Saucer Smear - Vol 46 No 04 - 1999

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 46, No. 4
Date: April 10th, 1999
Publisher: SAUCER & UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Editor: James W. Moseley
Contributing Editor: Karl T. Pflock

This issue of Saucer Smear, an official publication of the SAUCER & UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY, delves into a variety of UFO-related topics, with a central focus on the controversial Aurora, Texas UFO crash of 1897 and a recently publicized skeleton found embedded in plaster of paris by MUFON International Director Walt Andrus. The magazine also features commentary on the current state of ufology, discussions on the MJ-12 documents, and reports from various UFO conventions and events.

A Mythical Creature at MUFON

The lead article discusses the March 1999 MUFON Journal's cover story featuring Walt Andrus and a plaster of paris skeleton. The article connects this to the famed Aurora, Texas UFO crash of 1897. However, the author expresses skepticism, noting that the Aurora case is widely considered a hoax by historians like Ronald Story and Jerry Clark, and even Dr. J. Allen Hynek. The article recounts a letter from 1925 detailing two cigar-shaped spaceships landing near Ladonia, Texas, in 1897, with 'little men' seen nearby. It is believed one ship crashed in Aurora the next day. A skeleton was later dug up near Ladonia and shown to paleontologist Bob Slaughter. Andrus claims the skeleton has similarities to 'greys' but states MUFON makes no claim it's extraterrestrial, yet it's the lead story. Bob Slaughter, who wrote a book titled "Fossil Remains of Mythical Creatures," died in 1998. His widow is reportedly working on a movie about the case, with Paul Newman tentatively cast as Slaughter.

The article includes a quote from Jerry Clark's commentary on the Aurora case, emphasizing that 19th-century UFO crash stories should be viewed with suspicion, likely stemming from newspaper hoaxing and frontier humor rather than actual events. The piece speculates that MUFON's membership decline, partly due to the internet, might be a reason for Andrus and new Journal editor Dwight Connelly to 'jazz things up.'

Bob Slaughter's Book and Theories

Through Judith Slaughter, 'Smear' obtained Bob Slaughter's book. The introduction, written by George Toomer, is described as a blend of atheist, agnostic, and '4-D Thinker' perspectives. Toomer's views on mythology suggest that accepting one mythological example makes it hypocritical to disregard another, and that the question of authenticity is less important than that of religious relics. He posits that in dealing with the mystical, one accepts or rejects based on current popular faith. Toomer also defines a 'hoax' as when someone is fooled, generally a fool being the victim, whereas a lie victim is one who had faith and was misled.

Slaughter's book also includes chapters on mermaids and leprechauns, leading the author to suggest that if Professor Slaughter were alive, he might receive a 'Ufologist of the Year' award for deliberately assigning absurd theories to anomalous data to provoke thought.

"Project Awareness" Convention

The magazine reports on the 'Project Awareness' convention in Pensacola Beach, Florida, which drew 500-600 people. Speakers included Whitley Strieber, who discussed his book "Confirmation" and his upcoming book "The Coming Superstorm" co-authored with Art Bell, concerning a strange encounter in Toronto. Strieber also mentioned an upcoming lie detector test. Edgar Evans Cayce, son of the psychic Edgar Cayce, was also a speaker. Lloyd Pye, a Bigfoot researcher, presented on alleged alien or hybrid skulls found in a Mexican mine shaft.

Other speakers included Bob Oechsler, Linda Moulton Howe discussing MJ-12 documents, Nancy Talbott on anomalous events, and Michael Lindemann on extraterrestrial contact. The editor of 'Smear' was invited to participate in a panel called 'The People's Court.' The convention concluded with a 'Secret Meeting' hosted by Donald Ware, which the press was excluded from. No UFO sightings were reported at this year's convention, unlike the previous year.

Tidbits of Trash

This section provides various short news items:

• Steve Mansee has moved 'Smear' to a new website: http://www.martiansgohome.com/smear.
• The NUFOC convention is scheduled for September 25th in San Antonio, Texas, with speakers including Karl Pflock, Walt Andrus, Kevin Randle, and the 'Smear' editor. Whitley Strieber will make a special appearance.
• Timothy Good claims that typing peculiarities in the 'MJ-12 First Annual Report' resemble those in letters from Tim Cooper, who is linked to the MJ-12 documents.
• Richard Hoagland suffered a heart attack, with Whitley Strieber suggesting it might be due to attacks from skeptics.
• New Mars photos are expected to show natural formations rather than artifacts, being 20-40 times more detailed than previous ones.
• Computer millionaire Joe Firmage is launching the International Space Sciences Organization with prizes for pro-UFO essays.
• The asteroid 1983 RMZ/7277 has been renamed 'Klass' after a debunker.

PFlock PTalk / Musings on the Current State of UFology

Karl Pflock expresses concern about a 'terrible slump' in ufology, which he believes is largely self-inflicted, exacerbated by television and the internet. He criticizes the spread of 'virulent foolishness and paranoia' online, noting that 'fringies' are no longer on the fringe. He cites examples like the Roswell incident being clung to despite facts, amateurish hoax documents being promoted, the alien skeleton on the MUFON Journal cover, and the revival of the Aztec crash hoax. Pflock laments that 'nonsense is overwhelming the trickle of worthwhile material' but sees a few reasons for hope.

Cartoonist Matt Graeber's Contributions

Matt Graeber provides a sketch of the 'alien skeleton' from Ladonia, Texas, humorously suggesting it's a 'Marvinicus Martianius' or Marvin the Martian. He proposes that full-size replicas be made available to MUFON members and speculates that Michael Jackson might buy the original.

Steve Mansee on Y2K

Steve Mansee discusses the Y2K problem, predicting minor glitches but a perception of a huge problem, with mechanical failures being blamed on the bug. He warns of people bringing 'Doomsday fantasies into reality.'

John Ford's Legal Situation

Ufologist John Ford, currently in jail, provides an update on his legal status, stating he has been found competent to stand trial and is awaiting court proceedings. He requests 'Saucer Smear' be sent to him at Riverhead County Jail.

Phil Klass Writes

Phil Klass questions the Cash-Landrum case, specifically the lack of radiation detected on the car or surrounding area, despite Betty Cash allegedly being radiated. He also questions why Betty Cash and Schuessler haven't made pre-incident medical records public if she was in excellent health prior to the incident and why she didn't develop leukemia if she suffered irradiation.

Steven Dunn and Tim Swartz

Steven Dunn sends well wishes to Phil Klass for his recovery from spinal surgery. Tim Swartz sends a 'Love Donation' and expresses his continued readership.

Erich Aggen, Jr. on 'C-COM'

Erich Aggen, Jr., editor of 'C-COM,' explains his publication's shift in focus from purely UFO/Fortean to broader controversial subjects. He admits to being lazy in recent newsletters but found the new MJ-12 documents interesting, even if fake. He believes that disinformation, mixing truth with lies, is the best way to discredit information.

Roswell Researcher Jerry Lucci on MJ-12

Jerry Lucci highlights Timothy Good's overlooked role in the MJ-12 saga, noting Good's announcement of the documents' existence to the British press prior to Bill Moore's. Lucci questions Bill Moore's claims about the authenticity of the MJ-12 papers, pointing out apparent similarities in handwriting on different documents and suggesting a lack of talent in the field.

Christopher Allan on MJ-12 and Phil Klass

Christopher Allan critiques Bill Moore's statements regarding the MJ-12 documents, interpreting Moore's use of double negatives as an attempt to avoid directly claiming authenticity. He suggests that Moore has a vested interest in the MJ-12 saga. Allan also predicts that Phil Klass will eventually be treated similarly to Donald Menzel, with 'phoney documents' surfacing about his 'secret life.'

Tidbits of Trash (Continued)

• David Huggins, an artist and abductee, is featured in the April issue of 'Fortean Times' with two of his alien-oriented paintings.
• The International UFO Museum in Roswell, New Mexico, will host a mass wedding ceremony on December 31st, 1999.
• The magazine thanks its contributors and readers for their support.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of 'Saucer Smear' exhibits a consistently skeptical and critical stance towards many UFO claims and organizations, particularly MUFON. The editorial tone questions the validity of sensationalized stories, such as the Aurora crash and the alien skeleton, often citing historical research and established UFOlogists to debunk or cast doubt. There's a clear distrust of new or unverified information, especially concerning the MJ-12 documents, with contributors analyzing their authenticity and potential for disinformation. The magazine also critiques the current state of ufology, blaming the internet and sensationalism for a decline in quality research. Despite the critical tone, there's an underlying passion for the subject matter, with the publication serving as a platform for diverse opinions and ongoing debates within the UFO community.