Saucer Smear - Vol 42 No 02 - 1995

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 42, No. 2
Date: February 10th, 1995
Publisher: SAUCER & UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY

This issue of "Saucer Smear" delves into various aspects of the UFO phenomenon, presenting a mix of news, opinions, and critiques from within the ufological community. The publication, edited by James W. Moseley, maintains a distinctive voice, often employing humor and a skeptical yet engaged approach to the subject matter.

Key Articles and Features

Miscellaneous Ravings

The "Miscellaneous Ravings" section kicks off with a discussion of Phil Klass's January 1995 "Skeptics UFO Newsletter" (SUN), which revisited the 1947 Roswell case and Budd Hopkins' work. A significant point of contention is the conflicting number of alien bodies reported by seven witnesses mentioned in the Randle/Schmitt book, "The Truth About the UFO Crash at Roswell." The varying accounts (5 bodies, 3 bodies, 2 bodies, 1 body, with some including live ETs) are presented as a "devastating indictment" of the crash site concept, prompting an inquiry into how such discrepancies could arise.

Critiques of UFO Organizations

The issue includes commentary on other UFO organizations. NICAP is criticized for its "fascistic attitude," demanding exclusivity from members and allegedly wasting time battling other groups. The group's collapse is attributed to internal "sexual and matrimonial problems." Bishop Allen Greenfield's book, "Secret Cipher of the UFOnauts," is mentioned, with a note that its work requires rigorous probability analysis. Greenfield himself writes, appreciating the review and discussing his approach to eliminating chance by focusing on "funny names" and predictive qualities of his cipher.

Book and Publication Reviews

Several publications and books are highlighted:

• Phil Klass's "Skeptics UFO Newsletter" (SUN): Described as a "must for anyone who wants to follow the UFO scene carefully," with a subscription cost of $15 per year.
• Robert Todd's article on Roswell: A nine-page article written as a letter to Jerry Clark of the International UFO Reporter (IUR), taking exception to an article by Mark Rodeghier and Mark Chesney. Todd's view opposes the conventional wisdom that the Roswell crash involved a spaceship.
• "The Excluded Middle An Esoteric Journal for the Masses": A zine from Los Angeles that features an interview with "Saucer Smear" editor James W. Moseley. The interview includes "strange pictures" of Moseley and a poem by Gray Barker titled "UFO Is a Bucket of Shit."
• Ralph Coon's documentary: A film about the life and times of Gray Barker has been completed and is expected to premiere at a film festival in Charleston, West Virginia.
• Bill Knell's diatribe against John Ford: This is noted as a significant feud in ufology, with Knell's criticism of Ford being described as "reasonable" unless one knows Knell, who allegedly sent "death threat" notes to Moseley.
• The "cereal box case" (Uri Geller vs. CSICOP): The settlement of this legal case is reported, where James Randi had claimed Geller's psychic feats were no more startling than those advertised on cereal boxes. Geller was ordered to repay CSICOP $149,000 in legal fees and agreed to pay $30,000 immediately, with $40,000 more over four years.
• Armand Laprade's "Would You Believe?" magazine: Laprade suffered a stroke, and his friend Dennis Crenshaw is finishing the last issue of the zine.
• "The Phoenix (Arizona) Skeptics Society": This group makes annual predictions, claiming a higher hit rate than professional psychics. The article humorously suggests they are psychic themselves without realizing it.
• "Lo!" and "Flying Saucer Digest": New zines from Rick Hilberg and Al Manak of Cleveland, Ohio.
• Christa Tilton's books: An enlarged edition of "Going 2 Extremes" and "The Dulce Papers" are mentioned.
• "West Virginia UFOs: Close Encounters in the Mountain State" by Teets: A new book recommended.
• "You Are Becoming a Galactic Human" and "Daimonic Reality: A Field Guide to the Otherworld": Two new books received but not yet read.
• "UFO Crash Secrets at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base": A book by James Moseley, available for $10.

Letters and Opinions

Several contributors share their views:

• Bishop Allen Greenfield: Appreciates the review of his book and discusses his cipher work, claiming it offers predictive quality and is a "great breakthrough."
• Charles Broerman: Fascinated by the occult-UFO connection, referencing Jacques Vallee and George Andrews' work on the "Babalon Working" in the Mojave Desert, which allegedly opened a doorway for "grays."
• Les Stern (FATE Magazine): Expresses interest in writing an article for FATE and enjoys "Saucer Smear's" irreverent viewpoint.
• Jenny Randles: Apologizes for missing the Gulf Breeze Conference due to family health issues and financial constraints.
• Robert Anton Wilson: Comments on a cartoon about reactions to UFOs, noting that nearly everyone believes in UFOs, including debunkers, and that the argument lies in categorization. He finds humor in the reluctance to file some phenomena as "Unidentified."
• Bob Pratt: Discusses his ongoing research into UFOs in Brazil, planning a fourth trip. He expresses a desire to deploy investigators across the country to get a clearer picture of the situation.
• Bob Warth (formerly of "Pursuit"): Plans to continue publishing "Pursuit" despite rising costs. He corrects a report about Ivan Sanderson's death, calling it "more gossip than fact."
• Kevin Randle: Clarifies that he never endorsed the idea that the Project Mogul balloon caused the Roswell debris field. He explains his congratulatory note to Karl Pflock was a collegial gesture, not an endorsement of Pflock's conclusions, which Randle found biased and flawed.
• Christa Tilton: Comments on UFO researchers taking Harley Byrd to court and shares a portion of a final letter from Len Stringfield, who expressed sadness about the "junk" and "infighting" in ufology but noted Roswell's enduring strength.
• Harley Byrd: Criticizes the publication for not printing a "Madonna Sex Card" and for not giving a "positive slant" to his mixed sex-oriented letters. He also faces legal action regarding restraining orders and alleged "DEATH THREATS."
• Erik Beckjord: Threatens legal action and discusses Harley Byrd's restraining order and alleged violations.
• Denis Corey: Appreciates photos of personalities and comments on numerology and Martin Gardner's focus on UFOs.
• Monty Cantsin: Believes in mysticism and mathematics but considers numerology "hokum." He questions Martin Gardner's focus on UFOs and expresses confusion about various "Wilsons."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of "Saucer Smear" reflects a complex landscape of UFO research and belief. Recurring themes include the persistent controversy surrounding the Roswell incident, the internal dynamics and criticisms of UFO organizations like NICAP, and the ongoing debates between skeptics and proponents. The editorial stance, as embodied by James W. Moseley, is characterized by a blend of critical inquiry, a healthy dose of skepticism, and a willingness to engage with a wide array of viewpoints, often seasoned with a dry wit and a critical eye towards perceived absurdities within the field. The publication serves as a platform for diverse voices, from researchers and authors to witnesses and critics, all contributing to the ongoing discourse on unexplained aerial phenomena.