Saucer Smear - Vol 45 No 10 - 1998

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 45, No. 10
Date: December 1st, 1998
Publisher: SAUCER & UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Editor and Supreme Commander: James W. Moseley, J.S.

This issue of "Saucer Smear" is a non-scheduled newsletter dedicated to ufological journalism. It begins with a reminder to subscribers to renew their "non-subscriptions" and features cartoons by Matt Graeber. The main focus is a discussion prompted by letters to the editor, particularly from William Moore, in response to an editorial attack in a previous issue.

Regarding Letters to the Editor from William Moore and Others

James W. Moseley notes a comeback in letters to the editor after a period dominated by the internet. He addresses William Moore's response to an editorial attack, making several comments:

1. Moseley dismisses the notion that Phil Klass was involved in the MJ-12 hoax, stating that while Klass is not a "boy scout," hoaxing is not his style.
2. He expresses pleasure that Moore admits the inclusion of Dr. Donald Menzel in the MJ-12 list was a joke, a point Moseley and others have made for years, though Stanton Friedman reportedly does not listen.
3. Moseley comments on Moore's sense of humor, noting that his letter was sent in an envelope from a motel in Roswell, with a postmark from Marina del Rey, California, suggesting a mind capable of including Menzel in MJ-12.

Moore's letter itself is presented as a response to Moseley's editorial attack, and it is suggested that readers should read it with an open mind.

Joyous Rehash of the 35th National UFO Conference

The 35th National UFO Conference (NUFOC) is reviewed. Finding a location and organizing the event took considerable effort, but it was deemed a success with about one hundred paid attendees. Local chairman Pat Marcattilio of Bordentown, N.J., and internet contributors were instrumental. Researcher Karl Pflock is credited for his role, particularly his followers who paid to attend. Pflock presented on the 1952 Sonny Desvergers "saucer attack" case and discussed his Roswell research, detailed in his book "The Roswell UFO Mystery: Legend and Reality." Coincidentally, Pflock's book was sold to a French publisher the evening before the convention began. Pflock was also presented with the Ufologist of the Year Award.

The two-day program featured "Saucer Smear" editor and about fifteen other speakers discussing ufological and Fortean experiences. The editor acted as Master of Ceremonies. Highlights included:

• Tom Benson, a former MUFON state director, sharing the full story of his 4-D type UFO abduction experience.
• Parapsychologist George Hansen delivered a rant on how prestige given to UFO and psychic organizations does not reflect their true value.
• David Huggins presented slides of his paintings depicting experiences with attractive alien women.

Speakers who did not present included Pat Marcattilio, Rick Hilberg (due to illness), and Matt Graeber (who received no encouragement).

Marshall Barnes spoke on the 1943 "Philadelphia Experiment," arguing for the existence of technology that could make a ship invisible.

Retired airline pilot Bob Durant spoke in favor of the Roswell Incident being interplanetary. Both the editor and Karl Pflock apologized to Durant for being rude.

Antonio Huneeus gave a worldwide ufological overview, and Curt Sutherly discussed his Fortean book "Strange Encounters." Dr. Richard Sauder discussed underground bases, and Peter Jordan explored the meaning of animal mutilations.

Other speakers included Anna Hayes, Melanie Green, and Michelle Guerin. The event was considered worthwhile, with a busy bar and a good time had by most. Planning for the next year's convention is already underway.

Miscellaneous Ravings

This section discusses a "hilariously-garbled" interview from a British magazine called "The X Factor," which featured both Phil Klass and James Moseley as speakers at Fortean Times' "UnConvention" in London. The interview incorrectly states Moseley was born and raised in Iowa (it was Klass). The author questions why an electrical engineer like Klass would edit "Saucer Smear."

It also mentions scientists at the California Institute of Technology claiming to have completed the first "full" teleportation experiment, which involves transmitting properties of a light beam to create a replica, suggesting it could transform everyday life.

Internet Finds and Other Cases

Tim Brigham found an item from the internet headlined "'Little Alien' Hoaxes Continue in Israel," detailing a hoax involving a supposed 3-inch human embryo found by Mazal Maman. The article notes the entity was exposed as a fake.

Nobel Prize winner Kary Mullis's book "Dancing Naked in the Mind Field" is mentioned, including an incident where a raccoon spoke to him. The incident is described as "extraordinarily weird."

Author Reinhold Messner's book "Yeti" is discussed, which posits that the Abominable Snowman is a large bear. Messner defends his findings against doubters.

Recent letters from John Ford, former head of the Long Island UFO Network, are mentioned. Ford is in jail and has been found incompetent to stand trial, attributing this to his ties to Israeli Intelligence and belief in UFOs. He claims to have inside information on alleged UFO crashes on Long Island.

A paid advertisement promotes a website (www.nais.com/~THACK) for "real ET communication."

The return of radio host Art Bell to his broadcast after a mysterious Oct. 13 sign-off is noted, with Bell stating it was due to a "family crisis."

Letters to Ye Olde Editor

William Moore writes:

Moore reiterates his previous statement about MJ-12 standing and denies involvement with Dr. Wood, his son, Tim Cooper, or anyone else investigating additional MJ-12 papers. He states he has no knowledge of the origin or purpose of these documents and does not know if they are fabrications. If they are fabrications, he did not create them. Assuming the MJ-12 documents are fabrications, Moore addresses Dr. Posner's suggestion that Phil Klass might be a suspect. Moore states he had never seriously considered Klass until now. He acknowledges that Klass could have harbored a desire to embarrass him publicly over the Roswell Incident. Moore explains that his delay in releasing the documents for two-and-a-half years, and their subsequent publicity, might have dissuaded Klass from revealing the truth, as he would have been painted as a fabricator while Moore would appear as a victim. Moore concedes that Posner might be onto something and urges investigation, but doubts it will happen. He reiterates that this is speculation and does not modify his previously stated position on MJ-12.

Barry Greenwood, editor of "U.F.O. Historical Revue," writes:

Greenwood expresses concern that the MJ-12 debate is resurfacing, calling it a "foolish debate" and a reminder that giving credence to "dopey claims" allows them to grow. He questions if anyone in UFO research realizes how their work appears to the outside world.

Phil Klass writes:

Klass responds to William Moore, noting Moore's earlier claim that the MJ-12 documents were authentic. Klass states his own research revealed flaws and anomalies, particularly an unusual date format used in the "Eisenhower briefing document" that was also used by Moore. Klass suggests this "Moore date-format anomaly" was intentionally used by the hoaxer to implicate Moore. When Klass revealed this in "Skeptical Inquirer," Moore attacked him and defended the documents, rather than thanking Klass for discovering the anomaly.

Timothy Good writes:

Good clarifies his role in the Bob Dean expose, stating he directed a three-year investigation with expert assistance. He addresses Moseley's repeated characterization of him as "gullible" since 1983, noting that times have changed and many now regard him as a debunker. Regarding Roswell, Good points out that since the US intelligence community compartmentalizes highly sensitive information (SCI), documents related to alleged extraterrestrial recoveries would not be found in Secret and Top Secret documents and would be exempt from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act.

Miller Johnson, a former board member of the Roswell Museum, writes:

Johnson comments on a paragraph about MOGUL tape hieroglyphics, stating the measurement of the replica approved by Professor Charles B. Moore is 6.57 inches, not 7 inches as previously stated. He suggests Mr. Herb Taylor could have avoided criticism by including a disclaimer of approximation.

Christopher Allan writes:

Allan expresses sympathy for an anonymous internet correspondent who described Stan Friedman's lecture as "crap." He questions why Friedman, a nuclear physicist, constantly refers to himself as such, suggesting it's to impress readers, especially the younger generation. Allan also notes Friedman's claim to be a professional ufologist who has "reverse engineered" flying saucers, questioning how such a person should describe themselves.

Ann Druffel writes:

Druffel thanks Moseley for mentioning her book, "How to Defend Yourself Against Alien Abduction." She notes that most "resisters" find the nature of the abduction phenomenon unclear, possibly psychological. She clarifies that the resistance techniques listed on the back cover were not written by her but by the editor, and suggests a review of the book's interior would be more helpful to readers.

Leo Sprinkle, Ph.D. writes:

Sprinkle appreciates the comments about R. Max Petersen, describing him as wise, witty, and quick to praise others. He characterizes Petersen's qualities as those of a joyful, gentle, and peaceful investigator.

Short Shrift

This section includes a brief item lifted from Phil Klass's "Skeptics UFO Newsletter (SUN)" about the Unarius Academy of Science predicting a giant interstellar spacecraft landing in 2001. Jerome Clark, editor of CUFOS's IUR, is mentioned as having recounted the early history of belief in ET visits but offered no opinion on the Unarius prediction.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the ongoing debate about the authenticity of UFO evidence, particularly the MJ-12 documents, and the role of skepticism versus belief. The editorial stance, as expressed by James W. Moseley, is one of critical inquiry, often with a cynical or humorous undertone, particularly towards claims he deems unsubstantiated or hoax-like. There's a clear emphasis on journalistic integrity and the importance of accurate reporting, even while acknowledging the speculative nature of much UFO research. The magazine also highlights the community of UFO researchers and enthusiasts through its coverage of conferences and letters to the editor, showcasing a diverse range of opinions and experiences within the field.