Saucer Smear - Vol 36 No 10 - 1989

Magazine Overview

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

This issue of SAUCER SMEAR presents a collection of editorials, reports, and letters from various figures in the ufology and paranormal communities. The tone is often skeptical yet engaged, with a focus on controversies, alleged hoaxes, and the personal rivalries within the field.

Crackpot Politically-Oriented Editorial

Editor James W. Moseley muses on the possibility of an alien presence on Earth, suggesting that the dramatic thawing of relations between Russia and the United States might be more than mere political maneuvering. He questions why Russia, which was predicted to collapse for decades, is now cooperating with the US, hinting at an external influence, perhaps from 'Space Bretheren' giving the 'Great Powers' a deadline to 'get-it-together'. He references George Adamski's saying, 'Time Will Tell.'

Miscellaneous Ravings: TREAT Controversy

The newsletter reports on a significant feud within the organization TREAT (Treatment and Rehabilitation of Experienced Anomalous Trauma), which aims to bridge professional psychology with UFO abduction research. The prime mover, New York psychiatrist Rima Laibow, is organizing TREAT II. A conflict has erupted between Laibow and prominent abduction researcher Budd Hopkins, leading to Hopkins and David Jacobs of Temple University being expelled from participation in TREAT II. Hopkins allegedly attempted to get outside funding for the conference canceled in retaliation. Several ufologists, including Ron Westrum, Jerry Clark, and Dick Hall, have withdrawn from TREAT II in protest of the expulsions.

"The Secret Government: The Origin, Identity and Purpose of MJ-12"

SAUCER SMEAR discusses a 30-page document by "Milton William Cooper" that delves into alleged alien bases and genetic experiments. A particularly strange claim attributes the funding of alien-connected and black projects to President Bush, who allegedly helped corner the illegal drug market through Zapata Oil, in conjunction with the CIA. The document asserts that the CIA now controls all the world's illegal drug markets.

Tidbits of Trash

This section includes holiday greetings to non-subscribers and promotes back issues of SAUCER SMEAR and a special Adamski Expose Issue of SAUCER NEWS. It also announces the "First Great UFO/ ET/ Humanoids/ Visitors/ Alien & Abduction Congress" in Trenton, N.J., featuring speakers like Dr. Leo Sprinkle, Charles Hickson, and Dr. James Harder.

More Sleaze from Gulf Breeze

This segment focuses on mysterious circles found in Gulf Breeze, Florida, and their connection to UFO sightings. Mr. Ed of Gulf Breeze is pictured next to a circle discovered on November 15th, which is 7 feet 8 inches in diameter, matching a calculation related to an Adamski photo. The town has also experienced unexplained sonic booms. The article notes that Ed himself is skeptical, considering the possibility of a hoax. It also questions the credentials of Dr. Willy Smith, a 'Visiting Professor' at the University of Valencia, Spain, as checks reveal no such department or professor exists.

Letters to Ye Olde Editor

Alan Abel's Russian Landing Hoax: Famed hoaxter Alan Abel claims responsibility for the alleged Russian landing case of October 10th, describing how Moscow University students, under his direction, created a spoof involving a three-foot-high spaceship model, a 'Twilight Zone' soundtrack, and a dug crater. The hoax was reported by Tass worldwide, and Abel claims he exposed it later, facing threats that led him to return home. He mentions a future hoax planned for East Germany.

Jim Oberg's Skepticism: UFO debunker Jim Oberg is skeptical of Abel's claims but believes the Russian landing case was a hoax, questioning if Abel is trying to hoax the readers.

Don Keating on Beckjord/Francis Case: Ohio Bigfooter Don Keating defends a researcher against accusations related to the Beckjord/Francis case, stating that death threat letters attributed to Beckjord appear phoney. Keating alleges that Mark Francis admitted to typing fake letters and faking Beckjord's signature, with two other Bigfoot researchers from the Pacific Northwest allegedly urging Francis to do so.

Erik Beckjord's Response: Erik Beckjord admits to writing one of the 'death threat' letters, explaining it was a declaration of 'death to the idea of sitting near Freddy' and not a genuine threat, especially since Freddy was allegedly carrying a pistol. He provides a mailing address for copies of his letter.

Betty Hill on UFOs: Contactee Betty Hill addresses Hal Starr, stating his sources are untrustworthy. She asserts that UFOs are seen in her area (known for 25 years) by many people, and they leave the UFOs alone. She mentions scientific testing and media attention, but notes that some investigators' thinking was too 'weird' to be accepted.

Dr. Frank E. Stranges on Record Expungement: Dr. Stranges writes that his alleged arrest record has been completely expunged, indicating court involvement. He expresses interest in attending a forthcoming Miami Beach Convention.

Jim Deardorff on Hal Starr and Eduard Meier: Jim Deardorff comments on Hal Starr's mention of Eduard Meier's alleged time travel experience, suggesting it might have been a put-down. He raises the question of whether UFO intelligences should be called 'ETs' or if they could be from Earth's future. He also references a photo of a wheat circle in England and Eduard Meier's earlier reporting on similar phenomena.

Phil Klass on Ed Walters and Socorro UFO: Phil Klass addresses Ed Walters' letter, clarifying the difference between passing a bad check and forgery. Klass suggests early senility as a possible explanation for Walters' 'flawed memory' regarding his imprisonment for forgery. Klass also dismisses the Socorro UFO sighting reported by Opál Grinder as spurious, referencing a 1977 White Paper.

Jerrold Baker on George Adamski: Jerrold Baker offers a new perspective on George Adamski's UFO photographs, suggesting that the saucer's features, including portholes, might resemble an old army pith helmet. He describes Adamski as not highly intellectual and lacking in simple photographic skills, implying his photos might have been staged.

August C. Roberts on UFO Video: August C. Roberts shares an account of a videotaped UFO sighting where objects scattered and then regrouped. He also describes a 'figure' or 'creature' seen in a bathroom window, which was not found upon investigation.

More Tidbits of Trash

Mike Luckman Fired: Publicist Mike Luckman has been removed as MUFON Section Director for New York City.

Bill English vs. Bill Cooper: An item from "The Pegasus" reports that Bill Cooper has been expelled from an organization for falsely claiming he was shot at by unknown assailants. Bill English is also mentioned as attacking Bill Moore.

Uri Geller Lawsuits: Uri Geller has sued magician James Randi for 45 million pounds, in addition to other lawsuits, aiming to tie Randi up in legal defenses globally.

Floyd Murray: Long-time UFO researcher Floyd Murray is now a Contributing Editor for "Caveat Emptor" Magazine and provides a P.O. Box for correspondence.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of SAUCER SMEAR include skepticism towards sensational claims, the exposure of alleged hoaxes, and the exploration of rivalries and controversies within the UFO and paranormal research communities. The editor, James W. Moseley, adopts a critical yet open-minded stance, questioning official narratives and encouraging readers to consider unconventional explanations, while also being diligent in pointing out potential deception and self-promotion within the field. The publication appears to value investigative journalism and the airing of diverse, often conflicting, viewpoints.