Saucer Smear - Vol 38 No 05 - 1991

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Non-Scheduled Newsletter, Volume 38, No. 5
Date: May 25th, 1991
Publisher: SAUCER AND UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Editor: James W. Moseley

This issue of Saucer Smear, a publication dedicated to ufological journalism, features a mix of controversies, personal anecdotes, and reports on UFO-related events and research.

Controversy with Phil Klass

The issue opens with a strong critique of Phil Klass, editor of the 'SUN' (Skeptics UFO Newsletter). Klass allegedly sent out a preview of his newsletter's last page, marked 'NOT FOR QUOTATION UNTIL PUBLISHED', which contained what Moseley describes as 'libelous, untrue, and not all that funny' material about Jim Moseley himself. This included a series of 'Questions You've Always Wanted to Ask About Jim Moseley' that were presented as jokes, implying Moseley had issues with Alcoholics Anonymous, that his 'Pre-Columbian Art' was made in Taiwan, and that he was 'soft-in-the-head' since birth. Moseley refutes these implications, particularly regarding the authenticity of the art he sells, stating it is examined by recognized experts and backed by a money-back guarantee. He suggests Klass's actions stem from a personal vendetta related to disagreements over the Gulf Breeze and Al Seckel cases. 'SUN' is available for $15 per year from Klass at his Washington D.C. address.

Howard Menger's Comeback

The newsletter reports on the continued activities of UFO contactee Howard Menger. After a previous issue's poorly reproduced photo of Menger with a replica of a saucer craft, Saucer Smear has changed printers. Menger, who has retired from sign painting, is described as being on a 'comeback trail' ufologically. He lectured at the NUFOC convention in Miami Beach and was scheduled to speak at Tim Beckley's New Age convention in Phoenix. He is also releasing a new book, 'The High Bridge (N.J.) Incident'. Moseley had written an article about Menger for 'Caveat Emptor' Magazine, but the magazine may be ceasing publication due to financial difficulties. Menger offers free photos and information about his activities to those who write to him.

UFO Conferences and Events

The 28th National UFO Conference (NUFOC) was announced to be held in Cleveland, Ohio, on September 13th and 14th, with speakers including Antonio Huneeus, Tim Beckley, Curt Sutherly, Ron Schaffner, and Jim Moseley. Information can be obtained from UAPA in Cleveland. The NUFOC has held annual conventions since 1964 across the US. The Governing Board of NUFOC is listed, with James Moseley as Permanent Chairman.

D. Scott Rogo Murder Investigation

An unusual item reports that the murder of psychic investigator D. Scott Rogo was partly solved with the help of psychics. One psychic, Armand Marcotte, predicted that the killer's fingerprints would be found on a glass, which led to a suspect being charged after his prints matched.

Tim Beckley's Book and 'The Lost Patrol'

Tim Beckley is re-releasing Jim Moseley's 1967 book 'The Wright Field Story' under a new title. The book will include new material on crashed saucers. Separately, newspapers reported the discovery of the 'Lost Patrol' of five TBM Avenger aircraft near Fort Lauderdale, Florida. These planes disappeared in December 1945, contributing to the Bermuda Triangle mystery. Charles Berlitz, author of 'The Bermuda Triangle', believes these are the correct planes and expresses delight, though he does not claim to know the cause of the crash.

MUFON Hierarchy and Gulf Breeze Sightings

A 'strange stand-off' is reported within the MUFON hierarchy in Florida, concerning Section Directors near Gulf Breeze. Art Hufford is listed as president of the local MUFON group, while the Salisberrys have seemingly disappeared from the state director list, which Florida MUFON Director Charles Flannigan attributes to a 'mistake'. Meanwhile, Ed Walters and the MUFON 'hard core' continue to report seeing red UFOs in the Gulf Breeze area, though they show little detail. Gulf Breeze critic Mark Curtis has also seen this red UFO but remains unconvinced by Ed's individual sightings.

Critiques of CSICOP and UFO Researchers

Several sections feature critiques of CSICOP and its members, particularly Phil Klass and Martin Gardner. Dr. Willy Smith is noted for his anti-Gulf Breeze stance and an article in a Spanish-language UFO magazine. The issue also touches on a feud between Long Island ufologists John Ford and Bill Knell, with accusations of stolen material and faked incidents. Erik Beckjord reports seeing and filming a UFO in Nevada, experiencing migraines afterward. Jenny Randles, a prolific British UFO author, is discussed in relation to a lawsuit against Stanton Friedman and a rumor about a past sex change operation, which she attributes to using her middle name, Christine.

Bill Cooper and Anti-Semitic Themes

Martin Cannon writes about Bill Cooper, accusing him of promoting an 'alien' agenda that he equates with anti-Semitism, linking it to 'Protocols of the Elders of Zion' and describing 'grey aliens' with 'big noses' in a manner Cannon likens to crude anti-Semitic caricatures. Cannon notes Cooper's connection to the Association of Sananda and Sanat Kumara and the 'Phoenix Journals/America West' imprint, which he states promotes material, including the belief that the Holocaust never happened.

Roswell Investigation and Bill Moore's Credibility

Kevin Randle expresses disappointment with Stan Friedman's perceived personal feelings influencing his thinking about Gerald Anderson. Randle defends his and Don Schmitt's work on the Roswell investigation, highlighting new facts like the transit of Roswell debris through Fort Worth. He criticizes Bill Moore for his 'whining' about not being credited and for implying he was still 'working' for the government, supplying 'disinformation'. Randle states they rejected Moore's work because of this.

Peter Gersten also comments on the Roswell Incident and the 'elaborate government cover-up' theory. He questions Bill Moore's credibility due to his MJ-12 revelations and his handling of the Roswell investigation, stating that Moore's credibility should not stand in the way of the truth.

Jerry Clark on the State of Ufology

Jerry Clark offers a perspective that ufology is not necessarily a messier field than other scientific or academic disciplines, citing feuds among AIDS researchers, paleontologists, and historians. He suggests that the 'craziness' is widespread.

Dr. Gary Posner and Pre-Columbian Pottery

Dr. Gary Posner writes about a piece of pre-Columbian pottery he purchased. He notes that markings on the pottery are similar to Richard Hoagland's findings on Mars' Cydonia plain and mathematical connections between Martian 'monuments', crop circles, and the 'N Machine'. He humorously determines his pottery piece is not a 500-year-old llama but a 'gwegnorf from Mars, circa 500,000 years old, and is priceless!'

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue reflects a strong editorial stance from Jim Moseley, often critical of skeptics like Phil Klass and organizations like CSICOP, while also engaging with various researchers and their findings. There's a recurring theme of questioning credibility, exposing alleged misinformation, and highlighting controversies within the UFO community. The humor and sarcasm are evident throughout, particularly in the responses to reader letters and the 'Questions You've Always Wanted to Ask About Jim Moseley' section. The publication appears to champion a more open-minded approach to UFO phenomena, even while acknowledging and sometimes participating in the internal disputes of the field. The issue also touches on the intersection of UFO research with conspiracy theories, including those with alleged anti-Semitic undertones, and the challenges of maintaining credibility in research.