Saucer Smear - Vol 39 No 04 - 1992

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 39, No. 4
Date: May 5th, 1992
Publisher: Official Publication of the Saucer & Unexplained Celestial Events Research Society

This issue of Saucer Smear is characterized by its direct and often confrontational approach to ufology, evident in its 'LAWSUIT DEPARTMENT' and 'MISCELLANEOUS RAVINGS' sections, which feature strong opinions and debates within the UFO community.

Lawsuit Department

The magazine opens with a 'FLASH' detailing a legal threat from a Kansas City lawyer representing James Randi. Initially, the lawyer demanded $10,000 in October and November 1991, to avoid a lawsuit over Saucer Smear's 'Smear' articles concerning Randi/Geller lawsuits. By April 10th, 1992, the demand increased to $20,000 within ten days. Saucer Smear's editor declares they will not submit to 'legal blackmail'. The magazine's lawyer, Henry Morgenstern, responded to Randi's lawyer, questioning the contradictory demands to both publicize and keep secret certain information, and suggesting Randi should allow the press freedom.

Gulf Breeze Update

The issue provides an update on the controversial Gulf Breeze, Florida, sightings by Ed Walters, which ended in May 1988. The controversy surrounding his photographs persists, with both debunkers and believers actively debating the case. Rex Salisberry, formerly a rising star in Florida MUFON, was tasked by International Director Walt Andrus to re-evaluate aspects of the Walters case. This investigation included examining a model of Walters' craft found in his home. Tommy Smith, a friend of Ed Walters' son, gave a statement to the press alleging that some of the photographs were faked. According to MUFON, Salisberry's role was meant to be a simple investigation, but he reportedly lost faith in the Walters story and joined the debunkers, causing anger within MUFON. Physicist William Hyzer was contracted by MUFON for a photographic re-analysis of the Walters pictures, but he reached negative conclusions, which Walt Andrus dismissed as 'personal opinion'. Salisberry stated that Hyzer's work was a 'definitive and compelling argument that the (Walters) photos are hoaxed', specifically regarding Photo 19, the 'road shot'.

Despite these developments, the Gulf Breeze/Pensacola MUFON group remains active, reporting frequent UFO sightings that are becoming more detailed. The magazine notes that while it remains skeptical of Walters' photos, it is intrigued by the ongoing sightings. Saucer Smear reiterates its defense of Ed Walters against unfair attacks by debunkers Willy Smith and Phil Klass. The magazine plans a fourth trip to Gulf Breeze.

The most damaging argument against the authenticity of the Walters photos is cited as Tommy Smith's testimony at a press conference, which Salisberry claims Smith passed two lie detector tests on. The magazine acknowledges that there's no obvious reason for Smith to lie but reserves final judgment.

Miscellaneous Ravings

Coral Castle Mystery: UFO researcher Bob Oechsler contributes an article on the Coral Castle in South Florida, built by Edward Leedskalnin. Leedskalnin sculpted over 1,100 tons of coral rock. The article dismisses speculation about cosmic forces or anti-gravity, suggesting that Leedskalnin, a trained stonemason from Latvia, used standard methods of weights and levers. It notes that the castle was initially built in Florida City and later relocated to Homestead.

Extraterrestrial Liaison Conference (NUFOC): An update is provided on the 29th annual National UFO Conference, now called the Extraterrestrial Liaison Conference, dedicated to contact and communication with alien beings. It was scheduled for October 24th-25th, 1992, at the Apalachee Parkway Holiday Inn in Tallahassee, Florida. The event included a public opening of host Ed Komarek's 60-acre farm for a sky watch, bonfire, and fire walking. Speakers were expected to include Don Ware, Ed Walters, Bruce Morrison, Dr. Steven Greer, Howard Menger, Jim Moseley, and others.

TREAT IV Conference: Reports are mentioned from the recent (April 8th-12th) TREAT IV Conference near Atlanta, Georgia, sponsored by Dr. Rima Laibow. Participants included General Albert Stubblebine III and Dr. Steven Greer. The conference highlighted 'Remote Viewing', described as a method to see aliens psychically in any Time or Space. The article notes that TREAT, now 'open to the public', seems to have become a 'highbrow crackpot organization'.

Isaac Asimov's Views: The magazine reflects on the recent death of science fiction writer Isaac Asimov. His last article for 'Skeptical Inquirer' is quoted, where he discusses 'quantum weirdness' and the limitations of human comprehension of reality. Asimov expressed gladness to live in a century where the universe is 'essentially understood'. The author of the article questions Asimov's 'blind spot', suggesting his analysis leaves room for alternate universes and dimensions.

Roswell Incident: A diagram by Barry Greenwood is shown, interpreting symbols Jesse Marcel Jr. saw on the Roswell wreckage. The accompanying article in 'Just Cause' reportedly argues there is no scientific proof the incident involved an interplanetary spaceship.

Letters to Ye Olde Editor

This section features a collection of letters from various individuals within the ufological community, offering diverse perspectives and engaging in debates:

• Dr. Bruce Maccabee (The Fund for UFO Research) humorously notes that Carol Salisberry left 'La Piece de la Maison' (Salisberry Steak) off the menu for the Marina Restaurant.
• Erik Beckjord (Bigfootologist) recounts an incident involving Bill Cooper at a lecture, detailing Cooper's irritation, an alleged physical altercation, and Beckjord's decision not to press charges. Beckjord is also reported to have been involved in a 'near bar-room brawl' at the TREAT IV conference.
• Jerry Clark (CUFOS and FATE Magazine) addresses Barry Greenwood's comments, disagreeing with the assertion that UFOs are not regular television fodder. Clark argues that the increasing number of scientific professionals entering UFO research is more significant than the opinions of laypeople like waitresses and truck drivers.
• Dennis Stacy (Editor of the MUFON UFO Journal) discusses the Clark-Greenwood debate, noting the growth in UFO-related publications and MUFON's membership. He invokes Sturgeon's Law ('Ninety percent of everything is crap!') to suggest that while more 'crap' exists, the overall growth bodes well for ufology.
• Mike Talpas (Talpas Office of Special Investigations) inquires if Kevin Randle's numerous fiction novels include 'UFO Crash at Roswell'.
• Jerry Lucci expresses disbelief in Gerald Anderson's story, questioning the reliability of Stanton Friedman and the 'believe anything and everything at all cost syndrome' in ufology. He poses two questions regarding the Roswell crash: why Jesse Marcel waited until the mid-1970s to speak, and how Mac Brazel identified a debris field as a flying disk.
• Brian Parks comments on a 'hot mud-slinging issue' involving Bill Moore and Kevin Randle, focusing on the problem of an altered photo and questioning if Randle sent Mr. Johnson the Bettmann photo.
• Erik Beckjord responds to Kevin Randle's question about 'moral outrage at Moore', suggesting the ufological community should shun Moore for his alleged involvement in spying and disinformation concerning Paul Bennewitz. Beckjord notes that only Randle has spoken out, implying other UFO buffs are 'bland credulous sheep'.
• Pat Bontempo expresses confusion about the importance of exact details in the Roswell incident, suggesting that the event's occurrence is more significant than precise details, and that current explanations are unsatisfactory.
• Robert Wanderer discusses Gerald Anderson's story, referencing memory expert Dr. Elizabeth Loftus and explaining how memory is constructed from perceived bits and other memories.
• Monty Cantsin criticizes Bill Moore, stating he lacks humor and imagination, and calls for 'moral outrage at Moore' for being 'pompous and boring'.
• Cate Plys thanks Saucer Smear for running the FOCUS excerpt and expresses anticipation for Phil Klass and the editor walking on fire at the NUFOC convention, noting that Klass has withdrawn.
• Paul Fisher expresses his decision to continue monitoring MUFON membership in Monroe County, Florida, and thanks 'Smear' for its information.
• Dennis Stillings (Archaeus Project) notes that Randi's lawyer apparently made a deal for an ad in 'Smear' instead of paying $10,000 for 'libelous remarks', questioning why the demand increased to $20,000.
• Dick Freeman playfully distinguishes 'Oiseau' from 'WAZOO', calling 'Oiseau' the 'Grand Wazoo of UFO studies'.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include ongoing legal disputes and threats within the ufological community, particularly concerning James Randi and alleged libel. The Gulf Breeze case remains a central focus, highlighting the persistent controversy and differing interpretations of evidence. The magazine also touches upon historical mysteries like Coral Castle and emerging ufological phenomena such as Remote Viewing. The editorial stance is generally skeptical but open-minded, defending its right to publish critical articles while acknowledging the complexities and debates within the field. There is a clear emphasis on investigative journalism and challenging established narratives, even when it leads to legal threats. The letters section reveals a community grappling with credibility, internal conflicts, and the definition of ufology itself.