Saucer Smear - Vol 38 No 09 - 1991

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 38, No. 9
Date: November 5th, 1991
Editor: James W. Moseley

This issue of "Saucer Smear" is a non-scheduled newsletter dedicated to ufological journalism. It features a mix of news, opinion, and correspondence from various figures in the UFO community, alongside critical commentary on skepticism and alleged paranormal claims.

Tidbits of Trash

The "Tidbits of Trash" section begins with thanks to Dennis Stacy of MUFON for assistance. It highlights an interview with Richard Toronto, editor of "Shavertron," a zine dedicated to the work of Richard Shaver and the Dero caves. The section also notes strange communiques from the AI-TRAD organization in Colorado, which claims to be involved in Alien Information Technology Research and Development, headed by Kim Mikules, and offers a large reward for proof of alien invasion.

Famed abductee Betty Hill is announced to be retiring from ufology after 30 years, citing the proliferation of "flakes" making UFO reports. Veteran ufologist Leonard Stringfield has published his sixth "Status Report" on the UFO Crash/Retrieval Syndrome, titled "The Inner Sanctum." The Gulf Breeze (Florida) Sentinel, a publication subscribed to by the editor, has been sold to the Gannett Company, raising speculation about the future coverage of UFO sightings.

UFOs and Crop Circles on Television

The issue mentions a Fox Network hour-long show on UFOs and crop circles called "The UFO Report," which featured prominent figures like Ed Walters, Budd Hopkins, Bruce Maccabee, Linda Howe, and Stanton Friedman. Controversial Roswell witness Gerald Anderson was also present, while arch-skeptic Phil Klass was notably absent.

The Lawsuits Against James Randi (Part Two)

This extensive section delves into the legal disputes between James Randi and Uri Geller, and related issues involving Eldon Byrd. The article states that Randi recently threatened "Saucer Smear" with a lawsuit, claiming the magazine published information from his "sworn enemies" and showed "careless disregard for the truth." The magazine asserts its intent to discuss the background of the lawsuits, which Randi apparently wishes to avoid.

It details an audio tape recording from years ago where Randi is heard discussing explicit sexual matters with young males. Randi claims he made the tape with police consent to counter blackmail attempts by these youths, who he alleges were later tried and convicted. The tape, along with other materials, was allegedly sent anonymously as a "blackmail packet" to many people.

The article further discusses lawsuits filed by Geller against Randi. One suit, related to a 1989 interview in a Japanese magazine, quotes Randi as saying a scientist named Wilbur Franklin killed himself after being exposed by Geller's "trick." This suit was reportedly thrown out in the U.S. but refiled in Japan. Another lawsuit by Geller reportedly charges Randi with telling an International Herald Tribune reporter that Geller "tricked even reputable scientists" and used "conjuring tricks" like those found on cereal boxes. Geller denies ever deceiving scientists and claims his feats are not tricks.

Uri Geller, in a letter to the San Francisco Chronicle, criticizes Randi and his supporters for emphasizing his public figure status as a defense for their criticisms, suggesting it implies Randi's statements are untrue but permissible due to Geller's fame. Geller argues this defense amounts to a "license to lie" and calls Randi's claims about his actions producing a friend's suicide and engaging in blackmail as "easily proved false statements" and "defamation."

Randi's Attorneys and CSICOP

Paul Kurtz, Chairman of CSICOP, is quoted stating that Randi's attorneys claimed Randi was acting as an agent of CSICOP and was authorized by the Executive Council to make statements about Geller and Byrd. CSICOP's insurer's counsel has requested withdrawal of these claims, which have not yet been made. Kurtz expresses concern that if the court sustains the claim that Randi acted on behalf of CSICOP, it could jeopardize CSICOP's business operations.

Update on the Byrd Lawsuit

The magazine provides an update on the lawsuit brought by Eldon Byrd and his wife against Randi. While acknowledging Byrd might have a weak case for significant damages, U.S. District Judge Marvin Garbis refused Randi's request for summary judgment, stating a jury could award nominal damages. The article also references a 1983 incident where Eldon Byrd pleaded guilty to distributing pornography, with allegations of particular interest in child pornography and sexual activity with a minor. The magazine notes the complexity of the issues and promises further coverage.

Missives from the Masses

This section features letters from various individuals:

• Charles Flannigan, Florida State Director for MUFON, writes about his demotion to Assistant Section Director for Monroe County due to "zero growth in membership" and "zero sighting reports." He notes that Vickie J. Johnson is recommended as the new SSD for Collier & Monroe Counties.
• Michael Strainic of Canadian MUFON is researching the "Kewpie Doll" alien photo, which has been circulating with varying stories. He praises "Saucer Smear's" journalistic standards.
• Christian Page points out irregularities in James Moseley's book "UFO Crash Secrets at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base," stating that two "bonus" pictures are of a wax and plastic dummy from a 1981 exposition in Montreal, not an alien in Hangar 18, and that he has copyrighted the image.

Further Correspondence and Critiques

• Lee Elliott writes about a TV program where James Randi demonstrated a spoon-bending trick, which impressed Elliott and led him to view Geller as a "sloppy person" and "cheap trickster."
• Matt Ray notes the absence of child molesting charges in the Randi-Geller feud discussion on TV, suggesting it's a serious omission and that accusing people of such crimes changes the complexion of the dispute.
• Dr. Eldon Byrd is clarified as the one Randi accused of child molesting, not Geller.
• Dennis Stacy questions the validity of claims in Timothy Good's "Alien Liason," specifically those by Bob Oechsler regarding a NASA anti-gravity chamber.
• Bill Moore thanks "Saucer Smear" for checking a "vicious jail rumor" and criticizes Wendelle Stevens for attempting to discredit him and others.

Neo-Nazi Connections in UFO Literature

Tom McIver, a skeptic, sends material suggesting that some UFO conspiracy theorists who discuss "blonde" or "Nordic" UFO occupants are absorbing Nazi and neo-Nazi literature. He points out that illustrations in "The Best of Signal," a German wartime propaganda magazine, are identical to those in "Signal" captions from a 1941 Nazi-approved art exhibit in Munich. He notes that Arno Breker, a sculptor favored by Hitler, is featured, and his work is used in UFO-related materials. McIver also discusses a book from the "Church of the Creator," a pro-Nazi group, and Klark Kent's "Orgone Energy Blanket" flyer, which also features Breker's work. He concludes that the "Jew as alien" theme carried by some theorists has sinister similarities to Nazi propaganda stereotypes.

Al Seckel Case and Tax Exemptions

Molly Hanson Ph.D. (formerly Molly Squire) comments on the Al Seckel case, enclosing a letter from the California Franchise Tax Board suspending the tax-exempt status of Southern California Skeptics (SCS). The letter indicates SCS failed to file returns or payments after its incorporation date in 1985. Hanson suggests that if lectures grossed significant amounts, SCS could owe substantial taxes.

Phil Klass and Erik Beckjord

Phil Klass writes about Erik Beckjord, noting that Beckjord was listed in "Emerging Leaders of America" and "Who's Who in Entertainment" but was later dropped from subsequent editions. Erik Beckjord responds by stating he has sent ten letters to Phil Klass's editor, Donald E. Fink, at Aviation Week and Space Technology.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of "Saucer Smear" consistently adopts a critical and skeptical stance towards many claims within the ufology community, while simultaneously engaging with and reporting on them. The magazine appears to champion rigorous investigation and factual accuracy, as evidenced by its detailed examination of the Randi-Geller lawsuits and its critique of alleged misrepresentations in books and media. There is a strong emphasis on exposing what the editor perceives as fraud, deception, or unsubstantiated claims, particularly concerning psychic phenomena and alleged alien encounters. The editor, James W. Moseley, positions himself as a controversial but principled journalist dedicated to uncovering the truth, even when it leads to conflict with other figures in the field. The publication also demonstrates a willingness to explore controversial topics, such as the potential links between UFO theories and extremist ideologies, and to engage in internal debates within organizations like MUFON. The overall editorial stance is one of challenging established narratives and encouraging critical thinking among its readership.