Saucer Smear - Vol 39 No 06 - 1992

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 39, No. 6
Date: July 5th, 1992
Publisher: SAUCER SMEAR
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of SAUCER SMEAR, a publication dedicated to ufological journalism and the official publication of the SAUCER & UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY, focuses heavily on criticism of the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal (CSICOP) and its prominent figure, James Randi.

Randi and CSICOP Want Our Money - But Do They Deserve It?

The lead article details threats of a lawsuit from a Kansas City lawyer representing James Randi, demanding $10,000 or $20,000 from SAUCER SMEAR for alleged defamation. The publication refused, asserting their right to free speech. Following this, they received an "Urgent Message from the CSICOP Legal Defense Fund" requesting money, though not demanding it. The article quotes CSICOP's fund-raising letter, which states they "refuse to be silenced" and need support to "promot[e] rationality and the appreciation of science." CSICOP claims to be experiencing "harassing lawsuits" that are "totally without merit" and believes these suits are an attempt by "pro-paranormalists" to "strike below the belt" and silence critics through intimidation.

CSICOP's Legal Defense Fund and Rhetoric

The issue includes a lengthy excerpt from Jerry Clark's editorial in "International UFO Reporter," which supports the critique of CSICOP's position. Clark argues that CSICOP, led by Chairman Paul Kurtz, is in "dire straits" due to lawsuits filed by Uri Geller. He criticizes CSICOP's obsession with Geller's methods and its transformation from "scientific investigation" to a self-promotional entity with a "fat bank balance." Clark asserts that CSICOP uses "rhetorical strategy" and that mainstream media outlets largely echo CSICOP's dismissive stance on anomalous phenomena, ignoring serious scientific periodicals in the field. He also notes that CSICOP's "extravagance and recklessness of its rhetoric" have led to its current difficulties, with few within the organization protesting the excesses of figures like Randi.

Phil Klass is also mentioned as a vocal critic of ufology, with his past pronouncements likening ufology to Communism being highlighted. The article points out that CSICOP, despite its claims of being a "scientific body," has engaged in personal attacks, as evidenced by Randi's allegations against an American scientist's suicide, which CSICOP remained silent on until lawsuits commenced.

The author of the main article, "OISEAU," expresses a nuanced view, stating that not everyone in CSICOP should be tarred with the same brush, acknowledging respected friends within the organization. However, the criticism is directed at CSICOP's leaders, whom the author describes as arrogant and extremist. The piece concludes that CSICOP's internal lack of criticism has led to its current legal troubles, and that the organization has no one to blame but itself.

Miscellaneous Ravings and Historical Cases

The issue also includes several shorter pieces:

• Albert K. Bender Update: An update on Albert K. Bender, founder of the International Flying Saucer Bureau in 1952, who claimed to have been warned by "men in black" to cease his UFO investigations. Bender is now reportedly experiencing physical and mental problems and is off the UFO subject.
• Tommy Smith Statement: A mention of a 34-page transcript of a statement made by Tommy Smith to Gulf Breeze authorities regarding UFO photographs.
• Ed Walters Controversy: A letter from Phil Klass to "Saucer Smear" regarding Ed Walters' UFO photographs and his legal troubles. Klass admits that Walters was not forthright about his "car theft and forgery" conviction and awaits Klass' report on Walters' official pardon.
• Robert Anton Wilson: A letter from Robert Anton Wilson of the Flat Earth Research Society, commenting on a previous article about "Sheaffer" and UFOs, and offering his views on political figures like Bush, Clinton, and Perot.
• Jerry Lucci on Roswell: Jerry Lucci discusses the Roswell Incident, questioning the recollections of Gerald Anderson and the connection between Dr. Buskirk and Anderson's high school. He considers Stanton Friedman a capable researcher but believes he is wasting energy on Anderson.
• Curtis Peebles on Roswell: Ufological historian Curtis Peebles offers a perspective on the Roswell incident, suggesting that in 1947, the concept of alien spaceships was not widely known, and any strange debris could have been perceived as possibly from a crashed disk, with the "ET hypothesis" becoming dominant later.
• Captain Kevin Randle on Anderson: Captain Kevin Randle provides evidence suggesting Gerald Anderson lied about his UFO claims, particularly regarding a phone call duration and a doctored phone bill, concluding that Anderson "invented the entire tale of a crashed saucer."
• Erik Beckjord on MUFON: Erik Beckjord shares information about the 1992 MUFON convention and a controversy involving crop circle lecturer Colin Andrews and UFO film usage, highlighting potential legal issues for MUFON.

Letters to the Editor

Several individuals contribute letters, including:

• Phil Klass: Expresses a newfound recognition of CSICOP as an "insidiously effective organization" and laments the decline in UFO television shows and conferences. He notes a drop in public belief in ESP since CSICOP's creation and criticizes CSICOP's philosophy of not exposing the public to the "wrong side" of paranormal issues. He humorously states his resignation from CSICOP will take effect in the year 2,176.
• Robert Anton Wilson: Writes to "Seamus de la Plume" (likely the editor), expressing surprise at a previous assessment of "Sheaffer" and offering his opinions on various topics, including the political landscape and the nature of belief.
• Jerry Lucci: Addresses the Roswell Incident, correcting previous statements and expressing skepticism about Gerald Anderson's account.
• Monty Cantsin: Congratulates the new editor "OISEAU" and criticizes the previous "demented editorship" of "Moseley." He discusses "The New World Order," freedom of speech, and the perceived "academic drivel" surrounding UFO topics.
• Christa Tilton: A famed abductee, briefly mentions being abducted and returned.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The dominant theme of this issue is a strong critique of CSICOP and its associated figures, particularly James Randi and Phil Klass. The publication champions free speech and accuses CSICOP of using legal threats and financial appeals to suppress dissenting views. There is a clear editorial stance against what is perceived as the dogmatic skepticism of CSICOP, contrasting it with a more open, albeit critical, approach to investigating anomalous phenomena. Historical UFO cases, such as Roswell and the Bender incident, are revisited, often with an emphasis on questioning official narratives and the evolution of public perception regarding UFOs. The issue also highlights internal disputes and controversies within the UFO research community.