SAUCER SMEAR

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 39, No. 10
Date: December 5th, 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. It provides coverage of the 29th annual National UFO Conference (NUFOC) held in scenic Tallahassee, Florida, with ufologist Ed Komarek serving as the local host. Over one hundred attendees participated in public sessions and an outdoor dinner at Komarek's farm.

National UFO Conference Highlights

The conference featured several notable speakers. Simone Mendez, a young Air Force veteran, shared a remarkable story about her unusual experiences, which had previously been revealed in "Saucer Smear". Her story involved a sensational teletype printout about a fleet of UFOs over Russia. Tim Beckley also gave a public lecture, presenting bizarre Fortean/UFO cases from the past 25 years and a video of a man named "Mafia Mike" who claimed a UFO contact at Area 51. A unique presentation was a hypnotic session led by Jiles Hamilton, who helped an abductee named Rickey Monroe recall experiences on board a spacecraft. Monroe also lectured on UFO activity in his hometown of Vidalia, Georgia.

Other speakers included Donald Ware on UFO activity in Russia, Rick Hilberg who showed slides of UFOs, Dr. Bert Schwarz on "Saucers, PSI, and psychiatry," and contactee Bill Clendenon discussing George Adamski's UFO experiences. Dr. Frank Stranges provided an updated version of his experiences with "Val Thor," and editor James W. Moseley shared his own sightings and experiences.

Allen Greenfield of Atlanta was presented with the "Ufologist of the Year" award. The NUFOC is scheduled to be held in Trenton, N.J. the following year, and in Cleveland, Ohio, the year after that.

Key Incidents and Investigations

Simone Mendez's story detailed her experiences in a top-security area of Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, where she received a classified message about UFOs over Russia. This led to months of Air Force interrogations and lie detector tests, resulting in her security clearances being scrapped and her eventual departure from the Air Force in 1988.

The issue also discusses the ongoing investigation of Ed Walters' Gulf Breeze photos. MUFON czar Walt Andrus has accepted a supportive report from investigator Art Hufford, which "explains away" the infamous UFO model and negative testimony from Tommy Smith. "Saucer Smear" has always felt the model might have been a plant.

Controversies and Disputes in Ufology

There is a discussion regarding the Roswell UFO case, with Jerry Clark of the "International UFO Reporter" siding with Kevin Randle and Don Schmitt against Stanton Friedman and Don Berliner. Clark rejects claims of a second crash site at San Agustin and Gerald Anderson's testimony, calling Friedman an "advocate" rather than an investigator.

The magazine also addresses the issue of ufologists like Budd Hopkins, John E. Mack, David Jacobs, Jerome Clark, and Walter H. Andrus, Jr., who accept abduction claims but argue against reporting them to law enforcement authorities due to potential "political damage" to UFO research. Researcher George Hansen questions their priorities.

Daryl Collins, writing pseudonymously, expresses concern about Budd Hopkins' abrasive behavior and his refusal to share vital evidence he claims to possess regarding UFO writings, suggesting it hinders ufological study.

New Publications and Brief Outbursts

The issue highlights several new publications, including "The Ohio Sky Watcher" magazine, "UFO Encounters" zine, and books like "The Gemstone File" and "Clouds of Glory." It also mentions a non-UFO book by Hayden Hewes on models and modeling, and "Human Reactions to UFOs Worldwide" by a veteran investigator.

Brief outbursts include a report about a former Army sergeant claiming to have shot down a UFO in Germany in 1974, and the availability of the book "UFO Crash Secrets at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base" through Tim Beckley. The magazine also notes a hoaxed "alien" photo used in a promotion for the Third World UFO Congress in Norway.

Personal Accounts and Opinions

Several readers and contributors share their thoughts. Bishop Allen expresses gratitude for recognition at the NUFOC and reflects on ufological principles. Pat Linse, Art Director of "Skeptic" magazine, thanks "Saucer Smear" for a plug and denies rumors of the magazine being created by CSICOP.

John Lear shares his experiences, including not being abducted at the Phoenix convention and mentions Hatonn backing Perot and Ashtar backing Bush. He also recounts being "screwed" out of money by NBC for a picture of Groom Lake and jokes about aliens.

Kevin Randle writes about Gerald Anderson admitting to lying about a UFO sighting and questions the credibility of his testimony. He also suggests the Friedman book is fiction.

Daryl Collins criticizes Budd Hopkins for his dismissive attitude towards abduction accounts that don't fit his pattern and for withholding evidence.

William Howard, a psychic, expresses skepticism about the Budd and Linda incident, quoting his grandfather: "I know bull shit when I smell it."

Mark Curtis comments on Dr. Bruce Maccabee's remarks about the Gulf Breeze Red Light, defending his conclusion that it was a road flare based on his experience in a police department and the visual evidence of smoke and falling particles.

Erik Beckjord discusses the Discovery UFO Film (STS 48) and challenges James Oberg's interpretation, suggesting that an object seen is not debris but something else, and questions a "cover-up."

Patrick Huyghe mentions his interviews with mental health professionals on UFOs for an upcoming OMNI story and promotes his new book, "Columbus Was Last."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently upholds the principles of ufological journalism, as stated in its dedication. It appears to be critical of perceived hoaxes and misinformation within the UFO community, while also being open to reporting on various cases and investigations. The editorial stance seems to favor independent investigation and a critical examination of claims, as evidenced by the discussions on the Gulf Breeze photos, the Roswell case, and the behavior of prominent ufologists. There is a clear skepticism towards certain aspects of the UFO field, particularly concerning alleged cover-ups and the handling of evidence. The magazine also touches upon political commentary, as seen in the "Give 'em what they want - sex and gore" quote and the mention of political figures.