AI Magazine Summary
Saucer Smear - Vol 41 No 01 - 1994
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Title: SAUCER SMEAR Issue: Volume 41, No. 1 Date: January 15th, 1994 Publisher: SAUCER & UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY Editor: James W. Moseley
Magazine Overview
Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 41, No. 1
Date: January 15th, 1994
Publisher: SAUCER & UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Editor: James W. Moseley
This issue of "Saucer Smear" is dedicated to the highest principles of ufological journalism and presents a collection of articles, letters, and commentary on various UFO-related topics, with a particular focus on the Roswell incident.
Some Thoughts on the Roswell, New Mexico Case:
The lead article delves into the Roswell incident, re-examining a telex sent by the Air Force to the FBI on July 6th, 1947. The telex describes the recovery of a "disc hexagonal in shape" suspended from a balloon, which was being transported to Wright Field for examination. The author notes that while the telex mentions it resembles a weather balloon, telephonic conversations with Wright Field did not confirm this. The article questions the military's intense interest and the press's attempts to break the story, suggesting it was more than just a weather balloon.
British skeptic Christopher Allan is quoted, expressing skepticism about new Roswell books and questioning whether the FBI telex will appear in full, as he believes it "totally destroys the alien space ship hypothesis." He finds the idea of the military keeping such a secret for 50 years implausible.
The article contrasts this skeptical view with that of many Roswell fans who interpret the telex as evidence of a military cover-up. It mentions the existence of alleged "landing sites" separate from the "debris site" and notes that Kevin Randle claims eight witnesses saw a crashed saucer and/or alien bodies.
It also touches upon the recent silence of Roswell "experts" Bill Moore and Stanton Friedman, with Moore facing personal and financial problems, and Friedman having experienced embarrassment due to a witness's testimony proving false. Friedman is slated to speak at the National UFO Conference.
Miscellaneous Ravings:
This section includes a P.S. regarding Jerry Clark's evolving views on UFOs, noting his shift towards conservatism and his past writings on "Paraufology," which suggest UFOs are primarily subjective and symbolic, or psychokinetically generated products of unconscious processes.
Don Schmitt, CUFOS's "Chief Investigator," is mentioned in relation to a 1978 article that stated his belief that UFO visitors might be from another dimension rather than another planet. The editor recalls inventing the "3-D Theory" of UFO origins in 1976.
The editorial staff outlines three New Year's resolutions: to avoid discussing James Randi and Al Seckel's past activities, to skip the ethical standards of Phil Klass, and a third, harder-to-keep resolution.
A volume titled "Fire Officer's Guide to Disaster Control" is mentioned, which includes a chapter on "Enemy Attack & UFO Potential." The co-author, Charles Bahme, has an interest in UFOs stemming from witnessing the "Los Angeles Air Raid of 1942."
Missives from the Masses:
Jacques Vallee writes about a "bizarre pattern" on the West Coast where researchers are being offered large sums of money for UFO research from vague sources. He suspects infiltration or manipulation, citing the lack of credentials of those offering funds and a suggestion to scan researchers' files.
Ed Komarek of Operation Right to Know suggests that UFO organizations should publicly disclose any monies received over $1,000.00, citing a developing relationship between ufologists and the Rockefeller family, and raising concerns about undue influence by wealthy families.
Captain Kevin Randle addresses rumors about the CUFOS investigation at Roswell, stating that despite using professional archaeologists and soil samples, no debris was located. He expresses skepticism but acknowledges the need to investigate. He also discusses possible Roswell material, noting that while he hasn't seen it directly, other sources have corroborated some claims.
John P. Timmerman of CUFOS offers assistance to readers seeking information on Jerry Clark's writings, providing an address for obtaining an IUR editorial.
George Hansen thanks the publication for its notice of Jerry Keith Clark's "rant" and quotes him on CUFOS's position on UFO origins and conspiratorial theories.
Letters and Editorials:
Dennis Stacy, editor of the Mutual UFO Network UFO Journal, confesses his "major role" in a "nefarious plot" against Frenchkind and ufology, referencing an article by Jean Sider and implying CIA involvement.
Robert Anton Wilson discusses the libel insurance issues faced by CSICOP and other organizations, suggesting their tactic has shifted from scientific investigation to argumentum ad hominum.
Bob Reid reports that Ed Walters is still active, having viewed six daylight videos of UFOs. He mentions Ed's new book, "UFO Abductions in Gulf Breeze."
Stanton Friedman writes to Jim Moseley, refuting rumors of his withdrawal from ufology and detailing his recent lectures and media appearances. He mentions spending time in Roswell and gathering data indicating Robert Lazar is not a scientist. Friedman also discusses his new videos, "Flying Saucers ARE Real" and "The UFO Controversy," and contrasts his factual approach with Kevin Randle's "fiction."
Peter Kor writes that he has not written about flying saucers since "Kor's Kosmos" because there aren't enough "thinkers" like Allen Greenfield. He describes the field as consisting of "wide-eyed believers," "frustrated careerists," and "covert operators," with hardly any true inquirers. He suggests creating an "open forum" to encourage better thinking.
Other Mentions:
A brief news item mentions a "pregnant man" claiming to be pregnant was found to be a fake.
Another item notes a study finding circumcisions painful.
A short news report from Vinton, Louisiana, details police finding 20 naked people in a car.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance:
The magazine consistently questions official narratives and military explanations for UFO phenomena, often highlighting perceived inconsistencies and suggesting cover-ups. There is a clear skepticism towards certain prominent figures in ufology, particularly those perceived as promoting sensationalism or lacking rigorous scientific methodology. The editorial stance appears to favor a critical, investigative approach, encouraging readers to question assumptions and seek evidence, while also acknowledging the complexities and subjective elements within the study of UFOs. The publication also seems to have a history of engaging in debates and critiques of other ufological organizations and researchers.