Saucer Smear - Vol 38 No 04 - 1991

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 38, No. 4
Date: May 1st, 1991
Publisher: SAUCER AND UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Type: Non-Scheduled Newsletter

This issue of Saucer Smear, a publication dedicated to ufological journalism, features a mix of investigative reporting, opinion pieces, and reader correspondence, with a strong focus on controversies within the UFO research community.

Editorial Content

Editorial and Personal Reflections

The issue opens with a quote from Vice President Dan Quayle and an introduction from Editor James W. Moseley, who acknowledges that publishing a skeptical and independent zine like "Smear" inevitably creates enemies. He discusses recent interactions with UFO researchers John Keel and Phil Klass. Moseley recounts a phone conversation with John Keel, who, after his Fugo Balloon theory was criticized by readers in other zines, remarked that everyone in the UFO field is crazy, and then vehemently denied being part of the UFO field himself, despite his presidency of the New York Fortean Society and a column in FATE Magazine.

Moseley then details a complex situation involving Phil Klass, who had previously warned "Smear" against libeling him, specifically regarding the alleged "planting" of a UFO model in Ed Walters' former home. Moseley states that Klass's threat led to negative remarks about him in a previous issue. A recent phone call with Klass revealed that Klass denied making the threat and became enraged, taping the conversation. Klass's other concern was "Smear's" intention to pursue Al Seckel, described as the leading light of the Southern California Skeptics, an organization Moseley views as an independent branch of CSICOP.

Moseley notes that CSICOP is facing multi-million-dollar lawsuits from Uri Geller and Dr. Eldon Byrd against James Randi, and suggests CSICOP is anxious to distance itself from the actions of its members and affiliates. Klass, while claiming not to be an official CSICOP spokesman, allegedly made it clear that "Smear" could be sued if it pursued the Seckel matter, citing "Smear's" alleged financial resources as a reason for this perceived threat.

CSICOP and Skepticism Under Scrutiny

Further discussion on CSICOP involves letters from George Hansen and Tom McIver, who express the opinion that CSICOP, as a self-appointed watchdog, has an obligation to maintain its own integrity. The magazine questions whether CSICOP is legally responsible for Seckel's actions, deeming it a secondary matter. The publication recalls a past friendship with Phil Klass, which was strained when "Smear" defended Ed Walters of Gulf Breeze against criticism from Klass, Willy Smith, and others. Klass is now reportedly furious about "Smear's" focus on Seckel.

Conference Reports and Publication Updates

An account of a western trip includes a meeting with Jerrold Baker, a contributor to the "Special Adamski Expose Issue" of "SAUCER NEWS." Moseley announces that "SAUCER NEWS" (1954-1970) and most "Saucer Smear" issues prior to 1983 are going into storage and will no longer be available, urging interested readers to purchase them soon.

The editor also reports on a recent convention hosted by Tim Beckley in San Diego, California, which featured approximately thirty speakers and attracted at least 400 attendees. The event was reportedly profitable for Beckley.

Far Corner: Garage Doors from Space

A short piece titled "Far Corner" discusses an unusual event in Irving, California, where hundreds of automated garage doors reportedly opened and shut on their own. The military and Secret Service denied responsibility, and FCC official Michael Ritter described the phenomenon as "really strange."

The Wright Field Story and Gulf Breeze Update

Your editor gave a talk at the convention on "The Wright Field Story," a UFO landing case investigated in 1954, and provided an update on Ed Walters of Gulf Breeze. The conclusion presented was that neither case is provably true and thus may be presumed untrue.

Other Speakers and Controversial Figures

Dr. Frank Stranges served as master of ceremonies for the convention. Other speakers included Erik Beckjord, who presented on crop circles and their alleged meanings, and Dr. Harley Byrd, who spoke about folklore related to the Inner Earth. Contactee Mel Noel (Guy Kirkwood) shared his ufological experiences in the Air Force. Bill Cooper was highlighted as a fascinating speaker who now believes much of the information about interplanetary invasion is disinformation, and that the government is working towards a "New World Order" that would suspend the U.S. Bill of Rights. Cooper's book, "Behold a Pale Horse," is noted for containing the text of the anti-Semitic forgery "Protocals of the Wise Men of Zion." The editor's late father, Major General George Van Horn Moseley, a figure in the anti-Semitic, anti-British, pro-German movement of the 1930s, is mentioned in relation to Cooper's book.

Book Availability and Future Events

Information is provided on how to obtain Bill Cooper's book and details about Beckley's next convention in Phoenix, Arizona. The editor's topic for the Phoenix convention is announced as "Interdimensional Relationships Between Adjacent Universes as Perceived Thru a Multimedia Space-Time Continuum."

UFO Conventions and Research

The magazine notes the frequency of UFO conventions and mentions upcoming events, including Beckley's conclave in Phoenix and the annual NUFOC convention in Cleveland, Ohio.

Roswell Incident and Project Mogul

A "confidential" letter from researcher Robert Todd to lawyer Peter Gersten is discussed, concerning the Roswell Incident. The letter suggests the incident may not have involved an interplanetary craft but rather a formerly secret Army Air Force project called PROJECT MOGUL, which used high-altitude balloons. A specific launch on July 3rd, 1947, involving a "ten-balloon cluster" from Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, is highlighted. The letter also mentions a Major Edward Doty, potentially related to Bill Doty.

Bill Moore comments on the Todd-Gersten hypothesis, calling it an "alternative" explanation for Roswell and stating that their argument is based on a launch that was "never covered." Moore argues that additional information provided destroys their hypothesis, noting the geographical discrepancy between the launch site and Roswell. He expresses frustration that this research repeats work he did a decade ago and suggests that Todd-Gersten could have saved time by consulting him.

Gulf Breeze Sightings and Other UFO Documents

The Gulf Breeze sightings are reported to be continuing and publicized locally. A recent event involved MUFONites using triangulation equipment to observe a distant red UFO.

Among "weird documents" circulating in the UFO field are two written under the pseudonym "0. H. Krill." Jerry Lucci suggests the second Krill document is likely by John Grace, Bill Cooper, or Bill English. These tracts are described as "Orion Based Technology, Mind Control, and Other Secret Projects."

Abduction Research Funding and Skepticism Awards

John Bigelow, a business partner of Bob Lazar, along with Prince Hans Adam von Liechtenstein, has reportedly made a $200,000 grant to Budd Hopkins for abduction research. Mark Curtis, a reporter from WEAR-TV, has been awarded the "Responsibility in Journalism Award" by CSICOP for his reports on Ed Walters' claims. Moseley suggests that accepting the CSICOP award might harm Curtis's credibility among ufologists, but acknowledges Curtis as a fair-minded journalist.

Contactee Howard Menger and Crop Circles

Contactee Howard Menger is offering free photos and information about his current activities and has advance copies of his new book, "The High Bridge (N.J.) Incident." The issue also discusses the growing interest in Crop Circles, mentioning Erik Beckjord's involvement and a new book titled "Circular Evidence" by Pat Delgado and Colin Andrews.

Ye Olde Mail Bag

George Hansen writes regarding Al Seckel, detailing his alleged misrepresentation of academic degrees and his role within CSICOP and the Southern California Skeptics. Hansen criticizes CSICOP for its silence on Seckel's claims and for continuing to promote him.

Tom McIver shares his "skeptical credentials," including published articles and an upcoming book. He recounts working with Seckel on the Southern California Skeptics but came to view him as a charlatan interested in self-promotion. McIver notes Seckel's misrepresentation of academic credentials and criticizes CSICOP's lack of response to these issues, suggesting Seckel has been making false claims and operating under false pretenses.

Kevin Randle provides an update on the Roswell Incident, expressing concern about people deciding who major witnesses are without proper research. He questions the credibility of Gerald Anderson and notes that Irving Newton and Johnson had minor roles.

Stanton Friedman writes in response to previous kudos and discusses Gerald Anderson, mentioning his work with John Carpenter and his professional background.

Mike Talpas advises caution regarding Kevin Randle's statements, citing Randle's background as an alleged ex-intelligence officer in the USAF as a reason for skepticism.

Christopher Allan responds to Donald Schmitt, suggesting his book be sent to Congress and the scientific establishment. Allan believes the Roswell case is falling apart and will "die of self-strangulation." He also suggests looking at the FBI telex of July 8th, 1947, for the identity of the Roswell UFO.

Jerry Lucci emphasizes the importance of the Roswell Incident and proposes that "Smear" offer an incentive to researchers who can provide indisputable proof of a terrestrial explanation.

Bill Retoff mentions reading a book about "Japan's World War II Balloon Bomb Attacks on North America," detailing 285 recorded incidents.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Saucer Smear demonstrates a critical and often skeptical stance towards established UFO organizations and researchers, particularly CSICOP and its affiliates. The editorial content frequently challenges the credibility of individuals and organizations, highlighting alleged misrepresentations, financial improprieties, and a perceived lack of genuine inquiry when it comes to certain subjects or individuals. The magazine champions independent investigation and critical analysis, even while acknowledging the complexities and controversies within the ufological field. There is a recurring theme of exposing what the publication views as deception or self-promotion within the UFO community, contrasted with a desire for genuine truth-seeking. The magazine also serves as a platform for diverse opinions and research findings through its extensive reader mailbag section.