Saucer Smear - Vol 40 No 02 - 1993

Magazine Overview

This issue of SAUCER SMEAR, dated February 25th, 1993, is presented as a "NON-SCHEDULED NEWSLETTER" with Volume 40, No. 2. It is the official publication of the SAUCER & UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY and is dedicated to the highest principles of ufological journalism. The editor and supreme commander is James W. Moseley. The mailing address is P. O. Box 1709, Key West, FL 33041. The issue opens with a quote from John Keel in a March 25th, 1977 issue of "Saucer Glues," one of the former names of "Saucer Smear," stating, "You are....a boil on the ass of ufology."

U.S. Army UFO Shootdown Over Germany in 1974

Departing from its usual negative pattern, "Smear" presents the outline of a pro-UFO incident allegedly occurring in Germany in 1974, during the Cold War. The story is provided by an individual known as "Dr. B.," who claims this is the first "Smear" exclusive in its forty-year history. On the night of May 23rd-24th, 1974, men of the 32nd Air Defense Command of the U.S. Army were deployed in a mountain pass northeast of Ramstein Air Force Base. Two Chapparal missile emplacements were among the weapons deployed with live ammunition. The narrative suggests that a UFO, rather than a Russian MIG or conventional airplane, was shot down. The remains were reportedly flown in a highly secret manner to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, and Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada.

"Dr. B.'s" account is contained in an 11-page, double-spaced typed manuscript, which is the essence of a forthcoming book. While several names of personnel involved are mentioned, the authenticity cannot be verified. The editor did have a phone conversation with one participant who refused to give his name for fear of breaking security. Due to "Smear's" format limitations, the full story cannot be printed. Instead, the 11-page tract is offered to readers for $5 per copy, presented as the only way to give the story intact as provided by "Dr. B."

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs??? (Linda Napolitano Case)

Budd Hopkins, in an article for the MUFON UFO Journal, discusses the Linda Napolitano case, referring to the event in November 1989 when Linda allegedly floated out of her apartment window surrounded by small extraterrestrial beings. Hopkins describes this as an "essential target for assault" by debunkers and disinformation agents. He likens Linda to "Snow White" due to her innocence. He anticipates a "disheartening array of intellectual and ethical dwarfs" who will "trample the truth beneath their muddy little feet."

Update on the Linda Napolitano Case

Previous issues of "Smear" have covered the Linda Napolitano case. A crucial meeting occurred at Budd Hopkins' New York City home on October 3rd, 1992, where proponents and opponents discussed the case. Key figures were Jerry Clark, Vice President of CUFOS and editor of its journal, and George Hansen, a parapsychological investigator. Clark, a friend of Hopkins, was flown to New York at Hopkins' expense. Clark requested a six-month moratorium on research by critics, which Hansen refused, insisting on reporting alleged statutory crimes like kidnapping and attempted murder to authorities. Hansen felt the others, who seemed to believe Linda's story, refused to back him for complex reasons, seeing no benefit in drawing "real world" attention to the case.

Clark became enraged by a follow-up call from Hansen and wrote a "paper" blasting Hansen, calling his anti-Hansen article "The Politics of Torquemada, or Earth Calling Hansen's Planet." This article was published in "Orbiter" magazine. Torquemada was an infamous executioner of the Spanish Inquisition. Hansen responded with a 25-page "paper," "A Critique of Budd Hopkins' Case of the UFO Abduction of Linda Napolitano," co-authored with Joseph Stefula and Richard Butler. The paper summarizes the case's high points, flaws, and proponents' attitudes. Hansen explores Clark's stance, which he claims is neither believer nor non-believer, at times using sarcasm. The "Smear" publication urges non-subscribers to read Hansen's tract, available for $4 from Bob Girard.

Miscellaneous Ravings

Ed Walters Case

The January issue of the MUFON UFO Journal contains an article titled "The Last Word on Ed Walters?" MUFON's reinvestigation concludes that the UFO model found in Ed's former home was not made by him, and that Tommy Smith's testimony against Ed is inaccurate. While agreeing about the model, "Smear" questions why Smith would lie and notes the testimony of other former teenagers known to Ed. "Smear's" conclusion remains that the case is a hoax, but they wish Ed well. Rumor has it that Ed and his wife Frances are about to divorce again, and Ed is working on a second book.

Gray Barker

The November-December 1992 issue of the International UFO Reporter (IUR) features an article about Gray Barker, who died in 1984. Author Michael Swords, a natural sciences professor, spent three days at the Clarksburg, West Virginia library where Barker's files are open to the public. Swords wrote a well-researched article, but the "Smear" editor claims to have learned more about Barker over thirty years than Swords did in three days. The editor has written a long letter to the editor of IUR, who is Jerry Clark, for potential publication.

UFO Conventions

Upcoming UFO conventions include Tim Beckley's annual New Age conclave in San Diego (March 12th-15th at the Lafayette Hotel) and Pat Marcattilio's 4th annual "UFO/ET/Humanoids/ Visitors/ Aliens & Abduction Congress" (April 16th-18th at the Days Inn on Route #206 in Bordentown, N.J.). The "Smear" editor will not be able to attend Beckley's event but plans to attend Marcattilio's.

Dr. Eldon Byrd Lawsuit

A court date of May 24th, 1993, has been set for Dr. Eldon Byrd's lawsuit against James "The Amusing" Randi and others. Randi claims to be broke and without a lawyer.

Operation Right to Know Demonstration

On July 5th, following the MUFON convention in Richmond, Va., a demonstration is planned in front of the White House in Washington, D.C. Organized by members of "Operation Right to Know," the event aims to pressure the government to reveal information about UFOs. Ed Komarek is a leader of this group and was the local chairman of the National UFO Conference in Tallahassee, Florida. The "Smear" editor plans to attend both the MUFON conference and the White House demonstration.

"The Excluded Middle" UFO Zine

A new UFO zine called "The Excluded Middle" has arrived. It is run by three philosophically-inclined individuals and includes an interview with Robert Anton Wilson. The zine is non-scheduled, costs $2.00 per issue, or $7.00 per year, and can be reached at P.O. Box 1077, Los Angeles, Ca. 90048.

Bill Knell vs. Dave Chase Feud

A long-standing dispute is ongoing between Long Island lecturer Bill Knell and Massachusetts individual Dave Chase, who runs "The Open File Confidential Communications Network" (TOFCCN). The feud also involves researcher John Ford and researcher/lecturer Antonio Huneeus. "Smear" previously suffered Knell's wrath for defending Huneeus. Knell allegedly made death threats, leading the "Smear" editor to pretend to resign in favor of a mythical entity named OISEAU.

Ye Olde Mail Bag

Robert Anton Wilson writes regarding the Linda Napolitano case, acknowledging the possibility of its truth. He notes that his own reading into child sexual abuse, child Satanic abuse, UFO abductions, the paranormal, and European folklore of fairy abductions leads him to suspect something "very ugly but also very interesting" underlies these reports. He has many theories but no definite conclusions. Wilson finds Clark's claim of concrete evidence inconsistent with not notifying law enforcement, unless one assumes a "paranoid conspiracy theory." He agrees with "Smear's" verdict in a previous issue that the case is a hoax.

Poem: December 2

A poem titled "December 2" is included, expressing themes of loss, loneliness, and finding solace in a book about extraterrestrials.

UFOs and Paradigms

UFOs are described as part of a "vast spectrum of Fortean events" that suggest a complex universe. The idea is presented that no single model or paradigm can explain everything. As future science develops new paradigms, there will still be phenomena outside of them. The author suggests that people either intuitively grasp this relationship between knowledge and the universe or cannot be persuaded by logic or rhetoric, eventually aligning with groups like the Communist Party, the Vatican, or CSICOP.

Captain Kevin Randle on Assumptions in UFO Research

Captain Kevin Randle writes about the phenomenon of people making assumptions in UFO research not based on evidence. He cites Christopher Allan's comment that Len Stringfield did not consider Marcel's 1978 testimony important enough for his MUFON paper. Randle explains that Stringfield did not have the testimony when the paper was written and received it later. Randle asserts that Allan's assumptions are just that, and that Allan interprets interviews in a way that suits him, not responding to Marcel's points. Randle quotes Marcel stating he didn't know what was being picked up and that it "came to Earth but it was not from Earth."

Bill Moore on C.D. Allan and FOCUS Magazine

Bill Moore writes from California, criticizing British skeptic C.D. Allan for making statements without verifying facts. Moore hopes his letter to Allan will set the record straight. He also mentions that subscribers of FOCUS magazine should not have to wait much longer for publication to resume, despite ongoing personal difficulties.

Rex Salisberry on UFO Hoaxes

Rex Salisberry of Gulf Breeze fame discusses a hoaxer of UFO sightings at the Pensacola Bridge. The hoaxer declined to talk, citing personal circumstances and fear of retaliation from local MUFON members. The information suggests the hoaxer used "sparklers" and party balloons. Salisberry notes that a motorboat pulling a kite is a reasonable explanation for producing "UFO" effects, and fine wires could be used for electrical displays or pyrotechnics.

Jim Oberg vs. Jerry Clark and CSICOP

Jim Oberg, an expert on space, is mentioned in connection with Jerry Clark's ongoing disputes. Oberg wrote a letter to Mark Rodeghier of the J. Allen Hynek Center for UFO Studies, complaining that Clark had misinterpreted his book "UFOs and Outer Space Mysteries." Clark alleged that Oberg depicted ufologists as "cryptofascists" and compared UFO groups to "bizarre irrational...cults" preceding the fall of democratic Germany. Oberg states that his book referred to the atmosphere that allowed alien civilization myths to flourish, not ufologists or fascists. He calls Clark's portrayal "incompetent" or "obscenely dishonest" and demands a correction. Oberg also notes a passage where he called Clark "a diligent and highly-principled" investigator, but now questions this.

Kevin Danzey on Jim Oberg

Researcher Kevin Danzey expresses disappointment in Jim Oberg, previously an admirer based on his articles and book "Red Star in Orbit." Danzey finds Oberg's remarks about Beckjord and Hoagland to be "cheap-shot" attacks that go beyond positions to questioning their intelligence. Danzey suggests Oberg should examine himself and his motives. Regarding the STS-48 tape, Danzey questions Oberg's interest in "descriptions of the hottest versions" of the space mystery, suggesting a seance to summon George Adamski for a clue.

Erik Beckjord on "Smear" and Discovery UFOs

Erik Beckjord reflects on "Smear's" 40th anniversary, stating it's valuable for preventing individuals from becoming too important or believing their own lies. He discusses Oberg's reply regarding Discovery UFOs, noting Oberg's inability to explain how an adjustment rocket could alter a shuttle's position without affecting the camera view, a point previously demonstrated by Hoagland. Beckjord highlights that skeptics have not addressed why some Discovery UFOs resemble Mexico City UFOs and behave similarly.

Phil Klass on "Ufological Confusion Award"

"Smear" gave an "Ufological Confusion Award" to Jerry Clark and Phil Klass for their numerous negative letters to each other. Klass took it in good humor, while Clark was annoyed. Phil Klass writes that he was honored to receive the award, noting he seldom receives such honors for his "Aviation Week & Space Technology" efforts. He contrasts this with the "Isabel Davis Award," which he implies is more prestigious and worshipped by some.

Daniel Cohen on Jerry Clark's Feud

Science writer Daniel Cohen expresses surprise and depression at Jerry Clark's involvement in an "exceptionally childish feud." Cohen, who generally agrees little with Clark, has always liked him and considered him one of the "reasonably sane and honest people" in ufology. Cohen finds the situation so irrational that he is intrigued and asks if "Smear" will comment on it in a future issue.

Dr. Gary Posner of CSICOP on Jerry Clark

Dr. Gary Posner of CSICOP writes regarding "Smear's" January 10th comments on Jerry Clark's "feuds." Posner states that Clark wrongly implied in a March/April 1992 "International UFO Reporter" editorial that Posner had proposed "ambulatory schizophrenia" as an explanation for "belief in UFOs." Posner also accuses Clark of falsely implying that CSICOP depicts its opponents as "loathsome human beings." Posner notes that CSICOP members have tolerated Clark's criticisms and that his lawyer is demanding a correction of Clark's libels. Posner asks "Smear" to state who is wrong in this feud.

The "Smear" editor agrees with Posner on this point but notes that the January 10th editorial included Posner among "professionally trained people who spend so much time and energy on childish endeavors." The editor states that Clark's troubles with Posner go back many years.

Tom McIver on Jerry Clark's "Feuds"

Tom McIver, a CSICOP critic, writes that it is unfair to call all of Jerry Clark's disputes "feuds." He explains that Posner is threatening legal action against Clark due to his IUR editorial, which "Smear" had reprinted and agreed with. Clark is defending himself against this legal threat. McIver notes that Posner objects to Clark's statement that CSICOP depicts its opponents as "loathsome human beings," citing Klass's statement that "When I see how falsehood and misrepresentation are being used to attack CSICOP, I realize more than ever how evil are its opponents." McIver also mentions that Hansen attacked Clark and tried to discredit him by investigating his personal life, but does not consider this a "feud."

Robotman Comic

A "Robotman" comic strip is included, with the premise of an outbreak of erratic behavior on a spaceship caused by a catnip-laced shipment of cat toys.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of "Saucer Smear" include detailed reporting on specific UFO incidents (like the alleged German shootdown), updates on prominent abduction cases (Linda Napolitano), and extensive coverage of the internal disputes and feuds within the ufology community. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting controversial or less-reported UFO accounts, while also engaging critically with both skeptics and proponents, often highlighting perceived flaws, inconsistencies, or personal conflicts within the field. The publication seems to embrace a somewhat contrarian and provocative approach, as indicated by its title and the opening quote from John Keel. There is a clear emphasis on investigative journalism, even if the editor admits to lacking expertise in certain areas like military jargon.