Saucer Smear - Vol 41 No 02 - 1994

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 41, No. 2
Date: February 10th, 1994
Publisher: SAUCER & UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Editor: James W. Moseley

This issue of SAUCER SMEAR, a non-scheduled newsletter, focuses heavily on the ongoing controversies surrounding the Gulf Breeze UFO sightings and the Roswell incident. It also features a significant amount of correspondence from various figures in the ufological and skeptical communities, reflecting a vibrant and often contentious debate within the field.

"MR. ED" RIDES AGAIN: The Gulf Breeze Controversy

The lead article, "MR. ED" RIDES AGAIN," by James W. Moseley, revisits the 1987-1988 UFO experiences of Ed Walters in Gulf Breeze, Florida, which spawned his first book, "The Gulf Breeze Sightings." Six years later, the controversy persists, with "California's UFO" Magazine printing a series of articles, some pro-Ed and others anti-Ed, written by Scott Smith and a CUFOS team led by Jerry Black, respectively. The article notes that Walters' experiences have deeply divided the UFO field and created a schism within MUFON.

Walters' personal life has also seen changes, including a divorce and a significant financial settlement. His second book, "UFO Abductions in Gulf Breeze," published in paperback, deliberately kept the publisher secret to avoid suppression attempts, similar to those faced by his first book from arch-debunker Phil Klass. Klass had contacted the publisher of the first book, William Morrow & Co., to dissuade them from printing it. The editorial stance of SAUCER SMEAR, while not fully believing in Ed's experiences, strongly supports freedom of the press.

The article mentions that Scott Smith, not "Mr. Jones" as Ed calls him in his book, was involved in an attempt to "frame" Ed. It also touches on Ed's deal with Avon Books, which includes a stipulation against personal appearances for promotion. The second book presents transcripts of hypnotic regression sessions with Dr. Dan Overlade, concluding Ed was abducted by aliens. Unfortunately, Dr. Overlade died in 1990, precluding cross-examination. The article points out Ed's conflicting statements over the years regarding his abduction experiences, including a "no" answer on the Oprah Winfrey Show in 1990, contrasting with his earlier "yes." Ed has also spoken of "vivid dreams" that lack physical reality.

"UFO Abductions" also includes UFO sightings documented by the local "Gulf Breeze Research Team," led by MUFONite Gary Watson. The editor himself admits to a close-up sighting of something resembling a flare on May 10th, 1992, which was videotaped.

The article urges readers to buy the book and judge for themselves, and to send any subsequent abduction stories to Ed & Frances Walters.

Further Thoughts on the Roswell, New Mexico Case

This section addresses the ongoing debate surrounding the Roswell incident. The editor notes that comments in the previous issue brought sharp disagreement, with many fans printing their points in the Letters section. There is general agreement that the FBI telex date is July 8th, 1947, not July 6th, despite what the telex states. The article refutes John Keel's theory that the Roswell UFO was a Japanese Fugo Balloon, citing the end of World War II in August 1945 as a reason why such balloons would not have been in use almost two years later.

A significant development is the launch of an official investigation into the alleged Roswell government cover-up by the General Accounting Office (GAO), prompted by Congressman Steven H. Schiff of New Mexico. The GAO's previous investigation into Atomic Energy Commission experiments exposing citizens to radiation suggests they are serious. The article expresses hope that new information about Roswell will emerge.

It also congratulates Thomas Carey for his series in the International UFO Reporter (IUR) regarding supposed archaeologists at Roswell crash sites, concluding that none seem to have existed, but a second "crash site" has more confidence among researchers.

The National UFO Conference in Cleveland, Ohio, on September 16th-18th, will feature Stanton Friedman and Kevin Randle as speakers, who, despite their differing views, both believe an interplanetary craft was involved. Randle is set to publish a new book, "UFO Crash at Roswell."

Miscellaneous Ravings

This section highlights several items:

• Videos: TV producer Russ Estes is selling two videos: "Alien Abductions: Alternative Explanations and Guidelines" (featuring psychologist Dr. William Cone) and "The Quality of the Messenger: An Inside Look at the Quest for Credible Information in the Field of UFO Research" (featuring Don Ecker and exposing various ufologists).
• Contactees of the 1950s: The January 1994 issue of "Classified Communications" is recommended for its information on Buck Nelson and other obscure early contactees.
• Belief in Angels: A Time Magazine article from December 27th, 1993, is cited, stating that 69% of people believe in angels and 46% believe in guardian angels, suggesting CSICOP is losing its battle against superstition.

Tidbits of Trash

This section provides brief updates:

• The 31st National UFO Conference (NUFOC) will be held in Cleveland, Ohio, on September 16th-18th.
• Riley Crabb, former director of Borderland Science Research Associates (BSRA) of California, is reportedly near death in New Zealand.
• Bill LaParl is announcing a contest on the topic "Are All Crop Circles Merely Hoaxes?"
• A TREAT VI conference is scheduled for April 28th-May 1st in Virginia Beach, Va., hosted by Rima Laibow's group.
• Allen Greenfield has published an updated version of his zine "The Paraufologist."

Letters to Ye Olde Editor

Kevin Randle writes, defending his position against allegations, stating that his fiction is clearly labeled, unlike some others. He criticizes a certain individual's scientific method as advocacy rather than investigation and questions the use of 'alleged telephone company employee' when the person was known to be employed there. Randle also critiques the movie "Roswell," stating that scientific method demands examination of evidence before judgment.

Brian Parks corrects the date of the Roswell teletype to July 8th, not the 6th, noting its significance in the transfer of material and General Ramey's press conference. He argues that the military lied to the FBI and that the teletype is reproduced in the book "Roswell Incident" (HC), contrary to claims.

Jerry Lucci expresses an open mind to possibilities beyond extraterrestrial visitors at Roswell but is certain it was not a weather balloon. He suggests that if differences were set aside, focus could be placed on bringing the possibility of a cover-up since 1947 to legislators.

Pete Tate praises "Smear" for its quality and relevance in a world of falling standards, covering libel, slander, subversion, mystery, and intrigue.

Further Thoughts on the Roswell, New Mexico Case (Continued)

Robert Anton Wilson comments on the Roswell business, calling it a "dead dog that won't lie down," and notes that until concrete evidence is produced, it remains supposition. He discusses "Saucer Logic" and its application in conspiracy theories, drawing parallels between theologians, fundamentalists, and "Space invaders." Wilson agrees that CSICOP should have been let off the hook regarding freedom of speech but believes Randi should not be used as a scapegoat.

Jim Lippard of Arizona Skeptics corrects Robert Anton Wilson regarding a lawsuit against CSICOP, stating that Noreen Renier successfully sued John Merrell of Northwest Skeptics, not CSICOP, and that CSICOP has never lost a lawsuit.

Phil Klass writes a peculiar letter, complaining that "Smear" devotes too much space to UFOs and not enough to Randi, Geller, Byrd, McIver, and CSICOP. He threatens to cancel his non-subscription if the magazine does not return to its previous format, which he associates with "homosexual claims, charges and boasts."

Daniel Cohen discusses his argument with Phil Klass, noting that while he agrees with Klass's skepticism, he finds Klass to be "rotten to the core." Cohen suggests that the UFO field is dominated by gossip and that these fights should not be denied to readers.

Veteran UFO enthusiast Steve Barnett

Barnett comments on a photo of Simone Mendez, questioning if there was a conscious reason for its placement next to "Notes from the Cosmic Stud."

Dick Freeman writes, asking for information on how to get money for his "extensive knowledge of UFOs." He expresses a desire to know more than anyone else and jokingly states he knows nothing at all. He also asks Jacques Vallee to send researchers offering dubious money his way and expresses disinterest in the scientific method. Freeman plans to start a newsletter on porno movies from the 1970s and 1980s, comparing it to UFO research in the 1950s.

Monty Cantsin (a pseudonym) expresses surprise that ufologists are still making "He is not a scientist, but I am" accusations, citing Stanton T. Friedman. He notes the absurdity of people checking rivals' credentials and mentions Robert Lazar throwing salt over his shoulder. Cantsin also quotes Simone Mendez saying he should wear a tinfoil helmet so aliens stop communicating with him telepathically, but he can't because they are his only friends.

Robert Spencer Carr states that each issue of "Smear" becomes more incisive, insightful, and indispensable to ufologists.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent controversies surrounding the Gulf Breeze UFO case and the Roswell incident. There is a clear tension between believers and skeptics, with SAUCER SMEAR positioning itself as a platform for these debates, while also championing freedom of the press. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical engagement, acknowledging the complexities and divisions within the UFO field, and providing a space for diverse opinions, even those it doesn't fully endorse. The magazine also seems to have a critical view of certain individuals and organizations within the UFO community, as evidenced by its commentary on Phil Klass and the inclusion of various critical letters.