Saucer Smear - Vol 37 No 08 - 1990

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 37, No. 8
Date: October 15th, 1990
Publisher: OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SAUCER AND UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Editor: Jim Moseley

This issue of "Saucer Smear" is a non-scheduled newsletter dedicated to ufological journalism. It covers a range of topics including personal appeals, ongoing UFO controversies, convention reports, and legal disputes.

Miscellaneous Ravings

The "Miscellaneous Ravings" section begins with a plea for readers to contact Harold Salkin, an aging UFO and New Age enthusiast who has contributed significantly to the field, including publicizing NUFOC conventions. Salkin is described as being in a difficult personal situation in New York City, and the editor encourages a line of support.

The newsletter then provides an update on two major subjects that have been largely ignored due to preoccupation with the Gulf Breeze case: the Roswell Incident of 1947 and the MJ-12 papers. Regarding Roswell, a re-investigation by CUFOS has been conducted, with a book by Don Schmitt and Kevin Randle forthcoming. However, Bill Moore and Jaime Shandera dispute the CUFOS findings, leading to a "veritable ufological feud" that adds to the confusion surrounding the event.

Concerning the MJ-12 documents, Stanton Friedman has published a defense, while CUFOS has released a critique by skeptics Joe Nickell and John Fischer, who suggest Moore may have authored the documents himself, based on circumstantial evidence. The editor notes Moore's past confession of being an unpaid government informant and his threatened lawsuits, leading to the conclusion that Moore is either "maligned" or "possibly not playing the UFO game with a full deck." The editor admits to not following these complex matters closely but found Moore to be "bright, articulate, and likeable."

The Gulf Breeze case is reported to have quieted down, with arguments over Ed Walters' photographs ongoing but unresolved. The "Gulf Breeze Six" have also faded from public view. Ed Walters is announced to be running for the Gulf Breeze City Council and is launching a new professional-scale UFO newsletter, "UFO Reporter," which will be advertised nationwide.

A "sizzling exclusive" from the Weekly World News reports on Dr. Gaetano L. Messina's discovery of what he claims is extraterrestrial "Shit" consisting of pinkish, triangular-shaped pellets found near an alleged alien landing site in Modena, Italy. The article notes that the scientific significance and the method of identifying it as alien are not clearly explained.

Highlights from Tim Beckley's New Age Convention in Phoenix

This section details the Tim Beckley's New Age Convention held in Phoenix in September. Photographs from the event are described, featuring individuals like Wayne Aho, Jerry Willis (who claims reincarnation from a Roswell alien), abductee Christa Tilton (formerly Stevens) with Ed Biebel, retired Lt. Col. Wendelle Stevens, Dr. Frank Stranges, and Hal Starr.

The convention itself is described as a "smashing success" with an overflow crowd. Workshops were held, and speakers included "Wild Bill" Cooper, who engaged in a feud with Vicki Cooper of UFO Magazine. The article touches upon Cooper's controversial claims regarding illegal drugs, AIDS as a manufactured virus, and the government's use of a UFO threat to establish a "One World" government. The editor expresses skepticism about Cooper's claims but proposes a new theory: that the government fabricates an alien menace to unite the world against a mythical enemy.

Notable convention events included spoon bending by former astronaut Brian O'Leary, a talk by Bob Luca about harassment by unmarked government helicopters, Joann Parks with a crystal skull named "Max," and the "appearance" of Nikola Tesla through "channeling."

Legal Disputes and Photo Authenticity

Michael Kramer, a lawyer representing Dr. Willy Smith, addresses allegations concerning Manuel Fernandez's Gulf Breeze UFO photographs. Kramer denies that Smith solicited or paid Fernandez for hoax photos, presenting an affidavit from Fernandez dated August 23rd, 1989, stating the photos were created as a personal endeavor to demonstrate that similar compositions could be reproduced. Kramer warns that any conflicting statements from Fernandez should be viewed with caution and threatens a defamation action if untrue statements regarding Smith are published.

The newsletter then presents the Fernandez affidavit, which states the photographic imaging was intended to demonstrate that other objects with similar compositions could be reproduced to create an original impression. Fernandez asserts he undertook this endeavor without monetary remuneration and that his photographs should not be construed as an opinion or critique of authenticity or methodology. The accompanying text from "Smear" suggests that Willy Smith had asked Fernandez to put a fake Gulf Breeze type UFO into a picture of Ed Walters' yard, and that Smith later told people the photos were sent anonymously.

Manuel Fernandez also writes about a conversation with Phil Klass regarding the Gulf Breeze case, expressing surprise that Klass asked if he had done a photo composition for Willy Smith. Fernandez confirms he did, but thought Klass already knew. He explains his connection to the case and criticizes Willy Smith for not naming the person who asked for the photo hoaxes.

Letters to the Editor and Expert Opinions

Jerry Clark writes a somber letter about the murder of D. Scott Rogo, an author and authority on the paranormal, who was found stabbed to death in his Los Angeles home. The police found no immediate link to Rogo's work.

Pete Tate of England criticizes Phil Klass's comments on lawsuits, suggesting Klass may be feeling cornered and should stop commenting.

Henry Bauer, Professor of Chemistry & Science Studies, offers his perspective on evaluating claims, agreeing with a previous "Saucer Smear" point about examining whether someone is lying. Bauer emphasizes that human testimony alone cannot constitute proof and that extraordinary claims require extraordinary standards of proof, questioning whether a claim "COULD this be a double exposure (or something of the sort)?" If so, it is insufficient.

"Gulf Breeze Six" and MUFON Criticism

Carol Salisberry writes about Anna Foster's perspective on the "Gulf Breeze Six" incident, stating Foster feels the episode has been blown out of proportion and does not want publicity. Salisberry suggests the situation has become a "myth" used to feed "government cover-up frenzy."

Bill Knell of Island Skywatch writes about being fired as Assistant MUFON State Director for New York. He criticizes the UFO community, and MUFON specifically, for lacking objectivity and becoming a "laughing stock" due to the Gulf Breeze case. He notes that many investigators have laughed at Gulf Breeze and that some in the paranormal research community consider Bruce Maccabee "nuts."

Crop Circles and Forteanism

Erik Beckjord, a Bigfootologist and "Circlesologist," discusses the evolving complexity of crop circle formations in England, noting how new theories are quickly superseded. He describes various patterns, including "spurs" and "dumb-bell shaped circles." Beckjord also mentions the "image of CHARLES FORT" found within a crop circle at Alton Priors, suggesting Fort has "hitched a ride" with the "Intelligence" creating the circles.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of "Saucer Smear" include the ongoing debates and controversies surrounding major UFO cases like Roswell and the MJ-12 documents, the challenges of photo authenticity, and the internal politics and objectivity within UFO organizations like MUFON. The editorial stance, as expressed by Jim Moseley, is one of reporting on these events, often with a degree of skepticism towards sensational claims (as seen with Bill Cooper) but also a willingness to explore different perspectives and highlight the human element, such as the appeal for Harold Salkin.

The magazine also demonstrates a critical approach to ufological claims, as seen in the discussion of the Messina "shit" discovery and the emphasis on rigorous proof by Henry Bauer. The issue highlights the fragmented nature of the UFO field, with various factions and individuals holding differing views and engaging in disputes.