Saucer Smear - Vol 39 No 07 - 1992

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: No. 7
Volume: 39
Date: August 15th, 1992
Publisher: SAUCER & UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of "Saucer Smear" announces the return of James W. Moseley as Editor and Supreme Commander, regaining control of the publication after a period of absence. The threat from former UFO researcher Bill Knell is reported to have subsided following a formal complaint to the U.S. Post Office.

Conference and Convention Reports

29th Annual National UFO Conference (NUFOC)

The issue promotes the upcoming 29th Annual National UFO Conference in Tallahassee, Florida, on October 24th and 25th. Details and a free fact sheet are available. The event is organized by the Permanent Organizing Committee, with James Moseley serving as Permanent Chairman.

MUFON Convention in Albuquerque

The editor recounts attending the annual MUFON convention in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The event was hosted by Teresa Brito-Asenap. A press conference featured a spirited exchange between Captain Kevin Randle and Stanton Friedman regarding the authenticity of an alleged Roswell Incident witness, Gerald Anderson. The editor notes Walt Andrus's (head of MUFON) comments on the convention's history and its modern attendees, including abductees and channelers.

Key speakers at the convention included Jacques Vallee, who lamented the state of ufology and criticized researchers who manipulate abductees. Budd Hopkins presented a case of an alleged alien abduction in Manhattan. The editor expresses skepticism about the details of this case, suggesting it might be more suited for psychological analysis.

Other speakers mentioned are Montague Keen on crop circle research, Antonio Huneeus, Vladimir Ajaja on electromagnetic effects of UFOs, Linda Moulton Howe, Jeffrey Sainio, Piet van Putten, and Dr. Richard Neal on the "Missing Embryo/Fetus Syndrome".

Private MUFON meetings were also held, though the editor was not invited to all of them.

UFO Photo Analysis

Ed Walters UFO Photos

The issue references the long-awaited report by photo expert William Hyzer on the Ed Walters UFO photos, published in the July 1992 MUFON UFO Journal. Hyzer concludes that Photograph No. 19 is a fake, produced by multiple-exposure photography. Rex Salisberry is mentioned as having assisted Hyzer, and is reportedly preparing his own 220-page report on the photos.

Miscellaneous Topics and Opinions

Tidbits of Trash

This section includes various rumors and reports, such as alleged code names for individuals involved in UFO research (OISEAU, Falcon, Pelican, Bluejay, Raven, Owl) and a mention of "O. H. Krill" as a fabrication by John Grace and John Lear.

Lawsuit Settlement

The lawsuit brought by alleged psychic Noreen Renier against CSICOPer John Merrell has been settled for an undisclosed amount, with terms prohibiting discussion.

TREAT IV

Dr. Rima Laibow and Victoria Lacas of TREAT (Center for Treatment and Research of Experienced Anomalous Trauma) resent the use of the term "highbrow" to describe their organization.

Robert Anton Wilson

Robert Anton Wilson comments on Sheaffer's ongoing criticism of him and expresses a desire not to see CSICOP vanish, finding them entertaining.

Tom McIver

Tom McIver agrees with "Saucer Smear's" editorial stance on Seckel, Klass, CSICOP, and the Randi lawsuits. He believes Geller's allegations of libel against Randi have merit but wishes no harm to Randi, acknowledging his work in exposing fraud.

Skepticism and CSICOP

Several contributors express strong criticism of CSICOP. Dr. Leo Sprinkle notes Philip Klass admitting a "serious mistake" and criticizes CSICOP's policy of inviting pro-Ufologists to speak at conferences. Mike Lindner recounts an incident at a skeptics' meeting where James Randi was questioned about alleged remarks concerning Eldon Byrd.

Christopher Allan supports Curtis Peebles, suggesting that some Roswell "witnesses" have been influenced by belief systems formed after 1947. Jim Oberg, identified as a NASA Damage-Control Officer and CIA stooge, dismisses the "astronaut UFO videotape" as unbelievable and criticizes those interested in it.

Dennis Stacy, editor of the MUFON UFO Journal, complains about the "regularly ridicules MUFON and its UFO Journal for unwarranted skepticism" in the Florida MUFON NEWS.

Victoria Lacas defends her article in "UFO Magazine" regarding alleged inappropriate behavior at a conference, stating she interviewed participants and had discussions with a third.

"OPEN FILE" writes about Bill Knell potentially being ousted from New York public libraries due to alleged scams and a past arrest record.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of "Saucer Smear" maintains its critical and often skeptical stance towards certain aspects of the UFO community, while also engaging with and reporting on UFO-related events and personalities. There is a clear editorial line that questions the validity of some claims and the motives of certain researchers, particularly those involved with abduction phenomena and alleged psychic powers. The publication also appears to have a complex relationship with organizations like MUFON and CSICOP, sometimes critical, sometimes cooperative. The editor, James Moseley, is presented as a central figure, actively involved in reporting and commenting on the UFO field. The recurring theme is the pursuit of "truth" in ufology, often through rigorous examination and skepticism, as indicated by the tagline "SHOCKINGLY CLOSE TO THE TRUTH!".