Saucer Smear - Vol 37 No 09 - 1990

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 37, No. 9
Date: November 10th, 1990
Publisher: SAUCER AND UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY

This issue of 'Saucer Smear,' the official publication of the SAUCER AND UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY, is dated November 10th, 1990. The editor and supreme commander is Jim Moseley. The newsletter is dedicated to the principles of ufological journalism.

Miscellaneous Ravings

The editor begins by reviewing Jerome Clark's "UFOs in the 1980s, Volume One." Clark, former editor of FATE Magazine and vice president of CUFOS, is described as a powerful force in the UFO field. The review quotes Clark's entry on "Saucer Smear," which states that the publication is "just about the only UFO bulletin everybody reads from cover to cover," though it also notes that 'Smear' is "far more interested in the personal foibles of UFO buffs and debunkers, sparing nobody." The editor expresses amusement at the entry for the "UNICAT Project" (Page 211), attributed to Dr. Willy Smith. A quote from the International UFO Reporter criticizes UNICAT's sampling procedure for introducing bias. The editor notes that Clark has been receiving disagreeable letters from Smith, suggesting a personal bias. The book "UFOs in the 1980s" is published by Omnigraphics, Inc., Detroit, Michigan, and is rumored to cost sixty-five dollars.

The newsletter then discusses astronomer Dr. Clyde Tombaugh, who discovered Pluto. Tombaugh, at 84 years old, believes that while inhabited planets exist, alien visitation to Earth is unlikely, and thus he does not believe UFOs are interplanetary vehicles. The editor recalls interviewing Tombaugh in 1953 and notes that Tombaugh himself witnessed a spectacular nighttime UFO in August 1949, which had ten rectangular lights and no sound.

A large, disorganized advertisement in the weekly Gulf Breeze Sentinel of October 18th is criticized for its content related to Nazi saucers, drugs, and a Congressional investigation of UFOs. The ad was paid for by Michael Wales, who is described as a wealthy individual involved with ufological theories and possibly linked to Betty Cash of the Cash/Landrum UFO case.

The "Wall Street Journal" is mentioned for a front-page story about a "flap" in Belgium involving silent, triangular objects with three large lights, seen only at night, with approximately 2,600 sightings reported. The editor suggests this might be a semi-secret Earth-made aircraft.

An offer from a group called Al-Trad is presented, seeking "solid evidence of aliens or alien spacecraft" for a potential half-million-dollar reward. The group's seriousness is questioned, with a suggestion that it might be a CIA front.

A story from the Weekly World News of October 30th about an "ALIEN CAPTURED BY U.S. AGENTS" is mentioned.

The ongoing controversy surrounding the Gulf Breeze photos taken by Ed Walters is discussed. A model of a Gulf Breeze UFO found in Walters' former home and a blueprint are central to the debate, with Phil Klass linking the blueprint to a house built by Walters. The argument is described as ending in a draw.

Tidbits of Trash & Missives from the Masses

Tidbits of Trash:

The mysterious circles in England have reportedly spread to Japan and various parts of the United States and Canada. Information is sought on Tom Monteleone, a 1960s contactee who claimed to have visited a planet and later admitted his story was a hoax. Details are provided for the 1991 National UFO Conference (NUFOC) in Cleveland, Ohio. The editor mentions being unable to attend a CSICOP meeting in Tucson and a MUFON meeting in Phoenix but plans to attend another Tim Beckley event in San Diego.

Missives from the Masses:

DONALD MICHAEL KING, editor of FATE Magazine, writes that "Saucer Smear" is a favorite newsletter, appreciated for its humor. He notes that many in paranormal research take themselves too seriously and that it would be more interesting if people were less solemn. FATE Magazine is interested in publishing well-written articles and provides a mailing address for submissions.

BILL MOORE is quoted with "Et tu, Brute?"

DICK FREEMAN writes a humorous piece about Willy Smith, advising the editor not to give Willy's lawyer his name or address.

A letter from non-subscriber BILL ENGLISH, one of the speakers at a MUFON convention, is presented. English criticizes Bill Moore and Stanton Friedman regarding the Roswell incident, suggesting they relied heavily on Charles Berlitz's book and failed to acknowledge that they interviewed the same witnesses as Friedman. English calls Berlitz a "four star putz" and labels Bill Cooper the "top putz." He also accuses "Willy the Weasel" Cooper of lying about his background and experiences, stating he withdrew a slander suit against Cooper.

Vicky Cooper is mentioned in relation to her opinion on a story, and the editor expresses respect for her and Don Ecker. The editor states that Cooper has a habit of twisting facts and innuendo. Comments on government, drugs, and AIDS are noted, with the editor suggesting that Bill stole material from others.

GEORGE HANSEN writes about an article in "The New Yorker" concerning a CSICOP meeting where Phil Klass spoke. Hansen also mentions potential trouble for the Southern California Skeptics due to rumors about a leader lacking claimed degrees and financial irregularities.

ERIK BECKJORD writes about an alleged scandal involving the Executive Director of the Southern California CSICOP group, Al Seckel. Beckjord claims Seckel misrepresented his academic qualifications, stating he only had a B.A. and not the claimed Ph.D. or even a B.A. from certain institutions. Beckjord also raises questions about a missing $8,000 and compares the situation to the "Williard McIntyre of MARCEN fame" scam.

AUGUST C. ROBERTS, a UFO photographer, writes about Dr. Frank Stranges and his "Val Thor" story from Venus. Roberts states that he has never received proof from Stranges regarding this story, despite knowing him for years, and therefore considers Stranges a science fiction writer rather than a credible source.

MR. BRYANT is depicted in a cartoon for being late.

ROBERT ANTON WILSON writes about being accused of working for the CIA, a common occurrence for controversial writers. He mentions a past harassment from someone in Atlanta and discusses the concept of a "useful idiot." Wilson also found an item about three libel cases against James Randi, which he plans to feature in his own magazine.

MONTY CANTSIN offers a humorous take on the Roswell incident, suggesting the photos show the wreckage of a kite used in an experiment by aliens who died in a lightning strike. He also mentions Bigfoot being responsible for the death of D. Scott Rogo.

JIM DEARDORFF sends a check for a subscription renewal and asks if the amount is too much.

TOM BENSON, former MUFON N.J. State Director, writes a critical letter to the editor, stating that "Saucer Smear" has deteriorated into "mudslinging, misinformation campaigns and possible hoaxes." He describes non-subscribers as "decrepit, lecherous malcontents, ass-lickers, paranoid idiots, money grabbers and candidates for the psycho ward." Benson proposes a new theory for the "circles" phenomenon, attributing them to "mass droppings" from airborne fairies.

DAVE REISSIG finds the Gulf Breeze case becoming interesting and shares a joke.

The Far Side

A cartoon from "The Far Side" by Gary Larson is included, depicting a conversation about aliens and abduction.

Press-Time Ooze of News & Views

Rex and Carol Salisberry, MUFON State Section Directors for Pensacola, FL, have issued a negative "interim report" on the Ed Walters case, questioning the model found in Walters' home and testimony from Tom Smith Jr. The Salisberrys, known for their investigative work, have broken ranks with MUFON officials who still support Ed's story, including Florida State Director Charles Flannigan and Supreme MUFON Commander Walt Andrus. The report suggests the timing of the Salisberry report is politically motivated as Ed Walters is running for the Gulf Breeze City Commission. The section concludes by posing three questions: Will Ed win his commission seat? Will the Salisberrys be ejected from MUFON? And, if Ed Walters is a hoax, what is the other weird stuff being seen in the Gulf Breeze area?

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of "Saucer Smear" exhibits a strong tendency towards critical analysis and skepticism, even within the UFO community. While reporting on various UFO-related topics, the newsletter frequently includes commentary that questions the credibility of individuals and organizations involved. There is a clear emphasis on debunking, exposing alleged hoaxes, and highlighting controversies. The editor, Jim Moseley, seems to embrace a humorous and sometimes sarcastic tone, using it to critique what he perceives as overly serious researchers or questionable claims. The newsletter also features reader contributions that range from supportive to highly critical, reflecting a diverse and often contentious landscape within ufology. The editorial stance appears to be one of challenging established narratives and encouraging critical thinking, even if it means alienating some within the field. The inclusion of cartoons and lighthearted commentary suggests an effort to keep the subject matter engaging and less ponderous, while still addressing serious allegations and investigations.