Saucer Smear - Vol 36 No 03 - 1989

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 36, No. 3
Date: March 15th, 1989
Publisher: SAUCER AND UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Editor and Still Supreme Commander: James W. Moseley

This issue of "Saucer Smear" is a non-scheduled newsletter dedicated to ufological journalism. It begins with an answer to the MJ-12 documents, presenting a fragment of a presidential document and urging readers to keep it confidential, speculating that President Bush may have authored it.

"Smear's" Answer to the MJ-12 Documents

The editorial team states that a startling one-page fragment of a presidential document, related to MJ-12, was supplied by a trusted informant. They emphasize the importance of keeping this issue from "Wrong Hands" and permit only legitimate subscribers and their associates to read it, invoking the World War II slogan "Loose Lips Sink Ships." They question which president authored the document, deeming the style too literate for Reagan and more likely by Bush.

Our Usual Ooze of News, Views, and Clues (While on the Booze)

This section clarifies points from the previous issue. It is stated that John Keel's literary license was not confiscated by federal authorities; this was a joke implying Keel sometimes takes liberties with the truth. His book, "Disneyland of the Gods," is still available.

Regarding the Gulf Breeze UFO Case, "Smear" clarifies that they never claimed the photographs taken by "Mr. Ed" represented extraterrestrial craft. They merely stated there was no proof the pictures were fake and they could not ascertain Ed's motive for faking them. An anecdote is shared about an angry phone call from the mother of Nick Mock, a teenager who allegedly believed "Mr. Ed" hoaxed "ghost" pictures. Mrs. Mock questioned why her son was not interviewed. The editor explained that time did not permit a full investigation and invited Mrs. Mock to submit information for publication, which has not yet been received.

Legal Battles and Freedom of Speech

Ufologist Larry Bryant of CAUS has won a significant victory in his battle with his government employers, with the U.S. Supreme Court granting a "writ of certiorari" on October 3rd, 1988, remanding his case for further consideration. "Smear" champions free speech and applauds Bryant's efforts, despite doubting a major ufological breakthrough.

The publication also reports on the "dark forces of CSICOP" in Hawaii, who seemingly triumphed over Gharith Pendragon, who sued the organization after being removed from psychic teaching jobs. Pendragon's claims were dismissed. "Smear" reiterates that freedom of speech is the core issue, asserting that "oddballs and crackpots" have a right to be heard.

UFO Conventions and Events

• Several upcoming UFO conventions are highlighted:
• Ozark UFO Conference: Eureka Springs, Arkansas, April 14th-16th. The editors had a schedule conflict, as they were also scheduled to speak on grave robbing at the Broward County Archaeological Society on April 14th.
• Speaking Engagement: St. Paul, Minnesota, April 19th, to Dennis Stillings's Archaeus Society.
• MUFON Convention: Las Vegas, June 30th-July 2nd, co-sponsored by John Lear and Hal Starr.
• 26th Annual NATIONAL UFO CONFERENCE (NUFOC): Phoenix, Arizona, September 15th-17th. Details are promised in an "IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT" on page 7.

Alien Nourishment Project and Unusual Claims

A research group called the "Alien Nourishment Project" (Suite 105, 4255 S. Buckley Road, Aurora, Colorado 80013) has sent "Smear" a letter asking about alien nourishment, its process, and its nature (Earth-like or other substances). The publication notes conflicting accounts, with some aliens eating cattle or humans, while others supposedly prefer strawberry ice cream.

Cryptozoology Museum Opening and "War of the Worlds" Panic

Erik Beckjord's Cryptozoology Museum opening in Malibu, California, on February 4th, was reportedly successful despite heavy rain. Johnny Carson, a neighbor, did not attend. Beckjord also noted that the restaurant venue was accessible to normal people, not just the wealthy.

A re-broadcast of Orson Welles's "War of the Worlds" radio program caused panic in northern Portugal, consistent with previous such events worldwide, indicating public unpreparedness for such scenarios.

Skepticism and the Astronomical Mirage Hypothesis

The issue discusses a British UFO magazine, MAGONIA, featuring an article by skeptic Steuart Campbell, who revived the astronomical mirage hypothesis to explain flying saucer sightings. Campbell's article lists about fifty cases supposedly solved by this theory. However, "Smear" points out that two of the listed cases, Socorro, New Mexico, and South Hill, Virginia, involved landings, which they argue challenges the astronomical mirage hypothesis.

James Randi's Psychic Powers Challenge

Magician and anti-psychic James Randi is offering a two-hour TV special on June 7th, seeking individuals who claim psychic powers. A $100,000 reward is offered for anyone who can prove such powers under Randi's test conditions. Randi's address for inquiries is provided: 12000 N.W. 8th St., Plantation, Florida 33325.

UFO Research and Business Ventures

Ufologist Jim Speiser of Phoenix has handed over his ParaNet organization to others but remains involved with the National UFO Conference. Christa Tilton, former wife of Lt. Col. Wendelle Stevens, has married Tom Adams, involved in cattle mutilation research, and they operate a UFO book business. George Green of America West Publishers has sent a copy of Bruce L. Cathie's book, "The Bridge to Infinity."

A Florida accountant is offering a tongue-in-cheek insurance policy for $7.95, paying $10 million for alien abduction proof, including psychiatric care and "sarcasm protection," with a $20 million double-indemnity clause for being considered a food source.

An Incident in the Life of Budd Hopkins

The issue recounts the origins of Budd Hopkins's involvement in ufology, detailing how he persuaded George O'barski, a liquor store night man, to share an alleged UFO sighting in North Hudson Park, N.J., in early 1976. This incident involved "little men" seen near a landed UFO. Hopkins wrote a story about it for "The Village Voice," drawing in other researchers like Timothy Green Beckley. A publicity stunt involving a psychic seance in North Hudson Park in March 1976, orchestrated by Beckley and Harold Salkin, is described. Hopkins reacted furiously when informed, demanding the editor disassociate himself and threatening to prevent future publication. "Smear" has had no further contact with Hopkins since.

"Missives from the Masses"

Peter Gersten, a lawyer, writes that he has not been threatened or bought off. He states that re-evaluating his thinking has led him to believe UFOs are either natural phenomena or human technology. He argues that eyewitness testimony is unreliable and that technology exhibited by UFOs is at most 10 years ahead of public knowledge. Gersten finds no evidence in government documents released under FOIA that UFOs are extraterrestrial, suggesting withheld documents concern human technology. He notes a shift in ufology from semi-professional study to science fiction, with serious belief in alien crashes, abductions, and underground bases, replacing legitimate FOIA documents with fraudulent ones like MJ-12 and books like "Communion."

"Mr. Ed" of Gulf Breeze, Florida, writes to correct details about a "Road Shot" sighting, describing the first light as white and the second as a blue beam. He addresses Willy Smith's accusations of being a "liar," "hoaxer," and "con man," stating Smith had already declared the photos fake. "Mr. Ed" expresses a desire to see "The Book" be accurate and profitable, aiming to refute "twisted innuendos." He mentions refusing a large contract in favor of photo analysis, lie detectors, and psychological tests. He invites comments and advice from readers.

Ken Behrendt of AURA discusses homemade video tapes of nocturnal UFOs, suggesting that camcorder technology might be manipulated to create realistic-looking tapes by superimposing illuminated foreground scenes over taped models. He believes this technique could render videotapes of nocturnal UFOs untrustworthy.

Zan Overall criticizes "Smear" for meeting "Ed" and publishing his story without thorough checking, suggesting "Ed" has a "luxurious" home and "estimated 6-figure income." Overall implies that "Smear" unfairly convicted Nick Mock based on his family's income being less than Ed's. He suggests interviewing the mayor of Gulf Breeze, who believes Ed's claims are a hoax, and implies that if the mayor's and Mock's incomes were averaged, it might have led to an "expose" of Ed.

Stanton Friedman (Nuclear Physicist) shares his experience reviewing Dr. Donald Menzel's UFO correspondence, noting Menzel's distress. He mentions a pending check from Phil Klass for PICA type letters and memos from James Lay and Robert Cutler, and that he has ordered more documents from the Truman and Ike Libraries. Friedman questions the odds of Klass paying up and admitting he was wrong about typewriters in NSC offices, as he has been about other objections to MJ-12. He asks if "Smear" is afraid to publish his letter with cut-out Elite samples.

Lew Tery writes that he has discovered the "secret" to why "little runt UFO 'grays'" abduct cattle: they heard that U.S. beef is loaded with growth hormones. He predicts an increase in abductions by "8 foot tall 'grays'" hovering over McDonald's restaurants.

S & S Toth report hearing a story about a UFO abductee served hamsters for a meal and a dessert that was "crunchy and sweet with legs," deeming it distasteful.

Don Webb suggests that Reagan may have been shot and died, replaced by an android, which would explain the Iran-Contra affair.

Important Announcement

The annual convention of the National UFO Conference (NUFOC) will be co-sponsored by Jim Speiser and Tim Beckley in Phoenix, likely on the weekend of September 15th-17th. More details are promised for the next issue.

Editorials and Letters

Armand LaPrade, editor of "Would You Believe?", comments on an interview with "Smear," finding Steinberg's apology for the magazine's folding in the 1970s boring. He expresses frustration if Steinberg is involved again for money.

Dave Reissig, author of several booklets, writes about his "latest alien visitation," describing it as "lots of fun" with "big orgy" and "cosmic wisdom." He mentions inviting "Orthon, the commander," to invite "Jim" next time, noting Orthon has heard of him. Reissig expresses amazement that an "ignorant bastard" like the editor can publish his own publication, calling it a testament to the country's greatness.

Louise Braisted writes about the believability of UFO incidents, recounting her own sighting 30 years prior. She notes that attempts to find prosaic explanations are met with various interpretations from researchers like Hopkins (abduction), Rogo (personal conflict), Basterfield (Fantasy Prone Personality), Klass (hallucination), and Lawson and McCall (traumatic birth), all of which are hard on the ego.

Mike Stern expresses excitement about the newsletter, stating his favorite pastime is arguing about UFO theories with friends. He mentions having been married once, and his ex-wife thought his interest in extraterrestrials was a "cute" phase. He is happier now pursuing his "avocation" and requests a copy of "Saucer Smear," enclosing $2.00 for postage.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently champions freedom of speech and critical inquiry, even towards established UFO researchers and organizations. There is a skepticism towards overly sensational claims and a preference for evidence-based analysis, though the publication itself engages in speculation and opinion. The editorial stance appears to be one of open investigation, challenging conventional narratives, and providing a platform for diverse voices within the UFO community, while maintaining a critical eye on potential biases and hoaxes. The publication seems to delight in debunking skeptics and challenging the status quo within ufology. The recurring theme of questioning authority and established explanations is evident throughout the articles and letters.