Saucer Smear - Vol 43 No 07 - 1996

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 43, No. 7
Date: August 20th, 1996
Publisher: SAUCER & UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Editor: James W. Moseley

This issue of Saucer Smear, a publication dedicated to ufological journalism, features a critical look at the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON), highlights from its 1996 convention, and a detailed account of a bizarre UFO incident in Brazil. The magazine also includes various letters and opinions from researchers and skeptics within the UFO community.

Revolt of the MUFONites

The lead article, "Revolt of the MUFONites," details a significant internal dissent within MUFON. In June 1996, a group of prominent southeastern members compiled a list of 36 comments and recommended improvements for the organization's UFO research practices. This list was circulated to recipients of the "National UFO News," the newsletter of the Florida MUFON organization, leaving members in other states uninformed. Key figures in this revolt include Charles Flannigan (Florida State Director), State Directors for Louisiana and Alabama, and Tim Brigham, editor of "Devil's Advocate."

Suggestions included increased paperwork for MUFON officials, providing current lists of Executive Committee members and by-laws to State Directors, deleting advertising from the MUFON Journal, addressing potential lawsuits against state leaders, removing individuals with their own agendas, and relocating MUFON International Headquarters from Walt Andrus's home to a commercial office. The article also criticized the "carnival atmosphere" at MUFON symposiums, including vendors selling New Age and Voodoo items, and noted that MUFON appears to be facing problems similar to those that led to the demise of APRO and NICAP.

A major concern highlighted is the "Cult of Personality" surrounding International Czar Walt Andrus, with no apparent succession plan. When asked about the criticisms, Andrus reportedly seemed unenthusiastic. The author, as a mere Journal Subscriber, expresses uncertainty about whether any action will be taken.

Highlights of the 1996 MUFON Convention

The convention, held July 5th-7th in Greensboro, North Carolina, is reviewed. The editor notes MUFON's tendency to accept "pro-UFO evidence which does not even remotely meet scientific standards." The case of artist Budd Hopkins and Linda Napolitano (Linda Cortile) is cited, involving an alleged alien abduction where Linda was floated out of her apartment window. Hopkins has a new book on this case, "Witnessed."

Hopkins' speech, "The Sixth Witness," referred to a woman named Cathy Turner who allegedly witnessed the abduction while driving. Other witnesses mentioned include pseudo-government agents Dan and Rick, a woman who died, and Perez de Cuellar, former UN Secretary-General, who reportedly denied knowledge of the incident but was later claimed to have provided a letter negating his denial. Cathy Turner has also died, making Linda the only readily available witness. Hopkins is described as increasingly bitter towards those who doubt his story.

Dr. Roger Leir presented on "Medical and Surgical Aspects of the UFO Abduction Phenomenon," but his credibility is questioned due to his association with Derrel Sims of the Houston UFO Network (HUFON), who is described as a "snake oil salesman."

A. J. Gevaerd, MUFON National Director for Brazil, gave an enjoyable lecture on an alleged UFO landing in Brazil in January, which, though anecdotal, generated enthusiasm. John Carpenter (MUFON Director of Abduction Research) and Harvard psychiatrist John Mack praised the case.

Kevin Randle's lecture, "Does Pop Culture Affect our Views?", suggested that alien prototypes might originate from science fiction, a notion that was reportedly met with negative reactions. Other speakers included Antonio Huneeus, Carlos Rojas, Chris Styles, Jeffrey Sainio, Vincent DePietro, John White, and Dr. Bruce Maccabee. Nuclear Physicist Stanton Friedman was notably absent.

The editor also mentions purchasing "grey" alien dolls for his grandchildren and attending a private party hosted by Walt Andrus.

A Hot Time in Old Brazil!

Brazil is highlighted as a country with a history of bizarre UFO events, including abductions and deaths attributed to UFOs, documented by researchers like Jacques Vallee and Bob Pratt. The issue focuses on the Varginha incident, where three young women reportedly spotted a creature with specific physical characteristics. The incident is linked to unusual military activity in the area, leading to speculation of a cover-up involving the retrieval of a flying saucer and alien bodies, possibly by the U.S. military. An international UFO conference in Brazil coincided with this discussion, placing the Varginha case as a significant event in UFO lore.

Tidbits of Trash

This section covers various short news items. The editor announces his move to a new location in Key West, Florida, and a "Retirement Phase," though he intends to continue publishing.

A follow-up on the arrest of John Ford, President of the Long Island UFO Network, and his associates for plotting to kill government officials is provided. A third member, Edward Zabo, has also been arrested, suspected of stealing radium from Northrop Grumman. The implications for Ford's UFO newsletter are questioned.

The masthead illustration is identified as the "chupacabras," a creature that has migrated from Puerto Rico and is causing trouble in Mexico, described as having fangs, wings, and an extraterrestrial personality.

Other News and Opinions

Bob Guccione is reported to have paid $50,000-$200,000 for "the first photos of an actual space alien" to be published in Penthouse Magazine, which he claims are authentic.

Erik Beckjord reports on a spectacular crop circle formation near Stonehenge in England.

The movie "Independence Day" is mentioned, with a note that Louis Farrakhan's magazine, "The Final Call," found it favorable as it depicts the wiping out of white civilization.

Linda Moulton Howe has been ejected from MUFON's Board of Directors.

An article by the editor, "The Dawn of the Flying Saucer Era," published in "UFO Universe," is mentioned.

Dr. Gary Posner writes about attending a CSICOP World Skeptics Congress and presenting a deformed utensil, seeking an explanation for how Uri Geller could have bent it. Skeptics like Ray Hyman and Joe Nickell attributed it to eye/brain deception.

Dr. Bruce Maccabee writes about Col. McCoy's statement that over 300 sightings by "very competent people" were not publicized in the news media, implying that the Air Force withheld information from Project Blue Book.

Herbert Taylor writes about quitting CUFOS and IUR, criticizing their handling of the Roswell case.

Karl Pflock clarifies his remarks on the "Jim Ragsdale Story," finding the narrative "internally contradictory" and a "barroom tall tale."

John Alexander responds to George Hansen's remarks, defending Elisabeth Kubler-Ross's work in hospice care and listing his own scientific and volunteerism awards.

George Hansen thanks the editor for publishing his letter and clarifies that he is not a psychologist.

Timothy Green Beckley writes about Jerry Clark's criticisms, highlighting the larger readership of his own publications and suggesting Clark attacked skeptics instead of focusing on ghost stories and close encounters.

Dr. Ellen Crystall discusses issues with the printing of her book "Silent Invasion," particularly the photo section, and mentions the availability of lenses for photography.

A brief book review covers Stanton Friedman's "TOP SECRET/MAJIC," which accepts the validity of the MJ-12 documents. The book is available for $22.95.

The 33rd Annual National UFO Conference (NUFOC) is announced for October 5th and 6th in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently displays a critical stance towards established UFO organizations like MUFON, highlighting internal conflicts and perceived shortcomings in research methodology. There is a strong skepticism towards extreme skepticism, particularly from groups like CSICOP, suggesting a bias against phenomena that challenge conventional scientific understanding. The publication also seems to favor anecdotal evidence and personal accounts, even while acknowledging the need for scientific rigor. The editor's personal opinions and experiences are frequently interwoven with the news, creating a distinct editorial voice that is both investigative and opinionated. Themes of alleged government cover-ups, the nature of evidence in UFO research, and the personalities within the ufology field are recurrent throughout the issue.