Saucer Smear - Vol 46 No 08 - 1999

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 46, No. 8
Date: July 25th, 1999
Publisher: SAUCER & UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Editor: James W. Moseley
Contributing Editor: Karl T. Pflock

This issue of "Saucer Smear" is a non-scheduled newsletter dedicated to ufological journalism. It includes a quote from John Keel and contact information for the upcoming San Antonio convention. The newsletter covers various UFO-related news, personal accounts, book reviews, and commentary from its editors and contributors.

Miscellaneous Ravings

The "Miscellaneous Ravings" section addresses several topics. Firstly, it details an incident involving researcher Bob Durant, Tim Cooper, and the Woods. Cooper, a principal source for the "new" MJ-12 documents, reportedly failed a lie detector test administered on April 18th, which the Woods allegedly tried to conceal from Durant. The section also notes that computer millionaire Joe Firmage has funded a MJ-12 documentary by the Woods that has not yet been released.

Secondly, the newsletter discusses a two-page article in the June 1999 MUFON Journal by Walt Andrus concerning an investigation into an alien skeleton case in Ladonia, Texas. Andrus reportedly encountered a dead end when an old letter alluding to an 1897 UFO incident could not be found. The article also touches upon Andrus's grumbling about "armchair ufologists" and implies that the alien skeleton case might have been a hoax.

MUFON Leadership Changes

It is reported that Walt Andrus intends to resign as International Director of MUFON. His temporary replacement will be Deputy Director John Schuessler. The reasons cited for Andrus's resignation include his age (78), his wife's health, and a recent steep loss in MUFON membership.

Stonehenge Incident

The newsletter recounts a well-publicized incident where hundreds of unauthorized people broke through police lines at Stonehenge in southern England on the night of June 20th-21st, the summer solstice. This disruption led to the cancellation of a ceremony by about a hundred Druids and may prevent future ceremonies.

Harry Truman Quote

The search continues for the original source of a quote attributed to a 1950 Harry S. Truman press conference: "I can assure you that flying saucers, given that they exist, are not constructed by any power on earth." While Paris Flammonde used the quote in his 1976 book "UFO Exist!" without recalling the source, Christopher Allan of England points out that Truman was on vacation in Key West at the time of the alleged press conference. The editor believes the quote, regardless of its authenticity, reflects Truman's view that flying saucers were not of earthly origin, but he likely did not believe they existed.

James Randi and John de Herrera Incident

The issue continues its study of anti-psychic activist James Randi. Randi's account of an incident in California where he allegedly punched out a UFO fanatic named John de Herrera to a "standing ovation" is contrasted with de Herrera's version. De Herrera claims he was pushed into a wall by Randi and then escorted out by a guard, with the crowd reacting with "shocked silence."

Book Dedication and Personnel Changes

It is noted that a 1971 book by UFO skeptic Daniel Cohen, "A Natural History of Unnatural Things," is dedicated to "Jim Mosley, an entrepreneur of the weird." Additionally, Randal Raydon has resigned, at least temporarily, as "Smear" Office Manager.

French Government Report on UFOs

At press time, a 100-page semi-official French government report on UFOs has been released, which reportedly favors the theory that UFOs are extraterrestrial.

RE-HASH OF THE 1999 MUFON CONFERENCE

The editor attended the 1999 MUFON convention in Washington, D.C. The event, marking MUFON's 30th anniversary, was described as impressive, though not as significant as the upcoming National UFO Conference. The editor notes Walt Andrus's continued use of the term "U-F-O-Ology." Among the speakers, Richard Hall gave a talk on "Fifty Years of UFO Politics and Discomfort Zones" and later clashed verbally with arch-skeptic Dr. Gary Posner, telling him he was "full of shit."

Other speakers included Eve Francis Lorgen, Beverly Trout, Betty Andreasson Luca, and Bruce Maccabee. The newsletter highlights Jenny Randles, Eddie Bullard, and others as representing the "5%" of quality content.

Missives from the Masses

Famed former UFO researcher William Moore writes, expressing that he prefers to receive mail forwarded regularly and that he has little to say. He questions Joe Firmage's relevance and notes that he once appeared equally ridiculous to others as those he once took seriously.

Arch-skeptic Dr. Gary Posner criticizes Karl Pflock's selection of the Hill "abduction" case, comparing psychiatrists like Berthold Schwarz and John Mack to the late Dr. Benjamin Simon, who diagnosed the Hill incident as Betty's fantasy.

Parapsychologist George Hansen notes that Gary Posner is still upset about a reference to him in Hansen's 1992 CSICOP paper and suggests Posner is seeking to become the heir to Philip Klass's role as UFO debunker.

Author and researcher Rob MacGregor praises "Saucer Smear" for its content and avoidance of the internet. He expresses interest in Randi's reporting and mentions looking up Randi's homepage, finding no information about the controversy.

Book Reviews

"The AIDS-ET Connection" by Phillip S. Duke: This 40-page, self-published book proposes that the AIDS epidemic was deliberately caused by gray aliens to eliminate the human population. The author is influenced by the work of Dr. Roger Leir and Dr. David Jacobs. The book's copyright statement includes "Interstellar and Intergalactic Treaties." The review questions the alien origin theory, noting that while the simultaneous emergence of HIV strains is unexplained, it doesn't necessarily imply alien involvement.

"UFOs: A Century of Sightings" by Michael David Hall: This 375-page paperback, published by Galde Press, is written by a professional historian and covers UFO cases from 1896-1897 to the present. It is noted for its extensive documentation but lacks illustrations and does not mention Moseley, Saucer News, or Saucer Smear.

PFlock PTalk: The Future of UFOLOGY - Is There One? (Part 1)

Karl Pflock discusses the MUFON symposium, noting the increased attendance compared to previous years. He highlights the importance of commercial publication for ufologists due to a lack of research grants. Pflock observes a "wackiness quotient" in the speaker lineup, mentioning "alien dating service" talks and abduction stories. He identifies Jenny Randles, Eddie Bullard, and others as representing the more credible aspects of ufology.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the ongoing debate between ufologists and skeptics, the credibility of UFO evidence and witnesses, and the internal politics and events within UFO organizations like MUFON. The editorial stance, as expressed by James W. Moseley and Karl T. Pflock, appears to be one of critical engagement, questioning claims, and maintaining a degree of skepticism while still exploring the subject matter. There is a clear emphasis on investigative journalism and a willingness to challenge established figures and narratives within the UFO community.