Saucer Smear - Vol 42 No 09 - 1995

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 42, No. 9
Date: October 10th, 1995
Publisher: SAUCER & UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Type: Non-Scheduled Newsletter

This issue of "Saucer Smear" focuses on the controversial Roswell alien video, the editor's acquisition of a copy, and its subsequent media coverage. It also addresses the rebirth of OMNI Magazine, critiques the work of UFO researcher Don Schmitt, and includes various other UFO-related news and opinions.

Roswell Alien Video Coverage

The editor, James W. Moseley, announces that "Smear" has obtained its own copy of the Roswell alien video, intended for showing at their Atlanta convention. He credits "Video Dave" Aaron of the UFO Audio-Video Clearing House for facilitating the acquisition. Moseley expresses disappointment with the Fox TV Network's presentation of the video on August 28th and September 4th, describing it as "slanted in favor of awe, wonderment, and Belief." He suggests that Fox's $250,000 payment to Ray Sentilli for the item likely influenced the commentary to be favorable, using "misdirection" to make experts appear to believe in both the video and the Roswell case.

In contrast, a segment on ABC's "American Journal" on September 6th is described as taking the opposite, highly critical direction, with Moseley suggesting ABC was "miffed" that the item had bypassed them. He characterizes this segment as a "hatchet job" aimed at proving Sentilli a hoaxer, though he notes that Sentilli hasn't been "trapped yet."

Opinions differ on whether the commercially available video includes all the 1947 film footage Sentilli purchased. Moseley's version contains three parts: a well-lit autopsy scene (shown on Fox), a poorly-lit indoor sequence of a different autopsy or an attempt to save a live alien, and indoor scenes with beams and strange writing. He questions the absence of the alleged clear shot of President Harry Truman and the outdoor scene of a crane hauling the crashed saucer, suggesting these might be missing for a reason or are merely "hype."

The anonymous cameraman who sold the film to Sentilli is a key figure, but Sentilli refuses to identify him, citing that he was "paid in cash." Moseley wonders if the IRS will investigate this. A "Cameraman's Statement" is quoted, describing the crash site occupants as "Circus Freaks" and detailing the securing of three live aliens and one dead one. However, this narrative conflicts with testimony from known Roswell witnesses, particularly Glenn Dennis, who described Roswell aliens as having four fingers and toes, while the video creatures have six. The cameraman is rumored to be Jack Barnett, who reportedly died in August 1995.

OMNI Magazine and Roswell

OMNI Magazine, now a quarterly, features three articles on the Roswell case in its current Fall issue. However, the overall impact of these articles is described as negative. Moseley highlights that Glenn Dennis's famous informant, "Nurse X," may not exist or that Dennis may have provided misleading information about her. Five nurses from the Roswell Army Air Base era have been located, but four are deceased, and the surviving one claims no knowledge of the incident.

Critiques of UFO Researchers

James W. Moseley, as the only Roswell witness he has personally interviewed, expresses a special interest in Glenn Dennis. He notes that Dennis dismissed Frank Kaufman as a witness, and that other key witnesses, Gerald Anderson and Jim Ragsdale, have been largely discredited. Moseley fondly remembers Jim Ragsdale's tale of fifteen golden alien helmets and his "female companion," Trudy Truelove, both now deceased.

The issue strongly criticizes Don Schmitt. Kevin Randle, writing from Roswell fame, refutes claims made by Paul McCarthy in an Omni article, stating he never admitted to fabricating anything and that the "missing nurses fiasco" belongs solely to Don Schmitt. Randle alleges Schmitt was on his own "tangent" and difficult to reach. Randle claims Schmitt's research was not done by him but by an "assistant," and that Schmitt falsely stated Roswell nurse records were missing when they were available. Randle asserts that Schmitt's untruths do not appear in the books he (Randle) wrote about Roswell, where Schmitt only reviewed drafts and added comments. Randle states he will no longer associate with Schmitt, whom he views as caring only for his own promotion.

Col. John Alexander (Ret.) also writes, responding to an item about him, dismissing Armen Victorian's comments as nonsensical and factually incorrect, particularly regarding the Red Cross and support for killing. He questions the relevance of an "obviously frustrated would-be assassin" to UFOs.

Other UFO News and Opinions

UFO Conference: A final warning is issued regarding the 32nd National UFO Conference in Atlanta, listing numerous speakers, including James Moseley as the Keynote Speaker.

Dr. Richard Boylan: The newsletter reports on abduction researcher Dr. Richard Boylan, who lost his California license due to alleged sexual misconduct. Boylan claims this is a conspiracy to silence him due to his UFO views and is seeking financial help for his appeal. Psychologist Leo Sprinkle has defended Boylan.

Whitley Strieber: Abduction author Whitley Strieber is reportedly facing financial difficulties, potentially needing to sell his cabin due to mortgage issues with Chemical Bank. He has issued a form letter for fans regarding this situation.

Robert Bigelow: Businessman Robert Bigelow has reportedly ended his funding of MUFON, CUFOS, and FUFOR. This action is rumored to be influenced by John B. Alexander, who is heading a new National Institute of Discovery Science funded by Bigelow.

Dr. Richard Neal: A medical UFO researcher for MUFON, Dr. Richard Neal, has died after suffering a stroke.

Jimmy Carter: Former President Jimmy Carter revealed that during his administration, the CIA used a psychic to locate a downed US plane in Zaire without informing him. Carter also stated he never knew of any proven instance of vehicles coming from outer space.

John Ford vs. Bill Knell: A feud between John Ford of the Long Island UFO Network (LIUFON) and UFO lecturer Bill Knell has escalated to a lawsuit. Ford is suing Knell for ten million dollars in compensatory damages and fifty million in punitive damages.

Betty Hill's Book: Famed abductee Betty Hill has self-published "A Common Sense Approach to UFOs." The book discusses her abduction experiences and her views on other reported abductions, which she largely attributes to psychological factors. The cover features a drawing of an alien that bears little resemblance to Betty Hill.

Jerome Clark's Cyclopedia: Jerome Clark is working on a new volume of his UFO cyclopedia, noting a reference to Moseley and including an entry on "Sex and UFOs."

GAO Roswell Report: Christopher Allan from England notes that the 18-month GAO Roswell Report yielded only two previously known documents and mentions missing records, but suggests it's unlikely to contain the "Great Truth" ufologists expected, calling Roswell a potential "biggest UFO non-event of all time."

Bill Moore: Bill Moore humorously warns Moseley of sinister forces plotting to replace him with a robot, involving DNA from Todd Zechel and Linda Howe, and blood plasma from Bill Cooper.

Monty Cantsin: Monty Cantsin comments on a photo, questioning if it depicts a Brazilian woman with Turner's Syndrome.

Martin Kottmeyer: Kottmeyer dismisses Bill Moore's rumor about the Roswell film as a "red herring," arguing that the black membrane from the eye is associated with "Communion" and that large, all-black eyes are not typical in older ufonaut drawings.

Tim Brigham: Editor of "The Devil's Advocate," Brigham notes that "Smear" erred in predicting experts would call the Roswell film a sham, as most experts found the opposite.

Paul Fisher: Fisher sends a "Love Offering" and states Moseley is wrong about Roswell but that he likes him anyway.

Dennis Stillings: Stillings suggests that the "spooky atmosphere of paranoia" surrounding the Los Alamos atomic bomb project, under General Groves, could have amplified local occurrences into "oogly-boogly stories."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of "Saucer Smear" consistently displays a skeptical yet engaged stance towards UFO phenomena and its reporting. The editor, James W. Moseley, prioritizes critical analysis, questioning media portrayals, the credibility of researchers, and the financial motivations behind UFO-related products and publications. There is a strong emphasis on debunking sensationalism while acknowledging the enduring mystery of the Roswell incident itself. The newsletter champions investigative journalism, even when it involves criticizing figures within the ufology community. The recurring theme is the pursuit of "truth," often contrasted with what is perceived as hype, fabrication, or biased reporting. The editorial stance is one of independent inquiry, encouraging readers to question and analyze information critically, as exemplified by the editor's own acquisition and analysis of the Roswell video and his direct critiques of prominent figures in the field.