Saucer Smear - Vol 42 No 06 - 1995

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 42, No. 6
Date: July 5th, 1995
Publisher: SAUCER & UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Editor: James W. Moseley

This issue of Saucer Smear, a non-scheduled newsletter dedicated to ufological journalism, delves into the internal disputes and ongoing debates within the UFO community. The cover boldly proclaims the need to examine startling evidence that can no longer be ignored.

Editorial Content and Key Articles

The editorial section immediately addresses a conflict with Jerry Clark, former editor of FATE Magazine and formerly associated with CUFOS. The editor recounts how a June 5th issue of "Smear" caused trouble, referencing remarks about Clark on page 4. It clarifies that while Clark may not have been "fired" from CUFOS, his Vice Presidency position ceased to exist. The editor presents George Hansen's account of these events and Clark's counter-statement, "A Statement by Jerome Clark." A significant portion of the editorial is dedicated to refuting Clark's claim of a "non-attack" policy, citing a February 23rd, 1993 round-robin letter where Clark allegedly attacked the editor. The editor also notes Clark's surprising admission that his "non-attack" policy didn't begin until February 24th, 1993, the day after his alleged diatribe.

The Guardian Case and Dr. Bruce Maccabee

The newsletter features a 20-page communication from Dr. Bruce Maccabee of FUFOR, titled "Response to Criticisms of the Guardian/Carp Case Investigation." This case, which occurred in 1991 in Carp, Ontario, Canada, involves a video of a landed UFO and accompanying written material. While a Canadian branch of MUFON declared it a hoax, Maccabee opines that the event depicted in the video "actually happened as described" and the object resembles a "classic flying saucer." However, Maccabee criticizes the accompanying writings as "crazy," questioning the identity and motives of the author, "Guardian." He suggests the "paperwork" might be from a "paranoid delusional person" using the evidence to support their views, likening the documents to "Nazi UFO" literature. The writings themselves, dated February 1992, claim systematic release of alien contact information by a group called the "BROTHERHOOD" or "HOLY GRAIL" to counter a perceived threat from Red China.

Tidbits of Trash and Book Reviews

Under the "Tidbits of Trash" section, the newsletter presents a daytime photo of an alleged spaceship, interpreted as being from a planet orbiting the dwarf star Sombraro, approximately 6.9 light years from Earth. It also notes the absence of books for review, humorously suggesting it's due to the low chance of a favorable review. James Randi's new book, "An Encyclopedia of Claims, Frauds, and Hoaxes of the Paranormal and Supernatural," is mentioned with a negative outlook. "Close Encounters of the Fourth Kind: Alien Abductions, UFOs, and the Conference at M.I.T.," by C.D.B. Bryan, is discussed. The book covers a 1992 conference sponsored by David Pritchard and John Mack. The newsletter recalls that Bryan, though a skeptic, entertains the possibility that alien abductions are phenomena intended to make us aware of other realities, a concept the editor attributes to "Smear's" own "3½-D Theory."

A flash announcement mentions the receipt of John A. Keel's "Disneyland of the Gods" from IllumiNet Press.

UFO Conferences and Letters to the Editor

The issue lists three upcoming UFO conventions in October: John White's "Omega Communications" event in Connecticut, the National UFO Conference (NUFOC) in Atlanta, Georgia, and the Third Annual Gulf Breeze UFO Conference in Pensacola Beach, Florida. The editor plans to attend NUFOC and the Gulf Breeze conference.

Several letters to the editor are included:

• Kevin Randle writes a tribute to the late Pat Packard, a MUFON Assistant State Director for Ohio, remembering him as a good guy and a valuable member of the UFO community.
• Charles Broerman expresses his enjoyment of the newsletter and his continued bewilderment by ufologists, questioning why Donald Schmitt felt the need to hide his profession as a mailman.
• Richard Freeman, editor of "Batteries Not Included," humorously speculates that postal workers investigating UFOs might be a step towards believing missing packages are en route to Xeta Riticuli.
• George Hansen recounts a phone call from Mark Rodeghier of CUFOS regarding Jerry Clark's demotion from the Board of Directors, expressing skepticism about the official explanation and Clark's initial denial.
• Erik Beckjord writes about his troubles with Hollow Earth advocate Harley Byrd, suggesting the editor gave Byrd the idea that he was a "real human being."
• Michael Dennett questions the authenticity of a message attributed to Erik Beckjord in a previous issue, suggesting it might be a forgery due to its content differing from a phone conversation he had with Beckjord.
• Tom Carey responds to Robert Todd's criticism of Kevin Randle, defending Randle and accusing Todd of being a debunker who distorts facts and logic, particularly regarding the Roswell incident and Dr. Lincoln LaPaz.
• Robert Todd replies to Tom Carey, dismissing Carey as a propagandist and accusing him of twisting witness statements and logic, comparing him to a "religious zealot."
• MONTY CANTSIN criticizes skeptics, arguing that aliens, being hairless, are not mammals and thus have external genitalia, and points to the disappearance of a nurse as evidence of a government cover-up.
• Jenny Randles expresses reservations about BUFORA's association with the Roswell video saga, particularly regarding ticket sales for a conference.
• Dennis Stillings of the Archaeus Project expresses his continued connection to ufology through "Smear," appreciating its seriousness and mentioning George Hansen's comments and Gail Aggen's poem.
• PENISKO ROMANTIKOV from Intercourse, Pa., writes a peculiar letter in broken English, expressing interest in alien abductions and suggesting that alien comrades have no balls and use tools for probing.

Other Mentions and Features

• A "Bizarro" comic strip depicts a woman being abducted by a UFO while watching Oprah.
• A brief item notes that "'94 was 2% less strange than '93."
• A "Grey wearing novelty store disguise to look like Albert Einstein" illustration appears.
• A "HARD PHYSICAL LABOR" poem by Gail Aggen describes the exhaustion of working on a saucer and needing a vacation.
• Betty Hill writes about recent court hearings in New Hampshire concerning repressed memories and their validity in abduction cases, suggesting the ruling may help separate facts from fantasies.
• French ufologist Jean Sider comments on the Ray Santilli Roswell film, questioning its authenticity due to the alien having six fingers and six toes.
• Tim Lauzon discusses Ray Santilli's claims about the Roswell film and his characterization of UFO "experts."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include internal conflicts and rivalries within the ufology community, skepticism versus belief, the interpretation of evidence (particularly regarding the Guardian Case and the Santilli Roswell film), and the nature of alien encounters and abductions. The editorial stance, as represented by James W. Moseley, appears to be one of critical engagement, often with a cynical or humorous undertone, challenging the pronouncements of other figures in the field while maintaining a dedication to discussing UFO phenomena seriously. There is a clear emphasis on journalistic integrity and the questioning of claims, even while acknowledging the strangeness of the subject matter.