Saucer Smear - Vol 37 No 01 - 1990

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 37, No. 1
Date: January 20th, 1990
Publisher: SAUCER AND UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Country: USA
Language: English

Main Articles and Features

Plaintiff at Last: Erik Beckjord's Legal Battles

The issue opens with a report on embattled Bigfootologist Erik Beckjord. As of January 5th, Judge Douglas Robinson of the Whitman County District Court in Washington State dismissed a criminal "death threat" complaint against Beckjord due to lack of jurisdiction. This ruling allows Beckjord to file his own criminal charges against Fred Twigger (alias Mark Francis) for five counts of forgery and three counts of perjury. The dispute stems from Twigger's alleged attempt to frame Beckjord by creating "death threat" letters that Twigger apparently wrote to himself. Beckjord questions whether Twigger will implicate other Bigfooters from the Pacific Northwest who may have been co-conspirators. The article also notes Beckjord joining Bill Moore's network of secret agents, adopting the codename "Goshawk" (though known to the editor as "GASHAWK"), while the editor identifies himself as "Buzzard."

Thrilling Spring-Summer Parade of UFO Conventions

This section highlights several upcoming UFO-related events. The TREAT II conference in Blacksbury, Va. (February 1st-4th) is mentioned, though it's described as a meeting primarily for psychiatrists and psychologists interested in the abduction phenomenon, with limited ufologist attendance. The editor was invited but declined, citing restrictions on reporting the proceedings. The article notes that Mark Rodeghier of CUFOS might be pleased by this decision, as he has previously deemed the editor not an "acceptable person" for such events.

More accessible to the general public are several other conventions: Tim Beckley's UFO convention at the Gramercy Park Hotel in New York City (March 23rd-25th), Pat Marcatilio's convention in Trenton, N.J. (March 30th-April 1st), where a new contactee named Monty Cantsin, claiming startling daylight saucer photographs, will be introduced. The Ozark UFO Conference in Eureka Springs, Arkansas (April 6th-8th) will feature Mr. Ed of Gulf Breeze as a speaker. The NUFOC annual convention in Miami Beach, Florida (May 11th-13th) is planned, with a note about the "Dreadful Curse" possibly being involved due to the recent semi-mysterious death of speaker Dr. Dan Overlade and a serious heart attack suffered by Malcolm McGruder, who was working on publicity for the convention and Mr. Ed's forthcoming book. Finally, the annual MUFON convention is scheduled for Pensacola, Florida (July 6th-8th).

Missives from the Masses: Reader Contributions

This section features letters from readers, offering diverse perspectives:

• Pete Tate, a British UFO researcher, expresses strong disapproval of Jenny Randles being awarded "Ufologist of the Year" by NUFOC, suggesting Phil Klass is more deserving and calling the award a "monumentally sick joke."
• John Salter, Jr., Professor of American Indian Studies, praises "Saucer Smear" as a lively publication but criticizes its "grievously wrong information," citing the Nov. 10th issue's account of Hal Starr's lecture. Salter defends Betty Hill against Starr's claims that she sees UFOs when others do not, asserting her "high integrity and consistently astute perceptions."
• Hal Starr responds, questioning Betty Hill's claims of extensive media coverage of her sightings and asking for proof. He also addresses "Dr." Frank Stranges' denial of involvement in a drug-smuggling incident and questions Dr. Jim Deardorff's support for the Billy Meier case, suggesting Meier's claims are sensationalized and lack serious support.
• Dennis Stillings of the Archaeus Project defends the "wild ravings" of John Lear, Bill Cooper, and Bill English, arguing their conclusions about a government conspiracy involving alien technology and awareness of ET abductions are logical if one accepts the premise of alien artifacts. He suggests that criticism of Lear et al. stems from their claims undermining the MJ-12 and abduction narratives.
• William S. (Bill) English, UFINET Executive Director, requests consideration as a speaker at Moseley's conferences, providing background information and articles, including one written by John Lear. He notes his role as a "founding father" of UFINET.
• Bob Renaud, a contactee, reflects on the "collapse of Communism" and the state of ufology, describing it as having devolved into "infighting, name calling, sensationalist hogwash such as MJ-12, and utter public indifference." He praises Moseley's ability to see ufology as an "amusing, ridiculous diversion."
• Frank Bruckmann questions Moseley's theory about world affairs and alien threats, asking if it's a ploy to distract from Bigfootologists or a genuine concern about Russian knowledge of China.
• Bob Sheaffer, skeptical, refutes Moseley's claim that UFOs played a role in the end of the Cold War. Sheaffer argues that the end was due to Gorbachev's shift from Marxist "resentment" to a focus on "achievement" to remain competitive.

Superstitious Moseley will take the high road

This headline article focuses on a dispute involving Ed Walters and Willy Smith regarding photographic evidence of a UFO.

• Zan Overall, a critic, accuses Ed Walters of misrepresenting the situation concerning Willy Smith's photographic evidence. Overall claims Walters' lawyer threatened Willy with legal action for unauthorized use of his photos, and that Willy was advised to show enhancements only in person, not to publish or distribute them. Overall suggests Walters' challenge to Willy to distribute the evidence is a "crude entrapment attempt."
• Edward ("Mr. Ed") Walters responds, calling Willy Smith's "computer evidence" a pretense and his claim that Walters stopped him from mailing it out a fabrication. Walters states the photos are under copyright with Morrow & Co. and cannot be published. He challenges Willy to send his evidence to various organizations like CUFOS, MUFON, etc., implying Willy won't because it's not valid. Walters dismisses Willy's "evidence" as a line in photo #35, which Dr. Nathan at JPL identified as a film flaw. Walters lists several claims made by Willy Smith about his credentials (Ph.D. in Physics, Masters in Astronomy, Chairman of Departments) that he alleges are false.

Tidbits of Trash

This section contains shorter news items and opinions:

• Willy Smith is reportedly denying involvement with Valencia University in Spain, despite submitting employment records.
• Mr. Ed and friends reportedly witnessed a UFO over Gulf Breeze, described as a black disc with a red glow, which was also allegedly confirmed by a radar operator at a nearby Naval Base.
• Antonio Huneeus (via Allen Benz) sent material detailing speeches by former president Reagan about the possibility of an alien invasion.
• A new UFO book, "To Catch a Flying Star - A Scientific Theory of UFOs" by John Ackerman, is mentioned, with a foreword by Walt Andrus of MUFON.

Other Contributions

• Grant Cameron discusses the South African saucer and alien transfer case, stating it has been "solved" by Christopher Allen (MJ-13), who dismisses the story. Cameron humorously notes the cost of explaining large phone bills to his wife.
• Laurel Oplatka writes a poem critical of "Smear" and its contributors, referencing "Willy wails and Whitley feigns."
• Tom Hackney expresses weariness with the UFO topic, finding it "kinda fun" but criticizing the "smug pedantic assholes" and "lunatics" involved, contrasting them with "real aliens" who are likely indifferent.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The editorial stance of "Saucer Smear," as embodied by editor James W. Moseley ("Buzzard"), appears to be one of critical skepticism, often employing humor and sarcasm to dissect claims within the ufology community. The publication actively encourages debate and presents a wide range of opinions, from fervent believers to staunch skeptics. Recurring themes include the credibility of researchers and their evidence, the nature of alleged government cover-ups (like MJ-12), the validity of abduction claims, and the potential for sensationalism and self-promotion within the field. Moseley seems to delight in exposing perceived absurdities and contradictions, often through direct quotes and pointed commentary, as seen in his interactions with figures like Erik Beckjord, Fred Twigger, Willy Smith, and critics like Phil Klass. The magazine serves as a platform for airing grievances, challenging established narratives, and fostering a lively, albeit sometimes contentious, discourse among its readership.