Saucer Smear - Vol 44 No 10 - 1997

Magazine Overview

Title: Saucer Smear
Issue Date: November 15th, 1997
Volume: 44, No. 10
Publisher: Saucer Smear
Editor: James W. Moseley, J.S.

This issue of "Saucer Smear" is a non-scheduled newsletter dedicated to the principles of ufological journalism. It presents a collection of opinions, news, and critiques from various figures within the UFO community, often with a skeptical or contrarian viewpoint.

Key Articles and Sections

"As it stands now (1988), there is NO government investigation of UFOs."

This section quotes Captain Kevin Randle (Ret.) from his 1988 book, "The October Scenario," stating that there was no government investigation of UFOs and no indication of any Top Secret Air Force study that he would have had access to.

BEWARE THE DREADED "X"

This notice informs readers that an "X" on their envelope signifies they will be removed from the mailing list unless they send a donation. It also mentions that cartoonist Matt Graeber has contributed to this issue.

TIDBITS OF TRASH:

• MUFON Journal Changes: Dennis Stacy is being replaced as editor of the MUFON Journal by Dwight Connelly. Walt Andrus is taking on additional roles as Editor in Chief and Publisher, a move compared to dictatorial practices.
• Art Bell Backwards: Australian researcher David John Oates is reported to be playing Art Bell radio shows backwards to find hidden meanings, with examples like "You feel a Roswell boss" and "I wish to nuke it."
• Richard Hall: Mentioned in relation to the "Stupidest Quote of the Month."
• Karl Pflock & James Moseley: Stacy's opinion of Pflock and Moseley is quoted from the MUFON Journal, stating they "seriously lack credibility" and that a journal for believers will remain a poor imitation of a scientific journal.
• Richard Hall's Retirement: A rumor suggests Hall will retire from the Fund for UFO Research (FUFOR).
• Robert Bigelow's Ranch: Reports indicate that weird phenomena at a haunted ranch in Utah, purchased by Bigelow's National Institute of Discovery Science, have ceased.
• Bob Pratt on Varginha: Bob Pratt's 7-page summary of the Varginha landing case (January 1996) is discussed. While acknowledging something strange occurred, the article notes the lack of proof linking it to UFOs and highlights disputes between the two main investigators, Ubirajara and Pacaccini, which may lead to conflicting book accounts.
• Society for Scientific Exploration Meeting: A special meeting was held at Laurance Rockefeller's estate in Tarrytown, New York, attended by nine scientists and eight ufologists, who will issue a report.
• Jerry Black on Gulf Breeze: Researcher Jerry Black has produced an audio tape criticizing researchers involved in the Gulf Breeze/Ed Walters Case, believing it to be a hoax.

"The Day After Roswell" and Larry Bryant

The book "The Day After Roswell" has prompted UFO proponent Larry Bryant to petition the President for a Federal Special Grand Jury to investigate its revelations. Bryant can be reached at 3518 Martha Cunts Drive, Alexandria, Va.

New Magazine from England

A new magazine from England, published by Andy Roberts, is described as making "Saucer Smear" look like a "parish circular" and is touted as "the most irreverent UFO magazine of all time."

Operation Right to Know

This group plans another demonstration at the White House on July 5th, 1999.

Timothy Good and Robert Kennedy Letter

Timothy Good sent a letter from the late Senator Robert Kennedy to the late Gray Barker, dated May 9th, 1968. Kennedy claimed to be a "card carrying member" of a pro-contactee UFO group and took a positive attitude towards flying saucer research. Barker apparently never published the letter.

National UFO Conference

No sponsor has yet been found for next year's National UFO Conference.

"SMEAR" MAKES A RARE "POSITION STATEMENT"

• James W. Moseley reiterates his stance on the UFO Mystery:
• There is no scientific proof of anything strange occurring, and no hard evidence of alien spacecraft or government conspiracy after fifty years.
• Strange things are happening, but the evidence is anecdotal and not reproducible.
• He believes there is a link between UFO phenomena and psychic phenomena, based on personal experience.
• The most likely answer is that humans share the planet with another Intelligence, and this has been true throughout history.
• He dismisses the idea of an invasion by spaceships, stating that evidence for it would be much clearer.
• Moseley acknowledges that his viewpoint pleases few people, but states he would have founded a cult if he wanted popularity.

Book Review: THE REAL ROSWELL CRASHED-SAUCER COVERUP

This review discusses Philip J. Klass's book, published by Prometheus (associated with CSICOP). The reviewer notes the unusualness of a small publisher releasing two books with the same anti-UFO viewpoint on Roswell within months of each other. Kal K. Korff's book is also mentioned. The review criticizes the book for including a photo of Klass with a fake alien head and for lacking an index entry for Moseley or "Saucer Smear."

MISSIVES FROM THE MASSES:

• Dennis Stacy: Explains his decision to step down as editor of the MUFON UFO Journal due to exhaustion after thirteen years, and mentions ongoing issues with the printing company and allegations of being a disinformation agent.
• George Earley: Expresses surprise at Walt Andrus's comments and suggests Kent's article was not too long, implying Andrus may underestimate reader attention spans.
• William ("Bill") Moore: Responds to Phil Klass, stating Klass is not truthful about his inability to shed light on the MJ-12 papers and that Klass's conclusions are based on incomplete information. Moore humorously suggests he would wait for Klass to become senile before revealing anything. He also addresses doubts about Roswell, suggesting his recent statements might be an effort to distance himself from certain individuals.
• Dr. Ellen Crystall, PhD: Expresses anger, stating her book details sightings of craft like triangles and rectangles, not "globs & globes with beads of light" seen at Pine Bush. She asserts her credentials and demands respect for women.

Official U.S.A.F. Test Dummy Identification Chart

A humorous chart identifying various test dummies, including an astronaut and alien figures.

"BAD DOGGIE?"

A cartoon with a series of questions related to dog behavior, suggesting a solution is available.

George Earley on MUFON and Kent's Article

George Earley writes that Walt Andrus complained of "errors" in Kent's article but did not cite them. Earley questions whether ufology is a game or serious business, suggesting MUFON needs to decide.

Parapsychologist George Hansen on Phil Klass and Jerry Clark

Hansen writes about Phil Klass implying Jerry Clark is skeptical of the Linda Napolitano case. He defends Clark and criticizes Klass's "subtle implication." Hansen also discusses Clark's references to him as "Torquemada" and suggests Clark exhibits feelings of persecution, grandiosity, and paranoia. He praises Linda Napolitano for exposing the perceived shortcomings of ufology leadership.

Researcher Bob Galganski Correction

Bob Galganski corrects a previous statement, clarifying that his Roswell case research appeared in the "International UFO Reporter (IUR)," not the MUFON Journal.

Howard Kaufman on James Randi

Kaufman criticizes James Randi, stating that Randi sets his own rules for psychics who take his challenges and that Randi "deals in magic and uses a crooked deck."

Ace Cartoonist Matt Graeber

Graeber writes about receiving "Smear" and seeing K.E. Sackett's comments on Randi. He also comments on Robert Todd's excerpt, wishing he wouldn't use "wrong way Ramble" stuff.

Dennis Stillings on Area 51

Dennis Stillings describes Area 51 as housing top-secret government defense projects based on conventional technologies. He states he now golfs and maintains correspondence with "aficionados of weirdness."

Long-time Researcher George D. Fawcett

Fawcett expresses enjoyment of "Saucer News" and "Saucer Smear," appreciating the coverage of UFO personalities. He considers himself a researcher and investigator, allowing room for genuine information while avoiding misinformation and disinformation. He provides a contact address for UFO cases in North and South Carolina.

Gene Steinberg's Speculation

Gene Steinberg, former editor of UFO zines, speculates that efforts to learn about UFOs have largely failed and that if real E.T.s were encountered, UFO researchers would not be vindicated as phenomena remain elusive.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of "Saucer Smear" include skepticism towards mainstream UFO claims, critiques of research methodologies, and a focus on the personalities and internal disputes within the ufology community. The editorial stance, as articulated by James W. Moseley, is one of cautious observation, acknowledging that "strange things are indeed going on" but emphasizing the lack of reproducible scientific proof and the potential link between UFO phenomena and psychic experiences. The publication appears to favor a more critical and less sensational approach to UFO topics, often highlighting the subjective and anecdotal nature of the evidence presented by other researchers and organizations.