Saucer Smear - Vol 39 No 02 - 1992

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 39, No. 2
Date: February 25th, 1992
Publisher: SAUCER & UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Editor: James W. Moseley

This issue of "Saucer Smear" is a non-scheduled newsletter dedicated to ufological journalism. The cover features a drawing of the editor interviewing a witness and prominently displays the headline questioning the credibility of Don Schmitt and Kevin Randle's reinvestigation of the Roswell Incident.

Editorial: Don Schmitt, Kevin Randle & Roswell: Will the Real Messengers of Deception Please Stand Up?

This section, based on an editorial by UFO researcher Bill Moore, launches a strong critique against Don Schmitt and Kevin Randle's work on the Roswell Incident. The editor, James W. Moseley, asserts that their reinvestigation has done more harm than good to the case's credibility. He suggests several possible motives for their actions: seeking personal fame, elevating the Center for UFO Studies (CUFOS) above MUFON, or participating in a government disinformation plot to discredit UFOs as extraterrestrial craft.

Moseley details an alleged act of "treachery" by Kevin Randle involving a photograph of the Roswell wreckage taken by Dr. Johnson in 1947. Randle allegedly sent a copy of this photo to Dr. Johnson with a doctored time notation (7:59 PM instead of the original 11:59 PM) on the transmission caption. The intent, according to Moseley, was to trap Shandera, Johnson, and himself into using the altered photo, thereby allowing Randle to accuse them of falsifying evidence. However, the plan backfired when other researchers, including Dennis Stacy and Moseley himself, obtained copies of the same photo with the correct 11:59 PM transmission time, proving the alteration.

The editorial further questions the motives and methods of Schmitt and Randle, citing Schmitt's admitted participation in undercover activities for government agencies and Randle's connections with Air Force Intelligence and CSICOP. Moseley expresses frustration over how these individuals have allegedly "trashed" the Roswell case.

Miscellaneous Ravings

This section briefly touches upon the complexity of the Roswell case and mentions three competing research teams: Moore & Shandera; Randle & Schmitt; and Friedman & Berliner. It also highlights the work of anthropologist Thomas Carey, who investigated a claim by witness Gerald Anderson about archaeologists being present at the Roswell crash site in 1947. Anderson identified the leader of this expedition as Dr. Buskirk from the University of Pennsylvania. However, the investigation revealed that Anderson knew Buskirk not as a fellow UFO witness, but as his former high school teacher.

Bob Oechsler and 'Alien Liason'

The issue then shifts to Bob Oechsler, a robotics engineer known for his work on the Gulf Breeze UFO photographs. Oechsler has gained prominence following the publication of Timothy Good's book "Alien Liason," particularly Chapter Ten, "Cosmic Journey." This chapter describes Oechsler's alleged encounters and breakthroughs regarding government UFO cover-ups. One notable event discussed is Oechsler's meeting with retired Admiral B.R. Inman, whom Oechsler believed was part of MJ-12. Oechsler allegedly recorded a conversation with Inman illegally. Inman, in a subsequent letter to Armen Victorian, denied any recollection of Oechsler, any understanding of MJ-12, and stated he had never encountered credible evidence of extraterrestrial activity, asserting that Oechsler misrepresented their conversation.

Letters to the Editor

Kevin Randle's Response: Kevin Randle writes a letter refuting Bill Moore's accusations. He dismisses the claim of altering the Bettmann photo time as "ridiculous," arguing that their analysis fails because Shandera used the incorrect time in an article, and he never made the allegation. Randle also addresses the issue of tape editing, stating that interviews were edited to remove extraneous material, not to falsify content. He defends the handling of the Johnson tape and the Roswell photo transmission time, asserting that the evidence supports their version.

"THE OPEN FILE" Response: A Massachusetts researcher writing as "THE OPEN FILE" addresses an accusation by "Bill Knell" regarding a former LIUFON member. The researcher states that a mental patient originated the rumor and that three LIUFON members were ousted for stealing materials under Federal Copyright.

Carol Salisbury's Letter: Carol Salisbury, wife of former MUFON investigator Rex Salisbury, sends a letter with menu suggestions for a "Marina Restaurant" in Pensacola, Florida, related to UFO sightings, including "The Bridge Burger" and "The Gulf Breeze Double Decker."

Erik Beckjord's Note: Famed Bigfoot expert Erik Beckjord offers a humorous note on names, suggesting "Buzzard" might be more apt than "Bird" for someone who "sings" (reports on others).

Monty Cantsin's Critique: Monty Cantsin writes a critique of Robert Anton Wilson, calling him immoral and his literary methods "barbaric" and "pretentious."

Robert Sheaffer's Skepticism: Skeptic Robert Sheaffer writes about his debate with Robert Anton Wilson, accusing Wilson of using his "fallibility" as an escape hatch and of making unsubstantiated claims.

Press-Time Hot Flashes

This section provides brief updates:

• Rex Salisberry has been removed from MUFON due to an unfinished and negative report on the Ed Walters (Gulf Breeze) UFO case.
• Phil Klass declined an invitation to speak at the National UFO Conference (NUFOC) unless fire walking was included.
• The MUFON membership in Monroe County, Florida, has doubled.
• The editor's donation of Peruvian artifacts to the Fort Lauderdale Museum of Archaeology is mentioned.
• Upcoming conventions in San Diego and near Trenton, N.J., are noted.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the controversy and alleged disinformation surrounding the Roswell Incident. The editorial stance is highly critical of researchers Don Schmitt and Kevin Randle, accusing them of damaging the credibility of UFO research. There is a strong emphasis on questioning evidence, motives, and the integrity of researchers within the UFO community. The issue also touches upon skepticism towards certain UFO claims and researchers, as seen in the critiques of Robert Anton Wilson and the defense of scientific methodology. The editor, James W. Moseley, clearly positions himself as a discerning investigator who is wary of unsubstantiated claims and potential deception within the field.