Saucer Smear - Vol 39 No 05 - 1992

Magazine Overview

Title: The Washington Post
Issue Date: June 15th, 1992
Volume: Vol. 39, No. 5
Issue Number: No. 145
Document Type: Non-Scheduled Newsletter

Hoaxers and Frauds Abound in UFO Field

The lead article, "Hoaxers and Frauds Abound in UFO Field: Brazen Con Artists Prey On Believers and Skeptics Alike" by I. Gothca, reports on a federal investigation into James W. Moseley, a UFO researcher and self-proclaimed "guru." Sources within the Justice Department describe Moseley as suspected of running a long-term confidence racket, allegedly funding a vicarious lifestyle through both UFO believers and skeptics. Investigators believe Moseley's recent pressure on subscribers to donate to his newsletter, "Saucer Smear," may lead to his downfall. A special prosecutor is quoted as saying, "The greedy SOB just went too damn far. He crossed the line."

Hallelujiah, O Lorde, We Have Seen The Light:

This section details a UFO sighting experienced by the publication's editor and others on May 10th, 1992, at a location near the Pensacola Bridge in Florida, known as the "summer location" for viewing UFOs. Approximately 30-40 individuals were present. The object, affectionately nicknamed "Bubba," appeared as a bright red light from the east, moving closer at a considerable altitude. It was composed of several small red lights and made no noise. At one point, a small white light detached from the main object and disappeared. The red light then turned white, flared up significantly, and gradually faded. The sighting lasted approximately three minutes and fifty seconds. The editor notes that "Bubba" can appear from any direction and exhibit various light sequences, with red to white being common. The viewing time of 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. is considered the most frequent.

The following day, the editor and others watched a video of this sighting and others at the home of MUFONite Bruce Morrison. The article questions the motivation of these individuals who repeatedly observe similar phenomena, with Morrison stating it's "To learn what it really is," and expressing hope for eventual communication and possibly abduction.

Skeptics like Mark Curtis and Rex Salisberry suggest "Bubba" might be a flare, a theory the publication finds logical. However, subsequent observations of Coast Guard flares at MUFON's request were described as weak and distant, not resembling "Bubba."

The article mentions attending a MUFON meeting with about 100 people, noting increased attendance due to recent TV publicity. Ed Komarek of Thomasville, Georgia, a prominent figure in MUFON, presented slides from his trip to Russia. A rumor, attributed to Phil Klass, suggested that Ed Walters and his wife Francis were divorcing, but the couple later reconciled. Ed Walters is reportedly back to building houses locally.

A Professional Critique of CSICOP:

This section reviews a 60-page critique of CSICOP (Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal) by George Hansen, a New Jersey parapsychologist. The critique, titled "CSICOP and the Skeptics: An Overview," appeared in The Journal of the American Society for Psychical Research. Hansen highlights CSICOP's legal challenges, including a libel suit against the Northwest Skeptics by psychic Noreen Renier, and a legal fight involving Gharith Pendragon and the Hawaii Skeptics. CSICOP also faced issues with James Randi's statements about Eldon Byrd and Uri Geller, leading to Randi's resignation. The article suggests these legal battles are costly and may threaten CSICOP's future. Hansen argues that CSICOP's focus on public relations and influencing popular opinion, rather than scientific research, creates a hostile environment for paranormal investigation and may lead to a broader rejection of science.

Robotman Comic Strip

A comic strip titled "Robotman" is included, featuring a humorous scenario involving a robot captain and his crew.

Tidbits of Trash:

This section contains various short news items and reader contributions:

• A fan from the Washington, D.C. area sent in a "Gem" for the cover.
• Back issues of "Smear" are available for $1 each.
• The book "UFO Crash Secrets at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base" is available for $12.
• The CUFOS investigative team reportedly found original 1947 debris from the Roswell UFO crash site that had been deliberately buried in concrete.
• Bill Knell, formerly head of "Island Skywatch," now publishes a newsletter called "Bill Knell's UFO Newsletter."
• Dan Wright, a deputy director of MUFON, resigned due to a dispute over sharing confidential abduction/hypnosis material.
• Tom Adams has released a revised edition of his 1980 book, "The Choppers and the Choppers: Mystery Helicopters and Animal Mutilations," linking unmarked helicopters to cattle mutilations.

Miscellaneous Ravings:

This section discusses:

• Criticism for linking Rima Laibow and TREAT IV with PSI-TECH, an organization offering "Remote Viewing" services. Major General Albert Stubblebine and Ed Dames are mentioned as key figures in PSI-TECH. A two-week course costs $2,000, and six trained experts can be rented for $6,000 per week.
• The upcoming UFO convention hosted by Tim Beckley in Rachel, Nevada, near "Area 51."
• The editor's planned attendance at the annual MUFON convention in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and the National UFO Conference in Tallahassee, Florida.
• Pat Marcattilio's flying saucer library and museum in Trenton, New Jersey, and his hosting of future UFO conferences.

Missives From The Masses:

This section features letters from readers and notable figures:

• Phyllis Galde, Managing Editor of FATE Magazine, praises "Saucer Smear" as a "voice of reason" and asks about a visit to the Twin Cities.
• Robert Anton Wilson writes about his new code name "Vogel," praises "Saucer Smear," and encourages voting for Perot in the upcoming election.
• Jim Oberg, a space expert and CSICOP enthusiast, expresses his enjoyment of "Smear" and congratulates the publication on scooping NBC's report on "secret flying vehicles" near "Area 51." He also criticizes Jacques Vallee's work on Soviet UFOs.
• Mark Curtis of WEAR-TV in Pensacola reports that ABC Television has abandoned plans for a mini-series on the "Gulf Breeze Sightings." He also mentions a KHOU-TV crew videotaping a "red light" from Shoreline Park.
• Bill Moore, head of the Fair-Witness Project, reports a temporary suspension of operations due to personal tragedies but expects to be fully operational soon.
• Stanton Friedman writes about the Roswell incident, refuting Jerry Lucci's claims about Gerald Anderson's recollection and providing details from his own research and publications.
• Captain Kevin Randle raises questions about contradictions in Gerald Anderson's account of the Roswell incident, particularly regarding his ability to read at age six.
• Erik ("Gashawk") Beckjord discusses a verbal altercation with Ed Dames of PSI-TECH and critiques the credentials of "Dr." Harley Byrd and "Dr." Fred Bell.
• Tom McIver, a CSICOP member, accuses Phil Klass of conspiring against Al Seckel and asserts that Seckel defrauded skeptics. He also mentions James Randi's past involvement with Seckel's organization.

British Scientist Unleashes Extraterrestrial Menace

A brief news item from London reports that the British scientific community is outraged by a suggestion that one of their number has revived a menace that could endanger Earth, referencing a NASA astronomer's prediction of an asteroid impact.

National UFO Museum

An advertisement for the National UFO Museum in Reno, Nevada, invites donations for their mailing list and catalog.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include skepticism towards UFO claims, investigations into alleged hoaxes and frauds within the UFO community, and critiques of organizations that debunk paranormal phenomena. The publication appears to favor a critical yet open-minded approach, presenting both sightings and skeptical analyses. The editorial stance is generally critical of unsubstantiated claims and those who profit from them, while also highlighting specific UFO events and research efforts. There is a clear emphasis on investigative journalism and providing a platform for diverse viewpoints within the UFO discourse.