Saucer Smear - Vol 40 No 03 - 1993

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 40, No. 3
Date: April 1st, 1993
Publisher: Official Publication of the Saucer and Unexplained Celestial Events Research

This issue of "Saucer Smear" delves into the internal dynamics and controversies within the ufology community, with a particular focus on the editor, James W. Moseley, and his ongoing disputes with other prominent figures in the field, most notably Jerome Clark.

Editorial and Correspondence

The editorial section, penned by "EDITOR AND STILL SUPREME COMMANDER" James W. Moseley, J.S., addresses a "Dear Friends and Colleagues" letter from Jerome Clark. Moseley expresses disappointment that Clark's letter, which he characterizes as "pointed," was not sent directly to him, despite Clark having previously made positive remarks about "Smear" in private letters. Moseley questions the nature of these private communications, suggesting that only favorable comments are shared. He reiterates "Smear's" previous accusation that Clark is "engaged in a series of highly emotional, non-productive feuds," while noting Clark's own characterization of these as "irrational." Moseley defends "Smear's" criticism of Clark's recent focus on George Hansen and his refusal to discuss criticisms of Budd Hopkins' handling of abduction cases, particularly the Linda Napolitano case. The editorial concludes with a message to Clark, expressing disappointment rather than anger, and advising him to "get out of the oven" if he can't "stand the heat."

Several correspondents weigh in on the ongoing debates:

• Jerome Clark is quoted from an open letter dated February 23rd, 1993, advising that Moseley is "no one of consequence" and that "Smear" should be ignored unless it is paid for, suggesting that Moseley "stew in his own juices."
• George Hansen, a parapsychological investigator, writes in a letter dated March 8th, 1993, commending Moseley's "restraint" in the last "Smear" as "remarkable, even saintly."
• Richard M. Neal, Jr., M.D., a researcher for MUFON, writes about the "missing embryo/fetus syndrome" in relation to alien abductions, stating that his research has not yet found a documented case but is offering $500 for verifiable evidence.
• George Hansen also comments on the latest "Smear," finding it "great" and noting that the Secret Service has opened an investigation into the alleged kidnapping and attempted murder of Linda Napolitano, questioning Clark's explanation for withholding evidence from law enforcement.
• Martin Cannon criticizes "Jerry Clark" for his aversion to "conspiratorial thinking," suggesting Clark distance himself from Budd Hopkins, whom Cannon describes as perfecting "McCarthyite insinuation."
• Monty Cantsin writes a strongly worded letter, calling Jerry Clark a "lunatic fringe hero" and expressing a desire to see a union of Clark, Simone (Mendez), and Monty elements against "forces of evil represented by Klass, Wilson, and Moseley."
• Betty Hill, a famed abductee, shares her conclusion that there are two types of UFO abductions: "real ones" and "psychological ones." She notes that "real" abductions are rare, unique, and do not result in therapy, with no one being abducted more than once.
• Howard Menger, a famed contactee, suggests the government has a "hot potato" regarding "little gray bastards" who are allegedly experimenting on humans.
• Tom McIver writes about Phil Klass's accusations of "slander" regarding remarks McIver made about Klass's "dishonesty and intimidation tactics." McIver points out the irony that Klass himself quoted these remarks in a letter.
• Brad Steiger expresses strong interest in Moseley's assessment of "Great Truths" in ufology, noting its similarity to his own approach since 1969.
• Kody Ryan finds the January 10th issue interesting and suggests Dr. Willy Smith and the UNICAT Project be included in a "Hoax Scoreboard." He also comments on Jim Oberg and the ongoing "Cold War" between ufologists and debunkers.
• Gary Hemphill praises a poem from the previous issue and advises Moseley not to become too prolific with poetry.
• Erik Beckjord discusses PSI-TECH's report on crop circles, suggesting they are "guidance patterns" for alien time travelers and that altering them might provoke longer UFO visits.
• Curtis Peebles congratulates Moseley on 40 years in ufology.

Articles and Features

• "SMEAR" EDITOR DEMOTED AGAIN IN MUFON: Moseley recounts his demotion within MUFON, from Section Director for Monroe County, Florida, to Assistant Section Director, and then to "J.S." (Journal Subscriber). He expresses his continued commitment to MUFON despite these demotions, comparing it favorably to his past experience with NICAP, from which he was ejected and not even allowed to subscribe.

• BRIEF OUTBURSTS:
• A review of James Pontolillo's 22-page soft-cover book, "Demons, Doctors, and Aliens: An Exploration into the Relationship Among Witch Trial Evidence, Sexual-Medical Traditions, and Alien Abductions." The book posits that alien abductions are a continuation of an ancient, ongoing cycle of religio-mythic beliefs, reconstructed through hypnotic recall and amplified by media coverage. Pontolillo classifies the phenomenon as a "delusional belief."
• A mention of "The Bigfoot Digest - a Survey of Maryland Sightings" by Mark Opsasnick, a compilation of nearly 500 Bigfoot cases.
• A recommendation for Patrick Huyghe's book "Columbus Was Last: From 200,000 B.C. to 1492, a Heretical History of Who Was First," described as a sober science work.
• A note thanking "The Colonists" for an item about Moseley's book and mentioning that "The Colonists" is a UFO zine available from Box 1161, Fort Washington, Pa. 19034.
• A report on research by Armen Victorian indicating that there was no Executive Order 092447 related to the MJ-12 briefing paper concerning the 1947 Roswell crash.
• MUFON's involvement with the movie "Fire in the Sky," based on the Travis Walton abduction case, with MUFON propagandists scheduled to appear at advance screenings.
• Rumors that Don Schmidt and Kevin Randle of CUFOS may have a sample of metal from the Roswell crash.

• JUMP START (Comic Strip): A comic strip featuring "Jerry" and "Mr. Moseley" discussing their meeting, with a humorous exchange about their shared taste in guns and a deeper connection.

• MISSIVES FROM THE MASSES:
• Bill Moore writes in defense of Jessie Marcel's testimony regarding the Roswell case, refuting criticisms made by Christopher Allan. Moore details his interviews with Marcel and the timeline of his research, asserting that Allan's claims are based on ignorance and stupidity.
• Thomas J. Carey writes a letter to the MUFON UFO Journal criticizing Don Berliner and Stanton Friedman for their involvement with Gerald Anderson's claims about an alien spaceship and crew sighting. Carey argues that Berliner and Friedman have been diverted from their primary research on the Roswell "Archaeologists" by Anderson's alleged hoax.
• Jerrold (Jerry) Baker, a key informant in the George Adamski expose, passed away. Baker admitted that a UFO photo credited to him in Adamski's book was actually taken by Adamski himself.
• Phil Klass's "Skeptics UFO Newsletter" ("SUN") is mentioned as a bimonthly zine focused on a negative viewpoint, with the cost noted as $15 per year.
• Dr. Leo Sprinkle and colleagues are holding the 14th Rocky Mountain Conference on UFO Investigation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around internal conflicts, personal disputes, and differing viewpoints within the ufology community. There is a clear tension between those who are highly critical and skeptical (like Phil Klass and, to some extent, Jerome Clark) and those who are more open to the phenomena (like Moseley and his contributors). The editorial stance of "Saucer Smear" appears to be one of critical engagement, willing to challenge established figures and ideas within the field, while also defending its own position. The newsletter champions a form of ufological journalism that prioritizes gossip, opinions, and direct commentary, often with a sharp, sometimes confrontational, tone. Skepticism is viewed with suspicion when it appears to dismiss evidence outright or engage in what is perceived as dishonest tactics. The issue also highlights the ongoing debate about the nature of abduction experiences and the reliability of witness testimony, particularly when influenced by hypnotic recall.