Saucer Smear - Vol 46 No 03 - 1999

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 46, No. 3
Date: March 15th, 1999
Publisher: SAUCER & UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of the non-scheduled newsletter 'Saucer Smear' provides a critical and often skeptical look at various UFO-related topics, controversies, and personalities within the field. The publication is characterized by its direct, sometimes blunt, editorial voice.

Donations from the Dead!

The newsletter highlights an eccentric legal initiative by Peter Gersten, head of CAUS (Citizens Against UFO Secrecy), who is reportedly giving up his law practice to file lawsuits against all 50 states under Article IV, Section IV of the U.S. Constitution, arguing for federal protection against 'invasion'. The editors express doubt about the framers' intent and question Gersten's past handling of the Cash-Landrum Case. A peculiar aspect noted is the inclusion of numerous deceased ufologists (Donald Keyhoe, Kenneth Arnold, George Adamski, Barney Hill, Jim Lorensen, Coral Lorenzen, Gray Barker) among the 200 names listed as recent financial contributors to CAUS, suggesting something is amiss. Other listed contributors include 'UFO Colonel', Bruce Maccabee, John Schuessler, 'Linda' (possibly Linda Cortille), and Joe Firmage. The item is attributed to Antonio Huneeus, Tom Benson, and others.

Clark is Moderately Mad at Us

UFO historian Jerry Clark is reportedly upset with a previous 'Smear' article that criticized his reaction to Kevin Randle's attempt to join a UFO abduction conference. The editors acknowledge Clark's expertise as a UFO historian but question his role as an 'arbitrator of ufological Faith & Morals'.

The Inside Scoop on Harry S Truman's UFO Views

An analysis is presented of a full-page ad in USA Today sponsored by Joe Firmage's International Space Sciences Organization, which quoted celebrities on UFOs. The article focuses on a quote attributed to Harry S. Truman from a 1950 White House press conference: "I can assure you that flying saucers, given that they exist (italics ours), are not constructed by any power on earth." The editors emphasize the italicized phrase, noting that in a private meeting in 1954, Truman's only comment on flying saucers was, "I've never seen a purple cow, I never hope to see one..." Similar dismissive responses were received from Truman at later press conferences. This information was intended for a forthcoming book by the editors and Karl Pflock.

APRO is Really Dead This Time

Reverend William Heft has reportedly given up on reviving the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization (APRO), which was founded by Jim and Coral Lorenzen. Heft's home in Illinois, which served as APRO's headquarters, no longer holds the organization's files, and Heft is now convinced there is 'probably nothing out there to investigate'.

"Cutler Memo" Shown to Be a Fake

This section addresses the so-called Cutler Memo, dated July 22nd, 1987, found in the National Archives. Allegedly found by William Moore or Jaime Shandera, it was considered potential proof of MJ-12's existence. However, the memo, purportedly from Robert Cutler to General Nathan Twining dated July 14th, 1954, is declared 'not even a little bit genuine'. Problems include the absence of any record of the mentioned National Security Council meeting and the memo's author being out of the country at the time. The report lists ten other issues, suggesting the memo was placed in the archives with a specific motive.

Keel Gets a Bad Deal

Information suggests that a science-fiction movie, possibly two, is being made based on ufologist John Keel's 1970s book 'The Mothman Prophecies'. Despite Keel's potential financial need, he is reportedly receiving nothing from these projects. The article notes similarities in movie character names (John Klein, Indrid Cole) to Keel and a contactee's experience, highlighting the blurring of science fiction and fact in the UFO field.

News About This Year's NUFOC Convention

The 36th National UFO Conference (NUFOC) is scheduled for September 25th in San Antonio, Texas. Dennis Stacy will be the local host, and confirmed speakers include Karl Pflock, Kevin Randle, Patrick Huyghe, and Rick Hilberg. The 'Smear' editor will also be present.

What May Happen (Y2K Bug)

An article by Ilene Goldenberg and Sarah Gatling discusses the potential effects of the Year 2000 bug (Y2K). It outlines possible disruptions to electronic switches, power, telecommunications, banking, government services, air traffic control, hospitals, pharmacies, and investment companies if systems are not prepared.

Tidbits of Trash

This section briefly mentions the Y2K article as a source of paranoia and explains that 'Y2K' stands for 'Year 2000'.

Only Sex Websites Exceed UFO Sites in Number

This short piece, attributed to Walter Andrus of the Mutual UFO Network Journal, states that only sex websites outnumber UFO sites. It also provides contact information for 'Saucer Smear' newsletter, requesting a 'love offering'.

Art Bell and Tim Beckley Events

The editor discusses listening to radio talk show host Art Bell, whom he found intelligent and articulate. The newsletter also mentions Tim Beckley's upcoming 'Happening' in Fort Lauderdale on April Fool's Day, featuring psychic Suzanne Miller and others, including the 'Smear' editor.

NBC TV Special "Confirmation"

The editors note that NBC aired a two-hour TV Special titled "Confirmation: The Hard Evidence of Aliens Among Us?" on February 17th. While the editor did not see it, he heard that most prominent ufologists, including skeptics, were featured, with the notable exception of Stanton Friedman. Sub-topics included abductions, implants, the Mexico City case, FOIA documents, and a UFO sighting from Ohio. The special implant mentioned is described as chemically unique but its significance is unclear. The production is generally considered mediocre, though co-producer Whitley Strieber reportedly criticized media reviews.

Jim Dilettoso and Kal K. Korff

An internet item discusses a pending lawsuit where UFO photo expert Jim Dilettoso is threatening to sue skeptic Kal K. Korff over negative statements, including accusations of a 'two million dollar swindle of investors'. The newsletter states it will observe how Korff handles the situation.

Man Jailed Trying to Save Ex from Aliens

A brief Associated Press report details a man, Brett Steingraber, sentenced to 40 years for killing his ex-wife, claiming he did so to protect her from alien abduction.

Pflock Talk: Literary License

Karl Pflock reviews Terry Matheson's book "Alien Abductions: Creating a Modern Phenomenon." Pflock agrees with Matheson's argument that abduction stories are often restructured narratives that function as modern myths, addressing societal fears. He notes that Matheson avoids taking a definitive stance on the reality of UFOs, focusing instead on the creation and function of the abduction narrative. Pflock suggests that 'Ufoological True Believers' might denounce the book as literary criticism, while 'True Unbelievers' might use it to support their skepticism.

Worth Its Weight in Gold / Blind Panic / Getting the Message Across

These are brief news items: Piero Manzoni's 'excrement' art selling for a high price, a judge causing panic in court with a note about 'blinds', and a Bureau For At-Risk Youth pencil slogan that changes from 'Too Cool to Do Drugs' to 'Cool to Do Drugs' and then 'Do Drugs' after sharpening.

Missives from the Masses

This section features edited letters from readers.

Letter from William Moore: Moore responds to an inquiry about Mr. Klass's 'delicate state of health', stating he wishes no ill health upon him but offers his opinion that Klass's mother should have had an abortion. Moore accuses Klass of trying to make himself look good by attacking others and attempting to have him investigated by the FBI. He suggests Klass might be behind MJ-12, especially after learning Klass tried to involve the FBI. Moore believes Klass and Ken Starr are similar in their self-righteousness.

Letter from Phil Klass: Klass responds to Bill Moore's letter regarding the MJ-12 papers. He states that if the papers were authentic, Moore violated his 'Secrecy Agreement' and might be supplying documents to the Soviet Union. If the papers were bogus, the creator violated federal law. Klass urged Moore to report his suspicions to the FBI and provide evidence, offering his own files except for those related to Monica Lewinsky.

Bob Brown's Scoop

Bob Brown of the International UFO Congress shares information from the 8th Annual Conference in Laughlin, Nevada. He describes speaker lineups, UFO sightings during the event, and a dramatic 'light show' sighting. The highlight was the 'first public disclosure' of what is believed to be an alien skull, examined by medical doctors and remote viewers. The preliminary conclusion is that the skull is not human, possibly a hybrid, standing about 3 feet tall with less bone density than a human's, resembling a 'Grey'. Further data will be posted online. The next Congress event is scheduled for August 15th-21st, 1999.

Letters to the Editor (Edited Portions)

John Schuessler: Author of "The Cash-Landrum UFO Incident" thanks the editors for a book review and states he cannot provide medical records to 'unqualified people like Phil Klass', asserting that doctors found no pre-incident anomalies.

Dick Freeman: Expresses concern about UFOs crashing to Earth on January 1st due to computer glitches, predicting military presence in cities and chaos.

Miller Johnson: Comments on an 'I-Beam' possibly being a spaceship structural member or an 'alien dining utensil emblazoned with people-eating instructions'.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of 'Saucer Smear' include skepticism towards claims within the UFO community, particularly concerning alleged government cover-ups (MJ-12) and the nature of abduction experiences. The editors actively debunk or question prominent figures and alleged evidence, such as the Cutler Memo and Peter Gersten's legal actions. There is a strong emphasis on separating 'science fact' from 'science fiction' within ufology. The editorial stance is critical, investigative, and often confrontational towards those perceived as promoting unsubstantiated claims or engaging in self-serving behavior. The publication also touches upon broader societal anxieties, such as the Y2K bug, and reviews books that analyze the phenomenon of UFO abductions from a sociological or psychological perspective.