Saucer Smear - Vol 39 No 01 - 1992

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 39, No. 1
Date: January 20th, 1992
Publisher: SAUCER & UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY

This issue of "Saucer Smear" is a non-scheduled newsletter dedicated to ufological journalism. It features a mix of personal reflections from the editor, news about UFO-related events and publications, and reader contributions.

Miscellaneous Ravings

The editor, James W. Moseley, recounts a visit to Clarksburg, West Virginia, to examine the Gray Barker collection of UFO correspondence and books, acquired by the local library. He shares an anecdote about William Lamb, a Wyoming man who believed a photograph of stars was an image of God, and Barker's thoughtful reply to Lamb in 1953. Moseley also mentions the upcoming 29th annual UFO convention in Tallahassee, Florida, where he remains Permanent Chairman.

Operation Right to Know

The newsletter announces an event called "Operation Right to Know" scheduled to take place in front of the White House in Washington, D.C. This event aims to pressure the U.S. Government to reveal information about "Space People" by providing UFO literature to the press and public. Mike Jamieson of California is quoted, emphasizing the event's legal and non-disruptive nature.

Obituaries

The issue reports the deaths of two notable figures: Kaigh Deigh, an actor known for his role in "Hawaii Five-0," who was 75, and Barry Hoffman, son of ufologist Harry Hoffman, who died at 43. Barry Hoffman is remembered as a talented artist who contributed cartoons to "Smear."

The James Randi Story - Part 4,789

This section continues the discussion of the feud between James Randi and Uri Geller. It highlights that Randi received a significant financial grant from the MacArthur Foundation in 1986, which the newsletter suggests may have contributed to his subsequent financial difficulties and public appeals for funds. The article quotes Randi's statements about the grant and his ability to announce any affiliation without repercussions. It also criticizes Randi's past attacks on individuals.

Tidbits of Trash

This section provides brief news items and recommendations:

• Apologies are extended to Ed Walters regarding the poor quality of comparative photos in a previous issue.
• Information is given about upcoming books: Stanton Friedman and Don Berliner's "Cosmic Collision: The U.S. Military Retrieval & Cover-Up of Crashed UFOs in New Mexico," and William Moore, Jaime Shandera, and Richard C. Doty's "The Scientist, the Government & UFOs: Personal Recollections of the Paul Bennewitz Affair."
• A new publisher, Illuminet Press, is recommended for authors with UFO-related manuscripts.
• The International UFO Center of Orlando, Florida, is mentioned as a source for MUFON and UFO articles.

Book and Merchandise Promotions

Several items are promoted for sale:

• T-shirts, hats, license plates, and certificates from the Pleiadians.
• Dr. Frank Stranges' new edition of "Stranger at the Pentagon."
• A newsletter called "Paradox" from Rima Laibow's organization TREAT.
• Back issues of "Smear" from 1983 onwards are available for $1.00 each.

Editor's Travel Plans

James Moseley announces his upcoming travel plans in March, including attending conventions in San Diego and Trenton, and the "Right to Know" demonstration in Washington, D.C.

Reader Contributions and Letters

Several readers share their thoughts:

• Robert Anton Wilson writes about his experience at the "Phenomicon" convention in Atlanta, discussing his literary methods and contrasting them with Robert Sheaffer's style. He also makes provocative statements about AIDS and George Bush.
• Bill Knell writes about UFO researcher John Ford, accusing him of spreading false information about a UFO crash case on Long Island and misrepresenting animal mutilation evidence. Knell also expresses his disinterest in James Randi, calling him a "dead issue."
• Jim Lippard, a skeptic, comments on Al Seckel and James Randi's claims regarding Uri Geller's Japanese complaint, suggesting Randi's interpretation might be based on faulty translation.
• Barbara Becker expresses enjoyment of the coverage of the Randi case but states that Randi's skepticism is "hateful and mean-spirited."
• Monty Cantsin describes Randi and Klass as individuals who use irrational arguments against the paranormal and attempt to silence "weirdos."
• Keith Thompson provides publisher information for his book "Angels and Aliens."
• Paul Fisher writes to congratulate the editor on his tenure as Assistant Section Director for MUFON in Monroe County, Florida, despite the lack of sighting reports.
• Riley Crabb shares a speculative idea about the Christian religion being a creation of "Bug People" or "Greyliens from Orion," questioning Jimmy Carter's stance.
• M. Bartold requests to be re-entered into the subscription list for "Saucer Smear."
• M. E. Hobo recounts a bizarre, possibly drug-induced, experience involving a flying saucer and a naked woman.

Intergalactic Tours 1992 Holiday Program

Intergalactic Tours Corporation announces its 1992 Holiday Program, offering a grand tour of New Mexico. The tour includes visits to famous UFO-related sites such as the Roswell Space Center, Socorro (site of an alien-CIA meeting), Sandia Labs (where spaceship remains were analyzed), and Aztec (site of a crash landing). A highlight is a visit to the underground laboratories at Dulce, where "hybrid creatures" are allegedly bred between aliens and earthlings. The tour is guided by Whitley Strieber and costs $24,995, with an optional extra for a visit to Desert Center, California.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of "Saucer Smear" maintains its critical stance towards mainstream skepticism, particularly regarding James Randi's methods and pronouncements. The newsletter champions the investigation of UFO phenomena and often presents information that challenges conventional explanations. There is a clear editorial preference for ufological research and a distrust of established scientific or governmental bodies regarding UFO disclosure. The inclusion of reader letters and personal anecdotes suggests an emphasis on community and shared experiences within the UFO field. The publication also actively promotes UFO-related books, events, and merchandise, serving as a hub for enthusiasts.