Saucer Smear - Vol 36 No 05 - 1989

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 36, No. 5
Date: May 25th, 1989
Publisher: SAUCER AND UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of Saucer Smear, a non-scheduled newsletter dedicated to ufological journalism, opens with a quote from John Keel, describing ufology as "a boil on the ass of Ufology." The publication, edited by James W. Moseley, addresses a variety of topics within the UFO community, including controversies, sightings, and debates between proponents and skeptics.

Key Articles and Discussions

The Menzel-Hillenkoetter Controversy and MJ-12

The lead article revisits an item from Ray Palmer's "Flying Saucers" magazine (March 1966) concerning Admiral Roscoe Hillenkoetter, a former NICAP Board Member, and Dr. Donald Menzel. The issue questions Stanton Friedman's claims that Hillenkoetter and Menzel were involved in a secret MJ-12 project. The evidence presented suggests that Hillenkoetter and Menzel barely knew each other, making their alleged collaboration on a secret project unlikely. The editors express skepticism about how Friedman will explain this discrepancy.

"Smear" Operations and Donations

The publication reminds readers that back issues of "Smear" are available for one dollar each and that donations, referred to as "Love Offerings" or "Hate Offerings," are accepted.

National UFO Conference Announcement

Information is provided about the upcoming 26th annual National UFO Conference in Phoenix, Arizona, on September 15th-17th. Interested individuals are directed to contact Tim Beckley for further details, requesting a stamped self-addressed envelope.

Miscellaneous Ravings: Travel and Lectures

The editor recounts a recent tour, including a lecture on grave robbing at the Broward County Archaeological Society in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Archaeus Society and the Bakken Library

On a trip to St. Paul, Minnesota, the editor spoke at the Archaeus Society, invited by Dennis Stillings. The society is funded by Earl Bakken and focuses on the relationship between medicine and electromagnetic phenomena, with an interest in UFOs. The Bakken Library, also funded by Earl Bakken, houses rare books on the history of medicine and electromagnetism, as well as unusual machines like a "psychograph."

CSICOP Meeting and Gulf Breeze

The publication attended a regional meeting of the CSICOP organization in Tampa, Florida. There, they encountered Phil Klass and James Randi. Dr. Willy Smith presented his anti-Gulf Breeze "paper" with photographic and slide evidence, including a "first generation" print of the "ghost" picture, which he claims shows a double exposure. Ed Walters (also known as Ed Hanson or Ed Walters Hanson), whose legal name is Edward Daniel Walters, is revealed to have signed a book contract, ending his efforts to keep his name secret.

Joe Nickell and the Shroud of Turin

Joe Nickell, author of "Secrets of the Supernatural," spoke about the Shroud of Turin. The article notes that Nickell's scholarly work predates the carbon dating that proved the shroud to be a medieval forgery, a conclusion supported by a 1389 letter from a local bishop to the pope.

Childish Feuds: Andrus vs. Smith and Moseley vs. Friedman

The issue details a "childish feud" between Walt Andrus and Dr. Willy Smith, resulting in Smith's ejection from MUFON. It also describes a dispute between Jim Moseley and Stanton Friedman, with Friedman hinting at legal action against Donald Menzel's widow and the editor for not adequately researching her opinion of Menzel. The article defends Menzel's character and criticizes Friedman's allegations of a "double life" based on flimsy evidence.

Phil Klass and Libel Accusations

Stanton Friedman is accused of libel, having called Phil Klass a "liar" multiple times. Friedman's defense is that "the best defense against libel is truth," and he provides examples of Klass allegedly lying. The article notes that Friedman's recent letter is more subdued, with fewer hints of lawsuits.

Grant for MJ-12 Research

Stanton Friedman has received a $16,000 grant from the Bruce Maccabee's Fund for UFO Research to continue his MJ-12 research. The publication expresses concern that the grant went to someone "highly committed to finding an answer that upholds the authenticity of the documents," questioning his objectivity.

Tidbits of Trash

This section covers various items, including a new publication called "Disc Mess and All Kinds of Other Shit That You Did Not Really Care About," criticized for its excessive cursing and typos. It also discusses a diatribe by John Lear and Bill Cooper accusing the president and former presidents of treason, claiming a secret treaty with an alien nation. A recent UFO sighting in Gulf Breeze, Florida, is detailed, involving four moving objects disappearing with a bright star. The issue also touches on the identities of "Condor" and "Falcon" from MJ-12-related video tapes, suggesting "Falcon" is Sergeant Richard C. Doty. James Randi is mentioned as hosting a TV show called "Exploring Psychic Powers."

Larry Bryant's Case and UFO Conferences

Larry Bryant's legal battle with the government regarding his First Amendment rights is mentioned, with a tentative trial date of June 21st, 1989. Information is provided about the 3rd annual conference on "The UFO Experience" in North Haven, Connecticut, and the 16th world conference of the Ancient Astronaut Society in Chicago, featuring Erich von Daniken.

New Books and Newsletters

Loren Coleman's new book, "Tom Slick and the Search for the Yeti," is announced. Whitley Streiber's "Communion Letter" newsletter is also mentioned, along with Streiber's upcoming appearance.

Mail Bag: Dr. Willy Smith Responds

Dr. Willy Smith writes in response to Christopher Allan's contribution, defending his stance on the Gulf Breeze photos and questioning Allan's faith in Dr. Menzel's judgment, particularly regarding cases in South America. Smith points out that Menzel's criticisms of the Baraunda and Yacanto photos were based on flawed information.

Edward Walters (Mr. Ed) Writes

Edward Walters, also known as Mr. Ed, expresses suspicion about the origin of W. Smith's UFO photos, questioning where Smith is obtaining these alleged photos taken by him.

Mark Opsasnik's Skepticism

Mark Opsasnik writes, expressing disappointment with the issue's opinions on the Gulf Breeze case and criticizing "Mr. Ed" for repeated photos and contacts without tangible evidence, calling him "full of shit."

Tom Mercatante's Hypothesis

Tom Mercatante suggests that Mr. Ed's "UFO" might be a remote-controlled balloon or a "hoax" model, questioning if there is any merit to this idea and if Ed has knowledge of ballooning or model aircraft.

Walter Rogers on Donald Menzel

Walter Rogers believes that evidence suggests Donald Menzel was not a believer in UFOs, comparing him to Edward U. Condon and questioning how someone who allegedly viewed dead alien bodies could be so "closed minded."

Phil Klass's "Riddle Game"

Phil Klass presents a "riddle game" comparing MJ-12 to the Titanic, with answers highlighting that the Titanic had survivors and some lifeboats, unlike MJ-12 which had no known survivors or a figure named "MOORE."

Richard Freeman's Experiences

Richard Freeman shares experiences from his time working on anthropometric measuring projects for the Air Force in Florida in 1965, referencing "green men" and the lack of transparency in Project Blue Book.

B. T. Elder's Uber-Koan Theory

B. T. Elder proposes a theory that UFOs are a form of "uber-koan," a control system for human behavior. He suggests that studying UFOs should lead to contemplation rather than definitive answers, humorously questioning why "little grey guys" like strawberry ice cream.

The Far Side Comics

Two "The Far Side" comics by Gary Larson are included. One depicts a scene with a monster, and the other shows a character predicting a prediction about a gibbon named Gus.

Richard Freeman's Letter

Richard Freeman writes about his experiences in the Air Force, mentioning anthropometric measuring projects and the presence of "green men" at a base. He also discusses the lack of transparency in Project Blue Book.

B. T. Elder's Theory

B. T. Elder theorizes that UFOs are "uber-koans" that serve as a control system for human behavior, suggesting that the pursuit of knowledge about them should lead to contemplation.

"Flying Saucers" - March 1966: Setting the Record Straight on the Menzel-Hillenkoetter Matter

This section reprints a letter from Admiral R. H. Hillenkoetter to Major Donald E. Keyhoe (USMC, Ret.) dated January 8, 1965. In the letter, Hillenkoetter clarifies his interactions with Dr. Menzel, stating that he barely knew him and never discussed NICAP or UFOs with him. He thanks Menzel for his book but took no position on its statements. Hillenkoetter's letter was written in response to Menzel's claim that Hillenkoetter fully accepted his explanations. The article asserts that Hillenkoetter strongly supported NICAP policies during his five years on the board and that his departure was not due to ill feeling. It concludes that Menzel's claims about Hillenkoetter are unfounded and that they could not have been fellow members of the top-secret MJ-12 organization.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Saucer Smear exhibits a strong skeptical and critical stance towards certain aspects of the UFO community, particularly concerning the MJ-12 controversy and the claims made by figures like Stanton Friedman. The publication actively questions the validity of evidence and narratives presented by proponents, often contrasting them with skeptical viewpoints from individuals like Phil Klass and James Randi. There is a clear emphasis on factual accuracy and a distrust of unsubstantiated claims, as seen in the detailed debunking of Menzel's alleged statements and the critique of Friedman's research methods. The magazine also highlights internal disputes and differing opinions within ufology, suggesting a fragmented and often contentious field. The editorial stance appears to favor critical inquiry and a cautious approach to extraordinary claims, while still acknowledging the existence of unexplained phenomena and ongoing sightings.