Saucer Smear - Vol 40 No 06 - 1993

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Vol. 40, No. 6
Date: August 5th, 1993
Publisher: OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SAUCER & UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Editor and Supreme Commander: James W. Moseley

This issue of "Saucer Smear" is a non-scheduled newsletter dedicated to ufological journalism. It covers a range of topics including legal battles in the UFO community, controversial figures, UFO events, and reader contributions.

Magician Defamed Scientist, Jury Rules

The lead story details a U.S. District Court ruling in Baltimore, Maryland, where James ("The Amusing") Randi was found to have defamed parapsychologist Dr. Eldon Byrd by calling him a "child molester" and "shopping market molester." However, Byrd was not awarded any damages due to testimony that he had sexually molested and later married his sister-in-law. The case involved "blackmail tapes" of conversations with teenaged boys allegedly soliciting sex. The magazine states it has obtained the tape and three transcripts, with plans to make one available to readers.

Tidbits of Trash

Information is provided on the sale of back issues of "Saucer Smear" and its predecessors, with volumes from 1954-1990 available from Tom Benson in Trenton, NJ, and more recent issues from "Smear" Headquarters. A bound set of ten volumes (1954-1990) is offered for a minimum of $1,500. Additionally, a 14-page tract titled "The Fund for CIA Research? or Who's Dis-informing Whom?" is available for five dollars. This tract, referencing Dr. Bruce Maccabee's organization (FUROR), alleges ties between Maccabee and the CIA, suggesting he may be promoting invalid cases to steer researchers away from authentic information. It also criticizes Bill Moore and Bob Oeschler. Todd Zechel is identified as one of the authors.

Documentaries and Organizational Changes

Crystal Sky Productions is releasing a 13-hour documentary series titled "Dare to Ask Why - The UFO Phenomenon," which will be syndicated on television. The series includes an interview with the editor of "Saucer Smear." Meanwhile, MUFON has ejected Donald Ware from his position as Eastern Regional Director due to his interest in "chanelled" UFO information. The organization's unofficial stance is that psychic elements in ufology should not be publicly disclosed.

A shake-up occurred within INFO (The International Fortean Organization) following the publication of "INFO Occasional Paper #2," titled "Demons, Doctors, and Aliens," which favorably reviewed "Smear." This paper, concerning alien abduction, caused a mass resignation of INFO's Board of Directors.

Upcoming Events

The National UFO Conference is scheduled for October 15-17, 1993, in Bordentown, New Jersey. The event, in its 30th year, will feature approximately 16 speakers, including David Huggins, Bob Oechsler, Timothy Green Beckly, and Jim Moseley. Details are available via contact with Pat Marcattilio.

OMNI Magazine and UFO Sightings

The July issue of OMNI Magazine featured a "AntiMatter" column by Sherry Baker on anti-Semitism in ufology, with extensive quotes from the "Saucer Smear" editor. John Ford of the Long Island UFO Network reported a mysterious object crash in Suffolk County, NY, on November 24, 1992. An anonymous video tape allegedly shows the removal of humanoid alien bodies.

Bob Barry's Passing and UFO Expo West

The passing of veteran UFO radio personality Bob Barry is noted with regret. The "Saucer Smear" editor attended "UFO Expo West" in Los Angeles, describing it as a "four-ring circus" with over 1,000 attendees and nearly 30 speakers. Erik Beckjord presented, claiming to show films of celebrity faces on Mars and Venus, and alleged receiving a death threat from Harley Byrd. Beckjord also had a dispute with "Expo West" lecturer Gary Schultz over alleged non-payment of speakers, and Beckjord sent Schultz a postcard claiming responsibility for the suicide of Bigfoot researcher Tim Curry.

Other speakers at "Expo West" included Budd Hopkins, who discussed obtaining information from children about alleged abductions, and Prof. David Jacobs, who spoke about reproduction as a motive for alien abductions. The event also featured MUFONite Ann Druffel, George Knapp, Cope Schellhorn, Jim Dilettoso, Al Bielek, Don Schmitt, and Yvonne Smith.

Reader Contributions and Commentary

Several readers submitted letters. Dr. Berthold Schwarz commented on the Randi case, suggesting it opened up a neglected area. Robert Anton Wilson found the magazine's commentary on the IUR's confusion between the Brooklyn and George Washington Bridges hilarious. George Eberhart of CUFOS apologized for an error in the March/April 1993 issue of IUR regarding the Brooklyn Bridge's location.

Bill Howard humorously questioned his own memory regarding the Brooklyn Bridge. Dennis Stillings provided updated contact information for the Archaeus Project. Dr. Richard Neal questioned the authenticity of an alleged nasal implant in the Linda Napolitano case, asking for details about the X-ray and the physicians involved.

Robert Douglass compared the claims of alien fetus producers to those of alleged victims of Satanic cult abuse, noting a potential link in popular culture's obsession with fetuses. Christa Tilton responded to Monty Cantsin, asserting the reality of her alien abduction experiences and hybrid children.

Donald Ware responded to a comment by Monty Cantsin regarding David Huggins's appeal to "alien chicks."

Michael Dennett questioned the quality of David Huggins's artwork. Timothy Good announced the US publication of his book "Alien Contact: Top-Secret UFO Files Revealed." Bob Oechsler shared the winning entry of a ufologist light bulb joke contest.

John Bridgman mused on the increasing strangeness of the UFO phenomenon, humorously taking responsibility for it. Monty Cantsin (alias Art Wand) discussed the prevalence of "Walk-Ins" and "closet channels" among his associates and suggested that aliens might not be concerned with population issues.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue reflects a strong skepticism towards mainstream media's handling of UFO phenomena and a critical stance towards certain figures and organizations within the UFO community, particularly those perceived as debunkers or those promoting what the editor views as sensationalism. The magazine champions freedom of expression, even for skeptical viewpoints, and appears to be a platform for diverse, often controversial, opinions within ufology. The editor, James W. Moseley, is presented as a central, opinionated figure.