's full name and picture at a NUFOC convention. Ed had initially requested his name be withheld from MUFON, but this was not universally communicated. The case gained wider attention through United Press articles in early 1988.

The article raises an ethical question about the investigator's right to pry versus an individual's right to privacy, especially when extraordinary claims require extraordinary proof. Ed acknowledges his naivete in believing he could maintain privacy given the sensational nature of his photos. A total of 16 sightings involving 36 photographs were reported between November 11, 1987, and May 1, 1988.

Ed expresses anger at MUFON investigators Bob Boyd and Dr. Willy Smith, whom he accuses of distorting facts and behaving unethically. The article addresses claims by Nick Mock, a teen-aged ex-friend of Ed's son, that Ed bragged about the "Ultimate Prank" and produced double-exposed pictures with a "devil's face." Ed refutes this, stating Mock sabotaged his son's car and that a peculiar party photo was an accident.

Ed's background in the Gulf Breeze community is presented positively, highlighting his work in combating juvenile delinquency and his involvement in organizing teen-age parties. He is a licensed building contractor with a substantial income, which has reportedly decreased since his UFO involvement, as prospective clients shy away from him.

Ed has passed a polygraph test, voice stress analysis, and a psychological examination, which, while not proving the photos' authenticity, make it harder to believe they are fakes. The article questions Ed's motivation if the photos are hoaxes, noting his lack of a desire for fame or a specific agenda, though he has been rumored to be writing a book.

Ed has moved to a new house and obtained an unlisted phone number to avoid curiosity-seekers. He is interested in setting the record straight and refuting his critics rather than pursuing a major book deal or publicity tours.

Scientific opinions are divided: Dr. Willy Smith believes the photos are fake but cannot prove it, while Dr. Bruce Maccabee believes they are real but also cannot prove it. Dr. Robert Nathan of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory is quoted as being unable to confirm the authenticity of the photos.

Ed refuses to send his original photos to Dr. Smith, leading to a stalemate, but he plans to allow Dr. Maccabee to make computerized copies for analysis. The article notes that there are over one hundred people in the Gulf Breeze area who have reported UFO sightings, and at least two others have produced clear UFO photos.

Ed advises potential witnesses not to come forward publicly due to his own negative experiences. He admits that he would have trouble believing his own story if told by someone else, stating, "The universe has some kind of secret, and for some reason I was exposed to that secret. What it all means, I do not understand."

Part Two of this series, detailing Ed's most exciting sightings, is promised for the next issue. The magazine offers a five-page tract from Ed, dated November 30, 1988, answering critics, to readers who write in.

Other News and Views

Editor's Book Sale: The editor's 1971 book, "The Wright Field Story," is available for $15.

Dr. Donald Menzel: An illustrated article by Dr. Menzel from the September 1969 issue of Galaxy Science Fiction Magazine is discussed, with speculation about its connection to MJ-12.

Bill Moore: Bill Moore has issued an "open letter" admitting that the authenticity of the MJ-12 documents and story remains an open question, while denying being a forger or hoaxer. He is pushing for Congressional hearings on the subject.

Major Donald Keyhole: The UFO pioneer and former head of NICAP died at over ninety years old. He authored the 1950 book "Flying Saucers Are Real."

FATE Magazine: The magazine has been sold to Llewellyn Publications, and editor Jerry Clark will move on to freelance writing.

Dr. Leo Sprinkle: Dr. Sprinkle is resigning from the University of Wyoming to enter private practice as a counseling psychologist, specializing in hypnotherapy and past-life therapy. He recently realized he is an abductee.

Ronald Reagan: The article notes Reagan's success in beating the "20 Year Curse."

Erik Beckjord: Bigfootologist Erik Beckjord is opening a cryptozoological museum, featuring photos on restaurant walls in Malibu, California.

Gene Steinberg's "Caveat Emptor" Magazine: The first issue features an interview with the Saucer Smear editor.

Missives from the Masses:

• Dr. Bruce Maccabee: Writes that while initially skeptical of Ed's photos, his further investigations led him to question the hoax hypothesis. He concludes that the weight of the evidence is on the positive side, though he cannot definitively prove the case is true.
• Jerry Clark: Praises Saucer Smear as the greatest living authority on saucer fandom history and the funniest writer, while noting the magazine no longer covers the UFO phenomenon extensively.
• Chuck Jines: Believes Saucer Smear serves the UFO community well by providing an open forum and encourages self-criticism within organizations. He criticizes Jerry Clark's perceived pomposity and ridicules investigators who praise Friedman and Moore, whom he suspects are involved with MJ-12.
• Betty Hill: States that much of the controversy surrounding the Gulf Breeze photos stems from a lack of knowledge about UFOs among scientists. She believes UFOs are a new science requiring more research and that infighting within UFO organizations prevents public cooperation, making individuals like "Mr. Ed" innocent victims.
• Candy Jones: A radio personality, expresses enjoyment of Saucer Smear and mentions the passing of psychic astrologer Fredrick Davies.
• Douglas Labat: Argues that Dr. Menzel's psychological profile should be considered when assessing his views on MJ-12, suggesting that unsettling facts can disrupt beliefs and values, leading to unexpected behavior.
• Monty Cantsin: Suggests that some "skeptics" are aliens in disguise, creating controversy to distract from evidence of extraterrestrial life. He implies Dr. Menzel himself might be an alien.
• Ed Biebel (MUFON): Questions the editor's belief that Menzel was not involved with MJ-12, citing his Martian paintings and suggesting the editor re-examine his sources.
• Bob Renaud: Claims to have information beyond mortal UFOlogists and addresses the "Mars Face" issue, identifying it as Xelph-Xentrd. He invites discussion on what ETs should be like.
• Paul Fisher: Commends Saucer Smear as informative and funny, enclosing money for expenses.
• Richard Heiden: Expresses mild dissatisfaction with his contributions not being mentioned more prominently.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue strongly advocates for a thorough investigation into the Gulf Breeze case, emphasizing the need for evidence and questioning the motives of critics. The editor, James W. Moseley, positions Saucer Smear as a platform for open discussion and a historical record of UFOlogy, often taking a critical stance towards established organizations and individuals he perceives as hindering progress or engaging in personal attacks. There is a recurring theme of defending individuals like "Mr. Ed" against what is portrayed as unfair criticism and a lack of understanding from the scientific community. The magazine also touches upon broader UFO topics like MJ-12, cryptozoology, and the nature of scientific inquiry into unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded skepticism, encouraging rigorous investigation while being critical of what it views as dogmatism or personal agendas within the UFO community.