Saucer Smear - Vol 46 No 12 - 1999

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 46, No. 12
Date: December 5th, 1999
Publisher: SAUCER & UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of "Saucer Smear" is a non-scheduled newsletter dedicated to ufological journalism. It opens with a quote from John Keel and a humorous warning about the approaching "X" designation for non-subscribers and the "Y2K" millennium, while also soliciting "Love Offerings" from readers.

Key Articles and Features

Editorial and News

The editor, James W. Moseley, thanks readers for their contributions and mentions cartoonist Matt Graeber and graphic artist Miller Johnson. A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to the "Gray Barker UFO Collection" housed at the Clarksburg-Harrison County Library in West Virginia, expressing concern over rumors of its potential downgrading or disposal and urging readers to contact David Horechin at the library if they oppose this.

The National UFO Conference (NUFOC) is announced to be held in Corpus Christi, Texas, in September 2000. The Permanent Organizing Committee (POC) is mentioned, with the passing of long-time member Al Manak noted. The POC's current membership is listed, including Jim Moseley, Rick Hilberg, Tom Benson, Tim Beckley, Antonio Huneeus, William Moore, Allen Greenfield, Karl Pflock, Matt Graeber, Curt Sutherly, Dennis Stacy, and Tim Brigham. Moseley muses about renaming the group to "MG-12" (Moseley's Group of Twelve).

"Project Awareness" Conclave

A report details the "Project Awareness" convention held in Clearwater Beach, Florida. The attendance was smaller than expected. Speakers included Whitley Strieber and abduction researcher Constance Clear. The editor photographed a mysterious cigar-shaped object outside the hotel. Other speakers mentioned were Lloyd Pye, journalist Jim Marrs, Michael Lindemann, Franceen King, William Buhlman, Dolores Cannon, and Joe McMoneagle.

Larry Bryant and MUFON Controversy

This section details the troubles of Larry Bryant, Director of Governmental Affairs for MUFON, who is involved with "Citizens Against UFO Secrecy" (CAUS). Bryant is behind a "ballot initiative" in 16 states to declare the year 2000 "The Year of UFO Awareness." MUFON's Executive Committee, led by Walt Andrus, asked Bryant to resign or face expulsion due to provocative CAUS Internet postings and his lawsuit against Virginia. An exchange with Executive Committee member Dan Wright is quoted, criticizing Bryant's actions. The article notes that a vote by the MUFON Board resulted in 13 members supporting Bryant, nine opposing, and one abstaining, meaning Bryant remains on the Board.

PFlock PTalk / Ufological Dimensions

Contributing Editor Karl T. Pflock reflects on his first anniversary with "Smear." He engages with Jim Moseley's "3-D/4-D/4½-D non-theory" on UFOs, criticizing Moseley's acceptance of anything labeled "UFO" or "ufological" and his belief that visitors are obsessed with sex. Pflock argues that similarities between humans and potential alien visitors are likely due to evolutionary selection, not a lack of advancement.

Missives from the Masses

This section features letters from readers:

• Robert Todd critiques the "Woods" and their "MJ-12 documents," comparing their methods to the "Moore, Shandera, and Friedman (MSF)" team and expressing skepticism about their claims and control over information.
• Phil Klass responds to Karl Pflock's criticisms, challenging Pflock to build a "mock UFO" to prove his hypothesis about the Travis Walton case.
• Dr. Bruce Maccabee addresses a comment about the Trent photo case, discussing shadow analysis and reaffirming the Trents' original story.
• Kevin Randle, Ph.D., defends his degree from California Coast University, a "distance learning" facility, against criticism within the UFO community. He also comments on Whitley Strieber's views on alien abductions, agreeing with Strieber's earlier stance that such reports are artifacts of cultural conditioning.
• William Moore notes a contradiction in how Dennis Stacy and the "Smear" cartoon refer to Moseley as "reigning court jester." He also comments on Tom Deuley's work on the "El Indio Guerrero crash" and expresses a shift away from a "centrist" position.
• Michael Dennett congratulates Moseley on being nominated as "Reigning Court Jester."
• Matt Graeber defends "Smear's" practice of publishing letters from various individuals, including those from mental hospitals, stating it's an "equal opportunity newsletter."
• Christopher Burns agrees with Pflock's criticisms of the UFO community but feels Pflock was too lenient.

Tidbits of Trash

This section provides brief news items:

• MUFON Board Vote: Larry Bryant wins the vote and remains on the Board.
• Pat Marcattilio's Convention: A convention near Trenton, N.J., had a low turnout despite an "all-star line-up."
• Michael Shermer: "Skeptic" Magazine is seeking debunkers for a Fox Network series but finding few qualified ones.
• Nick Pope: A ufologist from the UK's Ministry of Defence is criticized by James Easton for overstating his involvement with UFO investigations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the ongoing debates within the UFO community regarding the nature of UFO phenomena, the credibility of evidence and researchers, and the role of skepticism versus belief. There is a strong emphasis on the internal politics and controversies within organizations like MUFON. The editorial stance, particularly through James Moseley's contributions and Karl Pflock's critiques, reflects a complex and often critical view of ufology, with Moseley presenting his long-standing, somewhat unconventional theories while Pflock advocates for a more rigorous and less inclusive definition of the subject matter. The newsletter also maintains a humorous and sometimes irreverent tone, evident in its cartoons and commentary on reader submissions.