Saucer Smear - Vol 42 No 04 - 1995

Magazine Overview

This issue of "Saucer Smear", dated April 15th, 1995, is a non-scheduled newsletter from the SAUCER & UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY, edited by James W. Moseley. The cover boldly proclaims "SHOCKINGLY CLOSE TO THE TRUTH!" and features a headline about "THE DEATH OF THE 'ROSWELL INCIDENT'". The magazine is dedicated to the highest principles of ufological journalism.

The Roswell Incident Video Controversy

The central focus of this issue is a sensational video that purportedly provides "final proof" of the July 1947 Roswell Incident. The video, reportedly bought by the Fox TV Network for broadcast in August, is described as grainy and of poor quality. It allegedly shows a crash site, a debris field, and an autopsy being performed on an alien body by two doctors, with a third man, possibly an intelligence officer, present. A board in the frame reads "30 July 1947; Subject 1 of 2", a date that conflicts with the commonly accepted Roswell crash date of July 8th.

The film was discovered about two years prior in California by a British TV producer (and movie producer of musicals) named Ray Santilli, who was searching for Elvis Presley memorabilia. Santilli purchased the film from a retired Army photographer for approximately $100,000. The collection consists of 14 to 15 10-minute film reels, some of which had not been developed. The currently available 15-minute video is said to be made from only a portion of this material.

Several versions of the story exist, with some suggesting that former President Harry S. Truman is seen at the crash site, while others place "General Trueman" (sic) in attendance during the autopsy. One person who claims to have a copy of the film states Truman is seen emerging from a limousine.

The autopsy scene is described as crude, with two power lamps. One version suggests the autopsy is taking place in a barn on Mac Brazel's ranch, where the "debris field" was found. However, another interpretation is that it's an attempt to save the life of a dying alien. A skeptic who viewed the video noted that the camera never pans to the table, making it difficult to see the activities of the "doctors" and suggesting the events might have been staged. The film's poor quality makes details indistinguishable, leading the skeptic to conclude it could be a dummy or a human being on the table, and they were "not impressed."

Miscellaneous Ravings: The Gray Barker Documentary

Editor James W. Moseley attended the premiere of a documentary film titled "Whispers from Space" about the late Gray Barker, a ufological friend who died in 1984. The film was part of the Fifth Annual Mostly Documentary Film Festival in Charleston, West Virginia. The film's producer and director, Ralph Coon, is described as an artsy zine publisher who came upon Barker's name while researching George Van Tassel. Coon, who is not particularly interested in UFOs, published a zine called "The Last Prom".

The documentary, over an hour long, features interviews with people who knew Barker, including his funeral director, sister, nephews, former lover Don McCulty, and staff from the Clarksburg Harrison County Public Library. It also includes interviews with ufologist Richard Taylor and the "Smear" editor himself.

While not primarily about UFOs, the film covers highlights of Barker's career, such as the Flatwoods Monster case (1952), Albert K. Bender and the Men in Black (1953), Mothman, and the collapse of the Point Pleasant bridge. It also touches upon two hoaxes Barker and Moseley were involved in: the R.E. Straith Letter to George Adamski (1957) and the Lost Creek, West Virginia UFO film (circa 1966).

The film is described as uneven, with some parts being touching, interesting, humorous, or boring. One segment features Richard Taylor discussing the Lost Creek film, followed by a shot of the "Smear" editor holding a saucer model on a fishing pole. The producer, Coon, is commended for his honest effort, having invested significant personal resources into the production. The film is expected to be available on video cassette.

Kal K. Korff's Book on Billy Meier

Prometheus Books, an arm of the CSICOP organization, has published a new book by Kal K. Korff titled "The Billy Meier Story - Spaceships of the Pleiades". The book is presented as a detailed expose of Billy Meier's claimed interplanetary exploits. Meier, a Swiss man, has been promoting his space contacts through books and photographs for 20 years. The book has attracted support from researchers like James Deardorff, Leo Sprinkle, and Max Petersen. Lucius Farish, a UFO researcher, reportedly cut off correspondence with Moseley for not seriously considering the pro-Meier evidence.

Korff, who has previously published a book exposing Meier, has worked with Roswell expert Bill Moore and hosted the National UFO Conference (NUFOC) in 1985. The book is nearly 350 pages and includes references to the "Smear" editor. The publicity sheet for the book does not use terms like "hoax" or "expose", leaving open the possibility that it might validate Meier's claims. However, the magazine assures readers that this is not the case. Information on the book can be obtained from Underground Video.

Don Schmitt's Postal Service Affiliation

This section addresses an item from the previous issue concerning Roswell expert Don Schmitt. Kevin Randle, Schmitt's partner, sent a letter from Ken Eppler, Postmaster of Hartford, Wisconsin. Eppler's letter states that it is untrue that Donald Schmitt has worked full-time for the U.S. Postal Service since 1974, and that he never made such a statement to "Milwaukee Magazine".

However, the "Smear" editor reveals that the letter is "deliberately misleading". Upon phoning Eppler, it was explained that while Schmitt has worked for the Post Office since 1974, he has not worked there full-time for the entire period. The magazine questions why Schmitt has "deliberately and stubbornly hidden his Postal Service affiliation" and wonders if he may have also misrepresented facts about the Roswell Incident.

Randle is quoted as questioning the credibility of the article about Schmitt if they misrepresented their discussion with Eppler, which Moseley dismisses as "dirty pool."

John Mack and the Harvard Committee

The magazine reports on the troubles facing Harvard psychiatrist John Mack, author of a book on UFO abductions. A "Special Faculty Committee" at Harvard Medical School has tentatively concluded that there is "no present definitive scientific proof establishing as a scientific fact that there exists ANY form of intelligent life in the universe other than human life on this planet." The committee considers it academically irresponsible for any scholar to state otherwise. Mack is reportedly in danger of losing his tenure unless he can prove his claims. The magazine expresses support for Mack, calling the situation an "outrageous abridgment of freedom of speech."

However, the latest information suggests Mack has decided to "back down" rather than lose his tenure, which the magazine hopes is untrue.

Harley Byrd and MUFON

The editor expresses displeasure with Harley Byrd, an "Inner Earth devotee", for circulating a "paste-up" that distorts material from a previous "Smear" issue. Byrd allegedly made it appear that contactee Monty Cantsin's negative views about Walt Andrus and MUFON were his own opinion, by omitting Cantsin's name. The editor clarifies that he has positive feelings for Walt Andrus and the MUFON organization.

National UFO Conference (NUFOC) Update

Details are provided for the 32nd annual National UFO Conference (NUFOC), scheduled for October 14th-15th at the Castlegate Hotel & Convention Center in Atlanta, Georgia. Speakers will include Ufologist Jim Moseley, Allen Greenfield, and psychic Robin Quail. Contact information for NUFOC and the hotel is provided.

Other Mentions

Uri Geller is the subject of an Israeli feature film titled "Mind Bender", which is being distributed internationally. Vance Davis, involved in the "Gulf Breeze Six" incident, has released a book called "Unbroken Promises" about his 1990 desertion from the U.S. Army. Former ufologist Bill Cooper is mentioned in a news article about an Arizona militia, and he continues to host a radio talk show. OMNI Magazine is reportedly folding, with subscriptions being taken over by "Discover."

Letters to the Editor

Robert Anton ("Bob") Wilson writes to correct a misprint in a previous issue, stating that an illustration of an "Illuminati pyramid" was incorrectly attributed to Aleister Crowley and did not resemble "Greys" or have two closed eyes. He provides Crowley's sketch of LAM as a comparison and notes that the pyramid illustration was from his computer-generated letterhead.

Ace Roswell expert Stanton Friedman categorically denies rumors that he spoke to Len Stringfield on the day before his death or asked for his files afterward. He states that he did not offend Stringfield's family. Friedman also clarifies his role in uncovering Don Schmitt's alleged false credentials, stating that Gillian Sender authored the "Milwaukee Magazine" article and that he merely checked with the Hartford Post Office after receiving an anonymous tip.

Ann Druffel writes regarding a previous issue that mentioned John Keel's letter. She expresses concern that Keel's remarks about her and Neo-Nazism, taken out of context, could lead to misinterpretation. She clarifies that her house only displays American and Irish flags and defends NICAP as a scientifically oriented organization that sought truth about UFOs.

Robert Todd, signing himself "Socially challenged; The Obnoxious One", expresses his intention to leave the UFO field after nearly fifty years of research, stating that the civilian research community has failed to produce meaningful findings and that the field is "bankrupt."

Simone Mendez praises Barry Greenwood's proposal to separate ufological "Church" from "State" and criticizes those who scapegoat skeptics and the Air Force.

Monty Cantsin writes that Walt Andrus and MUFON are biased and have their own agenda. He supports Harley Byrd and advocates for non-conformist self-expression.

Matt Graeber, ufological writer and cartoonist, comments on the "back-biting and personal in-fighting" among ufologists and urges them to "cool it."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of "Saucer Smear" demonstrates a strong critical and skeptical approach to UFO phenomena and research. While dedicated to ufological journalism, the magazine actively questions sensational claims, such as the Roswell video, and scrutinizes the credibility of prominent figures in the field. The editor, James W. Moseley, engages in internal debates, corrects misrepresentations, and expresses concern over the scientific rigor and direction of UFO research. The magazine highlights controversies, exposes alleged misrepresentations, and provides a platform for various viewpoints within the ufology community, often with a pointed and sometimes humorous editorial commentary. The recurring theme is a demand for evidence-based research and a distrust of unsubstantiated claims and personal agendas within the UFO field.