Saucer Smear - Vol 45 No 07 - 1998

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 45, No. 7
Date: August 20th, 1998
Publisher: SAUCER & UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Editor: James W. Moseley

This issue of "Saucer Smear" presents a collection of articles and commentary on UFO phenomena, often with a critical or skeptical perspective, interspersed with personal anecdotes and observations from the editor, James W. Moseley.

Bill Cooper in Big Trouble with the Feds

The lead story details former ufologist Bill Cooper's legal troubles, reporting on a front-page story from the Arizona Republic newspaper. Cooper is in a standoff with federal authorities regarding tax evasion charges from 1992 to 1994 and bank fraud. The article notes Cooper's public stance against income tax laws and his sympathy towards right-wing movements, including a warning posted on his internet site about armed resistance to federal warrants. The editor recalls meeting Cooper at ufologist Tim Beckley's conventions in the early '90s.

Miscellaneous Ravings

Upcoming Fox Network Special

"Saucer Smear" reports on an upcoming Fox Network special titled "World's Greatest Hoaxes - Their Secrets Finally Revealed." The show is expected to feature Kal K. Korff, an author known for skeptical books on Billy Meier and Roswell. The special is said to reveal the identities of individuals involved in the Ray Santilli alien autopsy video and include confessions. It will also feature interviews with Billy Meier's ex-wife, who denounces his UFO photos as fakes, and a person involved in faking the Roger Patterson Bigfoot film. Negative information on Loch Ness photos from the '70s and recent Mexico City UFO footage is also anticipated. The newsletter notes the irony of Fox, a network that has profited from hoaxes, now exposing them.

CAUS Mock Trial

Peter Gersten, executive director of Citizens Against UFO Secrecy (CAUS), is discussed for his efforts to organize mock trials concerning UFOs. One video mock trial featured Travis Walton as the "judge." Gersten plans a "real" mock trial in Phoenix, Arizona, pitting CAUS against a fictional skeptics group called CSICOP. The editor expresses skepticism about this method of seeking truth, drawing a grim parallel to mock trials in Cuba where defendants were executed.

Ed Walters' Gulf Breeze Video

A videotape made by Ed Walters of Gulf Breeze fame in February 1988, with Duane Cook, is mentioned. The tape purportedly shows Walters stopping his truck to photograph a UFO. While Cook did not clearly see the UFO, he witnessed Ed taking the picture. The editor believes this video may be a hoax and recalls seeing it with Ed in Gulf Breeze around 1989, but notes that his own copy is in poor condition and cannot be distributed.

UFO Magazine Saved

California's "UFO Magazine" has reportedly been saved from bankruptcy by William Birnes, co-author of "The Day After Roswell." Vicki Ecker remains editor-in-chief, and Don Ecker is news editor. The magazine will shift from bi-monthly to monthly. The current August issue is criticized for its "drivel about Roswell" and "right-wing military-oriented propaganda," though a lead article on the "disappointing" nature of the Face on Mars photos is noted positively.

Philip J. Corso's Difficulties

Philip Corso, co-author of "The Day After Roswell," is reported to be facing hard times after a severe heart attack at age 83. He canceled lectures and appears to have had financial difficulties related to his book. Corso stated that "certain elements have laid claim to all my future writings" and involved him in legal proceedings, vowing not to foster "cheap sensationalism, half-truths, errors off as reality."

Update on Philip Corso

An update notes that Philip Corso had another heart attack and died on July 16th. A plaque is to be placed at the "true crash site" by Roswell Museum authorities. Researcher Don Schmitt has identified at least five potential "true crash sites."

Fred Whiting's Skepticism

Fred Whiting, former executive of the Fund for UFO Research (FUFOR), has become a skeptic regarding the Roswell Incident. He is convinced that the recovered debris was from Project Mogul, and that the "alien writing" on the "I-beams" was tape from a novelty store. Whiting dismisses claims of alien bodies and craft as coming from discredited witnesses, supported by "self-styled UFO 'investigators'."

Professor Charles Moore's Explanation

Professor Charles Moore explained that the "alien writing" on the Mogul assembly's I-beams, described as six pinkish-purple flowers of various shapes, could easily be mistaken for hieroglyphics. He also noted the presence of thick-walled aluminum rings, consistent with Mogul wreckage. The editor implies this evidence strongly supports the Mogul wreckage theory.

Society for Scientific Exploration Report

The Society for Scientific Exploration, headed by Peter Sturrock, issued a 50-page report urging a serious scientific study of UFOs. This is seen as a significant development, the first such interest since the Condon Report. The study was financed by Laurance Rockefeller.

SETI Radio Signals

An article from June 7th reports that SETI scientists have detected about one hundred unexplained radio signals with no natural origin, possibly artificial or extraterrestrial. However, the tones are not repeating.

National UFO Conference (NUFOC)

Details are provided for the 35th National UFO Conference (NUFOC) to be held in Bordentown, New Jersey, on November 7th and 8th. Speakers include prominent ufologists. Pat Marcattilio is the local sponsor.

Tidbits of Trash

Karl Pflock Resigns from MUFON

Karl Pflock has resigned from MUFON, citing that the MUFON UFO Journal is no longer necessary for his research and that his dues could be better applied elsewhere, such as "good beer."

Herbert Taylor Resigns from MUFON

Herbert Taylor, an anti-Roswell MUFON member, has also resigned for similar reasons.

MUFON Membership Decline

Reports indicate that only about 300 people attended the recent MUFON conference in Denver, and membership has dropped to under 3,400 from a peak of over 5,000. Members are reportedly upset about the inadequate amount of research and investigation.

Erik Beckjord's Bigfoot Museum Closes

Erik Beckjord's Bigfoot museum in San Francisco has closed permanently due to financial reasons, with Beckjord seeking corporate sponsorship for reopening.

John Ford's Location

Information is provided for writing to former UFO investigator John Ford, located at Ward 43, Mid-Hudson Psychiatric Center.

Barry Greenwood's UFO Zine

Barry Greenwood is publishing his UFO zine under the new title "U.F.O. Historical Revue," previously called "Just Cause." He is distancing himself from Peter Gersten and the CAUS organization.

Jerry Clark's UFO Encyclopedia

Jerry Clark's UFO Encyclopedia is now available in a second edition, comprising two volumes totaling 1,180 pages.

Phoenix Lights Explained?

Phoenix radio personality Erskine Payton suggests the March 13th, 1997 lights over Phoenix were either a triangular-shaped stealth military aircraft or flares dropped during a training mission.

"The Cash-Landrum UFO Incident" Book

MUFON Deputy Director John Schuessler has a book out titled "The Cash-Landrum UFO Incident," detailing a significant flying saucer encounter. The book is available for $19.95.

Pro-Roswell Book Collaboration

Tom Carey, Don Schmitt, and Mark Fuhrman are reportedly cooperating on a forthcoming pro-Roswell book.

Ye Olde Book Review Section

"UFO Sightings - The Evidence" by Robert Sheaffer

The review discusses a new book by arch-skeptic Robert Sheaffer, published by Prometheus Books. The book is an update of a previous work and is noted for its favorable references to "Saucer Smear" and its editor, James Moseley. The review highlights Sheaffer's discussion of the Jimmy Carter sighting, which he solved by identifying the object as Venus. Sheaffer's work is praised for its detailed facts, though some errors are noted, including mischaracterizations of CAUS and the National UFO Conference's organization.

The review quotes Sheaffer describing Moseley as "one of the most unsilenced individuals in all UFOdom" and praising his witty, gossipy, and irreverent newsletter, "Saucer Smear," calling him "the Voltaire of the UFO movement."

"Secret Black Projects of the New World Order"

Timothy Green Beckley has sent copies of his magazines "UFO Files" and "Uncensored UFO Reports," along with a new book titled "Secret Black Projects of the New World Order" by Tim Swartz. The book discusses anti-gravity UFOs, black helicopters, and flying triangles, suggesting research into back-engineered alien technology.

Missives from the Masses

Christopher Allan's Letter

Christopher Allan writes that while the internet may predict the demise of "Smear," he offers wisdom: modern PC hardware is largely due to reverse-engineering components from the Roswell crashed saucer. He questions whether Aztec crash technology is as reliable.

Kal K. Korff's Letter

Kal K. Korff confirms an upcoming FOX TV special and his involvement in its research. He also discusses a secret trip to Switzerland to visit Billy Meier's farm and interview his ex-wife, Kalliope Meier. Korff mentions that the special will examine other UFO and paranormal cases but cannot discuss them until after airing. He humorously recounts using the undercover name "Oscar Meyer Wiener" when visiting Meier's farm.

Rob Swiatek's Letter

Rob Swiatek recounts attending the MUFON Symposium in Denver and examining Roswell photos presented by Ron Regehr. He describes the photos as grainy enlargements that could be interpreted in various ways, likening them to a Rorschach test.

Scott Bond's Letter

Scott Bond expresses delight that the NUFOC is heading to the east coast and requests a convention flier, intending to attend.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of "Saucer Smear" include the ongoing debate between ufological belief and skepticism, the exposure of alleged UFO hoaxes, and critiques of prominent figures and organizations within the UFO community. The newsletter maintains an irreverent and often witty tone, with the editor, James W. Moseley, frequently injecting personal opinions and anecdotes. There is a clear leaning towards a paranormal view of UFOs, while still engaging with and analyzing skeptical arguments, particularly through book reviews and commentary on the work of skeptics like Robert Sheaffer and organizations like CSICOP. The issue also highlights legal and financial troubles of some figures in the UFO field, such as Bill Cooper and Philip Corso, and discusses the organizational health of groups like MUFON. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical engagement with the subject matter, often using humor and satire to make its points.