Saucer Smear - Vol 38 No 02 - 1991

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 38, No. 2
Date: January 25th, 1991
Publisher: SAUCER AND UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY

This issue of Saucer Smear, a publication dedicated to ufological journalism, features a variety of articles, letters, and news briefs related to UFOs and unexplained phenomena.

Miscellaneous Ravings

The editor begins with "Miscellaneous Ravings," highlighting a new witness, Gerald Anderson, who claims to have witnessed an alleged UFO landing near Roswell, New Mexico, in July 1947, as a five-year-old child. The account involves a landed spaceship with four aliens, two dead, one dying, and one unhurt, with military intervention. Stanton Friedman, described as a "noted expert," is reportedly impressed, as is John Carpenter, who hypnotically regressed the witness. The editor expresses skepticism due to the witness remembering such detail from such a young age and only coming forward over forty years later. Thanks are extended to Hal Starr of Arizona MUFON for the newspaper account and to Lucius Farish of UFO Newsclipping Service for other borrowed items. The editor also acknowledges the Gulf Breeze Sentinel. The editor notes that Lucius Farish has operated his Newsclipping Service since 1969 and is a significant figure in the UFO field, being a leading force behind the Ozark UFO conferences and a columnist for the MUFON UFO Journal. The editor mentions never having met Lou Farish but notes that Lou used to correspond. The editor states that Lou apparently dislikes him because Saucer Smear refuses to take seriously the photos and stories of Billy Meier, citing Meier's claim to be the thirteenth apostle of Christ as a reason for this stance.

Gulf Breeze Review

Eloise Lautier provides a two-part review of the events of 1990 in Gulf Breeze. The second half of 1990 was dominated by politics and UFO controversy, with divided opinions on the authenticity of UFO photographs taken by Ed Walters. Television crews were present, and reporter Mark Curtis showed photos taken with a model similar to one found in Walters' home. Tommy Smith, who passed a lie detector test, stated in an interview that Walters' UFO photos were initially a "big gag." Walters continued to deny fakery, and by year's end, no conclusive evidence had emerged, leading to waning interest. The summer saw six AWOL soldiers arrested in Gulf Breeze, who claimed they were there for the "Rapture." The article also mentions Bill Moore and Jaime Shandera's new book, "The MJ-12 Documents: An Analytical Report," which contains approximately ten alleged official documents. Moore concludes some are genuine, some forgeries, and some "too close to call." A brief, negative review by Dr. Joe Nickell and John Fischer is mentioned, available by writing to Dr. Joe. The book is available for $25 from Moore. The article also touches upon Alan Guth's "Inflation Theory" as a modification of the "Big Bang" theory.

Apology to Mr Stanton Friedman and Mr Harry Harris

This section details an apology from the Manchester Evening News to Stanton Friedman and Harry Harris. On October 19, 1989, Jenny Randles wrote to the newspaper, making defamatory statements about Friedman and Harris concerning a lecture Friedman was to give. Randles described Friedman as a "fanatic" and suggested they were not bona fide investigators, presenting "outrageous tripe, distortions, bogus documents and deceit." The newspaper published an article based on Randles' views. Randles has since accepted that her statements were defamatory and that Friedman and Harris are reputable researchers. The Evening News recognizes that the articles were defamatory and apologizes for the distress caused. Both Randles and the newspaper have agreed to pay undisclosed damages and costs to Friedman and Harris.

Mysterious symbol in Oregon desert

Jeff Barnard of The Associated Press reports on a large geometric symbol discovered in the southeastern Oregon desert. Initially unbelievable, the symbol was identified as a Hindu meditation symbol, a "sriyantra," precisely laid out and plowed into a dry lake bed. Capt. Michael Gollaher of the 124th Tactical Reconnaissance Group described it as a "major engineering effort." The symbol measures about a quarter-mile across and is oriented to true north. While not initially thought to be a UFO-related object, speculation suggested it might be a cult activity. The pictograph was first reported by Lt. Col. Bill Miller. The design was identified by Alicia Gloeckle, wife of a photo interpreter, through her Time-Life books on the occult. The design is described as a square with T-shaped appendages, concentric circles, and graduated triangles, symbolizing continuation of generations and fertility.

More circles in the wheat

This article reports on mysterious circles appearing in wheatfields near Sibson airfield, England. Four circles, up to 200 feet across, appeared overnight, followed by two more in an oat field. Farmer Henry Steadman is convinced it was not a hoax after searching the field. The patterns are similar to other phenomena baffling scientists.

Missives from the Masses

This section contains letters and responses from various individuals in the UFO community:

• Christopher Allan, a British skeptical UFO investigator, criticizes Bill Moore's remarks on the Roswell case and the conflict between Moore, Schmitt, and Randle. He questions the evidence presented for Roswell, particularly the number of photos and the claims about a trench. He also notes that witnesses are often interviewed decades after the event.
• Kevin Randle writes in response to John Keel's theory that the Roswell find was a Japanese balloon bomb. Randle and Don Schmitt believe Keel's theory is flawed because Fugo balloons were not secret in 1947, and numerous articles about them were published before July 1947.
• Phil Klass is mentioned in a context of challenging Moore's reference to Stanton Friedman's ego, describing Friedman as modest.
• John Bryant writes about an article in "Weekly World News" concerning an "Incredible Chair of Death" and proposes that Saucer Smear and other parties arrange for Phil Klass to sit in the chair in England to debunk the myth.
• Jenny Randle thanks the publication for a copy of "Smear" and states she has no problem with the content.
• Whitley Strieber replies to a letter, stating he no longer makes public appearances and believes "UFO experts" will titillate audiences with horror stories. He asserts that nobody knows the origin of visitor perception and that UFO symposiums are a waste of time, aiding the spread of lies.
• Jean Sider, a French ufological author, comments on Peter Gersten's challenge regarding a terrestrial solution to the Roswell mystery, stating that while he could write a book claiming UFOs don't exist, the sightings continue despite debunking efforts.
• John Schuessler, Deputy Director of MUFON, provides a "Wish List for 1991," including laboratory analysis of implants, specialization in aircraft gun camera films, an end to bickering among researchers, expanded international cooperation, public release of government UFO files, justice for Vickie Landrum, Betty Cash, and Colby Landrum, and a publishing contract for his book.
• Victoria Lacas recounts meeting an "abductee" who had a regressive session with Budd Hopkins. She notes that abductees are relating sex stories about "little, nasty grey men" who make people have sex with strangers.
• Bill Knell of Island Skywatch quotes Jim Melesciuc's "Orbiter" Magazine regarding Der Czar Andrus' response to the Salisberrys.
• Tom Hackney, a stock broker, writes critically about MUFON, questioning the qualifications of its investigators and the organization's effectiveness.
• Erik Beckjord questions Phil Klass' claim that CSICOP audited the Southern California Skeptics, asking about the audit period, methodology, and whether CSICOP would admit financial wrongdoing.
• Don Keating, a Sasquatch Researcher, criticizes Beckjord, calling him a "nut" and questioning his knowledge of Bigfoot. He mentions Beckjord's trip to Scotland for the ISC Conference.
• Mike Talpas quotes Nicholas I. Johnson from The New York Times, who states that large objects, including orbiting space objects, frequently enter the atmosphere, which could explain UFO sightings.

Letter from Dr. Bruce Maccabee

Dr. Bruce Maccabee of the Fund for UFO Research writes regarding Peter Gersten's "50 grand challenge" (later downgraded to 10K and then 5K). Maccabee considers it an example of "triumph of form over substance." He provides his response to Gersten, dated December 10th, 1990, which amounts to a rejection of Gersten's challenge. Maccabee also notes that he has not heard any convincing evidence that the Roswell material was created by mankind.

News Briefs

• The 1991 National UFO Conference (NUFOC) will hold its 28th annual convention on September 13th-14th in Cleveland, Ohio.
• Zan Overall's book, "Gulf Breeze Double Exposed," is available for $9.95 postpaid from CUFOS.
• Ed Walters reports that UFO sightings are still frequent in Gulf Breeze, with a recent "flap" period.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the ongoing debate and skepticism surrounding the Roswell incident, the emergence of new witnesses and their claims, and the phenomenon of crop circles. The publication also features a strong undercurrent of skepticism towards certain researchers and organizations, particularly regarding the credibility of evidence and the potential for financial gain. The editor's stance is clearly critical of unsubstantiated claims and personalities, as evidenced by his commentary on Billy Meier and his cautious approach to new witness accounts. The issue highlights the internal conflicts and differing viewpoints within the UFO research community, with a clear division between proponents and skeptics.