Saucer Smear - Vol 43 No 03 - 1996

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 43, No. 3
Date: April 1st, 1996
Publisher: SAUCER SMEAR
Editor: James W. Moseley

This issue of Saucer Smear, the official publication of the Saucer & Unexplained Celestial Events Research Society, delves into several prominent UFO-related topics, including the enduring mystery of the Roswell Incident, the controversial government activities at Area 51, and the research into alien abduction phenomena. The magazine also features book reviews, letters from readers, and updates on UFO research and personalities.

The Final Death Blow to the Roswell Incident, Once More, All Over Again:

The lead article revisits the Roswell Incident, citing information from a secret informant about a conference held on March 17th and 18th, 1948, at the Pentagon. According to the minutes, Colonel McCoy of the Air Force Scientific Advisory Board discussed 'Project SIGN,' a new initiative to investigate unidentified flying objects. McCoy stated that over 300 reports had been received, many from competent personnel, and expressed a strong desire to recover a crashed object. The article promises more details in the next issue.

Shameful Government Conduct at "Area 51":

This section reports on a citizens' lawsuit filed against the Defense Department concerning alleged hazardous-waste violations at Area 51. Two widows and four former civilian workers claim the government repeatedly burned toxic materials, leading to health issues like cancer. They are seeking classified information to aid their medical treatment. The government is attempting to dismiss the lawsuit by invoking national security, a move the Wall Street Journal notes is unusual when shielding itself from criminal liability. A lawyer for the plaintiffs points out that the government claims disclosure would jeopardize American lives, yet the only lives lost so far are those of the workers.

President Clinton is mentioned for signing an Executive Order exempting the government from releasing a recent environmental report on Area 51, citing "paramount interest" to the nation. On a lighter note, Nevada State Route 375, near Area 51, has been officially renamed the Extraterrestrial Highway.

Miscellaneous Ravings:

This section includes a report on an unusual crop circle found in Arlington, Iowa, in August 1995. The circle was described as a simple, perfectly-formed anomaly about 55 feet in diameter, with laboratory tests finding significant differences in the corn and soil from its center. The article from the Oelwein Daily Register concluded that a hoax had been ruled out.

The magazine also discusses the TV show NOVA's documentary "Kidnapped by UFOs," which focused on abduction research by Budd Hopkins and John Mack. The article notes Hopkins' displeasure with the program, accusing producers of "mangling the truth." While the reviewer found the NOVA show not overly biased, it recounts Donna Bassett's story of allegedly being aboard a flying saucer with John Kennedy and Nikita Khrushchev during the Cuban missile crisis. The reviewer criticizes the abduction researchers for their apparent belief that their hypothesis should be accepted without considering alternative explanations, which may alienate those on the fence.

A Scripps Howard News Service story about alleged alien implants removed from abductees is also mentioned. The doctor performing these operations remains anonymous for fear of ridicule. The implants consisted of tiny, highly magnetic pieces of shiny black metal, with various scientific tests being conducted.

Legal Issues and Research Updates:

Dr. Richard Boylan, a UFO abduction researcher, has reportedly lost his license to practice psychology due to gross misconduct, though his UFO story was deemed irrelevant by a Superior Court judge. Boylan claims intelligence officials hostile to his appeal made calls to the judge.

Stanton Friedman's research on the alleged alien autopsy cameraman is discussed, suggesting that the two suspects, Jack S. Barnett and Jack D. Barnett, were not the individuals involved. However, the magazine expresses skepticism about Friedman's endorsement of the MJ-12 documents.

Philip Mantle, Director of Investigations for BUFORA, is quoted as having a change of heart regarding the alien autopsy film, suggesting the bodies were human and possibly connected to germ warfare experiments. Mantle was a key organizer of a conference where the film was shown.

James Randi's involvement with a "blackmail tape" is briefly mentioned.

UFO History and Conferences:

The National UFO and Unexplained Phenomena Conference is advertised, featuring speakers like Brad and Sherry Steiger, Stanton Friedman, and James Moseley. The conference includes lectures, workshops, and a banquet.

A cartoon depicts the "First Recorded UFO Crash (Rockwell, NM) 18000 B.C."

Reader Correspondence and Opinions:

Several readers contribute their thoughts. Paul Johnson writes about his 18-year non-subscription and discusses theories on government faked UFO crashes. Jerry Clark emphasizes the need for in-hand physical evidence to resolve the Roswell controversy and believes public opinion has largely been won.

Jeffrey King agrees with Clark's view on Jesse Marcel's exaggerations and suggests Todd should be commended for making facts available. Monty Cantsin offers a philosophical take, referencing CIA agents and marijuana use.

Armen Victorian criticizes MUFON as an organization that has delivered "nothing of significance." Don Webb shares his website and inquires about a possible James Randi image appearing on a Spiritualist Church in Bardo, Arizona.

Gary Posner, M.D., comments on Randi's challenges, stating they are designed to be self-evident and do not require judging panels.

Christopher Allan discusses Roy Craig's role in the Condon Committee and mentions the 3,000 pounds of metallic slag found on the St. Lawrence River, linking it to Wilbert Smith and the MJ-12 forgery.

Book Reviews and Mentions:

John White notes that Marlowe & Co. will publish two other UFO books: Stanton Friedman's 'TOP SECRET/MAJIC' and Jacques Vallee's 'Forbidden Science.' Vallee also has a UFO novel, 'Fast-walker,' coming out.

Chris Roth expresses nostalgia for the "Golden Age of the Contactees" compared to the current "Tin-Foil Age of the Abductees."

• Several books are reviewed or mentioned:
• "UFO Chronology Map" with an "Index Guide Book" detailing 74 UFO cases.
• "Strange Encounters - UFOs, Aliens & Monsters Among Us" by Curt Sutherly.
• "Between the Lines - The Miami Herald Coverage of the 'Flying Saucer' Wave of 1952 With Edward J. Ruppelt."
• Robert Todd's "Cowflop Quarterly" #4.
• Mia Adams' autobiographical book "Excyles."
• "UFO Crash Secrets at Wright/Patterson Air Force Base" (published by Saucer Smear).
• "Unidentified Flying Objects Briefing Document - The Best Available Evidence" and "Executive Summary" by Don Berliner, Marie Galbraith, and Antonio Huneeus.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance:

The magazine consistently questions government secrecy and official narratives regarding UFO phenomena. There is a strong emphasis on the need for physical evidence to resolve controversies like Roswell. The editorial stance appears to be critical of mainstream science's dismissal of UFOs and supportive of independent researchers, while also maintaining a degree of skepticism towards certain claims and personalities within the UFO community. The publication seems to favor a more investigative and critical approach, often highlighting perceived "screw-ups" or inconsistencies in reporting and research.