Saucer Smear - Vol 44 No 09 - 1997

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 44, No. 9
Date: October 10th, 1997
Publisher: SAUCER & UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Editor: James W. Moseley

This issue of SAUCER SMEAR, a non-scheduled newsletter dedicated to ufological journalism, provides a comprehensive look at recent events and ongoing discussions within the UFO community. It features a report on the 34th Annual National UFO Conference, critiques of prominent researchers, and updates on the state of organizations like MUFON.

RE-HASH OF THE 34TH ANNUAL NATIONAL UFO CONFERENCE:

The 34th Annual National UFO Conference (NUFOC) took place on September 6th in Springfield, Ohio, hosted by Don Weatherby and Wendy Ban. The event was held in a century-old opera house, with attendees staying at a modern hotel nearby. The program included talks by Rick Hilberg, Robert Galganski (an engineer who studied the Roswell Incident), Stanton Friedman (known for his work on Roswell and MJ-12), Dr. David Jacobs (an abduction researcher), Dr. Bruce Maccabee (Physicist & Gulf Breeze advocate), and Dr. Mindy Kopolow (a clinical psychologist who studied abduction experiences).

The editor found Dr. Kopolow's presentation particularly engaging, noting her ability to maintain scientific objectivity. When asked about the cause of the UFO abduction syndrome, she stated she had not reached a personal conclusion, a response the editor found appropriate and commendable.

Following the conference, a banquet was held where Robert Galganski received the NUFOC 'Ufologist of the Year' Award for his work on the Roswell case. The editor also delivered his usual lecture, discussing his personal UFO experiences and admitting to participating in a UFO film hoax years ago.

Despite the unfortunate timing of the deaths of Princess Diana and Mother Theresa, nearly 200 people attended the convention. The local sponsors, Weatherby & Ban, were close to breaking even financially. The event was marred by technical difficulties that affected the visibility of speakers' slides. The editor, as Permanent Chairman of NUFOC, is seeking volunteers to sponsor the following year's convention.

DARK RUMBLINGS AT MUFON HEADQUARTERS:

The issue highlights a critical review of the 'Director's Message' in the August 1997 MUFON UFO Journal. It suggests that Kent Jeffrey's anti-Roswell article and Karl Pflock's negative review of the Col. Philip Corso book had angered MUFON members. International Director Walt Andrus is quoted as saying the Kent Jeffrey article was too long, contained errors, and was debunking in nature, with members wanting to hear about sighting reports instead of arguments.

The editor interprets this as MUFON acknowledging that publishing anti-Roswell articles is detrimental and that they will prioritize member interests over the 'real Truth'. The article also notes that for the second consecutive year, MUFON's subscriber and membership numbers have decreased. The editor attributes much of the MUFON UFO Journal's negativity and circulation decline to its editor, Dennis Stacy, who is described as unpopular with the 'New Age' wing of ufology but liked by the editor for his fairness and open-mindedness.

Dennis Stacy is reportedly tiring of his role and will resign after the November issue. Antonio Huneeus, International Coordinator of MUFON, has been offered the position and is considering it.

A MILD ADVENTURE INTO THE NIGHT:

The editor recounts a visit to Pine Bush, New York, described as a UFO 'window area'. Accompanied by UFO/psychic researcher Chris Burns, they observed the local viewing site. Phenomena reported in Pine Bush include round opaque globes, unnatural fog, segmented lights, and elongated lights. Sightings have reportedly decreased in recent years compared to the 1980s.

NEWS BRIEFIES:

A favorable article about the 'Smear' editor appeared in the New York Sunday Times, calling him "a slight, bespeckled man....a subculture legend who has served as the Walter Winchell of UFOs since 1954".

There are rumors that Todd Zechel suffered a stroke and is in poor health.

Sir Eric Gairy, former prime minister of Granada, has died at age 75. He was known for speaking about UFOs at the United Nations and inspiring UFO stamps.

Charles Berlitz, author of 'The Bermuda Triangle', was rumored to have disappeared but was found living in Florida.

Dr. Bruce Maccabee has convinced the editor that the CIA Report's explanation for increased UFO sightings after the U-2 spy plane flights is incorrect. Maccabee's thesis is detailed in a paper titled "(The) CIA's Explanation is Preposterous".

MUFON has created a 'MUFON Hypnosis Release' form to avoid lawsuits related to abduction regression.

Dr. Steven Greer of CSETI claims to have over one hundred "first-hand military, intelligence and military contractor witnesses" to UFO/Extraterrestrial events and is seeking to record their testimony.

BOOK REVIEWS PLUS ONE CALENDER REVIEW:

Book Review: "UFOs & Mental Health Book One: A Briefing on the Phenomenon" by Bob Teets
Bob Teets is releasing a book in November that aims to provide an objective briefing on the UFO phenomenon for the mental health community. The book explores the enigmatic properties of UFOs and suggests elements of human complicity or origination. Teets posits that the phenomenon may be about human consciousness and its mysteries, influenced by an 'out there' factor, potentially involving 'nonhuman' intelligence.

Book Review: "Saucer Attack - Pop Culture in the Golden Age of Flying Saucers" by Eric and Leif Nesheim
This 128-page softcover book features text and full-color plates of UFO-related magazine and book covers from the 1950s and 1960s. It sells for $16.95.

Calendar Review: 1998 Calendar by Antonio Huneeus
A 12 by 14 inch calendar prepared by MUFON's Antonio Huneeus features twelve large photos or drawings of UFO-related matters, with brief descriptions of UFO events on each page. It also mentions 12 'UFO "Hot Spots"', including Roswell, Gulf Breeze, and Pine Bush. The calendar costs $11.95.

LETTERS TO YE OLDE EDITOR:

Chris Roth writes about Kent Jeffrey's skepticism regarding Roswell, questioning who remains a true believer. He suggests that prolonged study might lead to correct conclusions or, alternatively, that researchers may be reluctant to abandon their beliefs due to personal investment, citing Leon Festinger's work on millennialist cults.

Phil Klass comments on Bill Moore's admission of doubts about the Roswell Incident and the MJ-12 papers, calling Moore untruthful. Klass also notes that IUR carried a brief review of Budd Hopkins' book 'Witnessed', but suggests Jerry Clark's silence on Hopkins' book is telling, given Clark's earlier involvement in the Linda case controversy.

Klass also discusses Richard C. Doty, describing him as a teller of tall tales who was dismissed from AFOSI for 'misconduct'. Doty's contradictory statements about MJ-12 are highlighted.

Robert Todd responds to Kevin Randle's letter, asserting that documents in Major Marcel's file show Marcel was a liar, and that the information contradicts his claims. Todd accuses 'Wrong Way' (presumably Randle or a similar figure) of deceiving the public for years to profit from the 'Myth of the Century'. He also disputes the idea that Mogul officials were required to provide high-density air traffic areas with information about balloon launches.

Christopher Allan of England notes a significant detail in the latest Air Force Roswell Report.

Editor's response to Christopher Allan clarifies that the FAA was established in 1958, and the CAA was responsible for airspace restrictions in the 1940s. The editor asserts that there is no reason to believe Roswell Army Air Field knew about the NYU balloon launches from AAAF, accusing 'Wrong Way' of deliberately distorting facts to maintain the 'Roswell cash cow'.

Alexander Mebane recommends Patrick Huyghe's 'Field Guide to Extraterrestrials', contrasting it favorably with Joe Nickell's work. Mebane suggests that UFO reports, if not real, are 'quasi-real' simulacra of 'aliens' born from human imagination, strengthened by abduction accounts. He theorizes that the Kenneth Arnold sighting may have been a hoax created by Arnold and Ray Palmer for FATE Magazine.

Kindly K. E. Sackett defends James Randi, suggesting that psychics who challenge him agree to experimental setups and that a genuine demonstration of the paranormal would be valuable. The editor dismisses this, stating Randi is not a nice guy.

Ralph Coon criticizes the film "Whispers from Space" for being too long and wandering. He has decided to cut the editor's scenes and let Richard Taylor tell the story, expressing defiance.

Max Petersen criticizes Col. Philip J. Corso's book for inaccuracies regarding early electronic computer history, based on his work with ENIAC inventors.

Sheila Franklin enjoyed the Ohio NUFOC Conference, finding it homey and less austere than other events. She found Galganski especially good and noted Mindy Kopolow believes in abductions.

Hank Worbetz congratulates the editor for recognizing the phenomenon's Earth origin and co-habitation with another intelligence.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a critical and often skeptical stance towards certain aspects of ufology, particularly regarding the Roswell Incident and the claims of some prominent researchers. The editor, James W. Moseley, is portrayed as a long-standing figure in the field, known for his direct and sometimes provocative commentary. There is a strong emphasis on journalistic integrity and a desire to uncover the 'truth', even if it contradicts popular beliefs. The publication also highlights the challenges and internal debates within organizations like MUFON, reflecting a dynamic and sometimes contentious UFO research landscape. The editor's personal opinions and experiences are frequently interwoven with the reporting, giving the newsletter a distinct voice. The issue also touches upon the commercialization of ufology, with reviews of books and calendars, and the ongoing efforts to legitimize or debunk various UFO-related claims.