Saucer Smear - Vol 36 No 08 - 1989

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 36, No. 8
Date: October 1st, 1989
Publisher: SAUCER AND UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of Saucer Smear, a non-scheduled newsletter, addresses its readership directly, explaining the mailing list 'Expulsion' policy due to the difficulty of managing a free publication. It hints at a secret code for donors to avoid this.

Miscellaneous Ravings

The newsletter reports on the 1989 National UFO Conference (NUFOC) in Phoenix, Arizona, and announces plans for the 1990 NUFOC in Miami Beach, Florida, featuring Ed Walters as the main speaker. Other speakers include Virgilio Sanchez-Ocejo, Antonio Huneeus, and Tim Beckley. Ed Walters will also appear at the annual MUFON convention in July 1990 in Pensacola, Florida.

A significant portion is dedicated to a lawsuit filed by Dr. Eldon and Judith Byrd against James Randi and CSICOP for libel, slander, invasion of privacy, and 'injuries to marital relationship'. The lawsuit claims Randi's statements in 'Twilight Zone' and at a lecture were untrue and caused harm to their marital relationship. The Byrds seek 'injunctive relief' to prevent further tortious conduct.

It is clarified that Ray Hyman, not James Randi, heads CSICOP's Parapsychology Subcommittee. Willy Smith's article, 'The Decline and Fall of American Ufology,' published in 'Oddysey,' is mentioned as an anti-CUFOS, anti-Gulf Breeze diatribe that was rejected by other publications.

The issue also covers the 'Mr. Ed' expose in the Miami Herald, noting Phil Klass's photograph of Ed Walters and mentioning Walters' past jail term for forgery. Dr. Bruce Maccabee is reportedly receiving $20,000 for his analysis of the Gulf Breeze photos, which will be in Walters' upcoming book.

Ufologist Bob Pratt is discussed, who has made trips to Brazil and is raising suspicions about the authenticity of Bill Moore's MJ-12 documents.

Missives from the Masses

This section features correspondence from various individuals:

• Phil Klass writes, questioning Willy Smith's charges against Ed Walters, suggesting Walters himself has engaged in similar deceptive practices regarding UFO photos and his academic background. Klass also brings up Walters' past conviction for forgery and a claim of being visited by government agents seeking his UFO photos.
• Zan Overall expresses concern about Ed Walters' book, noting a title change and publication deferral, suggesting the publisher is losing confidence. Overall proposes substituting 'incredible' for 'proof positive' in the title to manage expectations.
• Dr. Willy Smith responds to criticism, accusing James Moseley of mendacity and forgery regarding Ed Walters' signature. Smith defends his own actions and criticizes the handling of the Gulf Breeze case, questioning the relevance of Nick Mock's 'demon photo' and Ed's background.
• Erik Beckjord offers a $25 reward for a longhand script sample of Mark Francis (AKA Freddy Twigger) for a legal case.
• Hans Nintzel criticizes the vitriolic personal attacks in 'Smear,' comparing them to government tactics and arguing that discrediting individuals based on past indiscretions is unproductive.
• Billy Rachels expresses a desire to have his name mentioned in the publication.
• Brian Parks defends the MJ-12 documents, specifically the Cutler memo, arguing that the paper and typewriter are period-appropriate and that the red pencil markings are consistent with declassified records. He questions the official stance on government investigation of UFOs.
• Don Webb sends well wishes for future projects.

Tidbits of Trash

This section contains brief news items:

• Ufologist John Lear has reportedly lost his job and gone into hiding, possibly due to government agents or Men in Black.
• Stan Friedman was reportedly upset by Bill Moore's lecture at the Las Vegas MUFON convention.
• Moore's MJ-12 investigation team is described with codenames like Condor, Falcon, and Sparrow, with the editor volunteering as 'Buzzard' and 'Mr. Ed' as 'Albatross'.
• Jenny Randles has released a new book, 'Alien Abductions: The Mystery Solved,' which suggests an increase in alien abductions.

Mosley's Resignation Makes for City Holiday

This headline appears on page 6, but the content is not fully legible. It seems to relate to James Moseley's resignation and a city holiday.

Other News Items

• Man is serving time for oral sex with wife: An article from the Herald Staff Writer Fred Grimm details James David Moseley serving a five-year sentence in Georgia for committing oral sex with his wife, noting the irony and bemusement of other prisoners.
• Murderer Electrocuted By a Toilet: A brief report about a convicted murderer accidentally electrocuted by a toilet in his cell.
• Nude man wants jail: A story about a naked man running to a jail in Monroe County after being chased by his girlfriend.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the ongoing debate and skepticism surrounding UFO phenomena, particularly the Gulf Breeze case. There's a strong undercurrent of distrust towards certain organizations like CSICOP and individuals like James Randi, while defending figures like Ed Walters. The publication appears to champion the principles of ufological journalism, even while acknowledging and sometimes engaging in personal attacks or critiques. The editorial stance seems to be one of critical inquiry, defending the field against what it perceives as undue skepticism or misrepresentation, while also acknowledging the need to address potential hoaxes and misinformation within the UFO community. The publication also highlights legal battles and personal dramas within the UFO community.