Saucer Smear - Vol 47 No 02 - 2000

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 47, No. 2
Date: February 10th, 2000
Publisher: SAUCER & UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY

This issue of "Saucer Smear" is dedicated to ufological journalism, featuring a mix of investigative pieces, critiques, and reader contributions. The publication maintains a skeptical yet engaged stance on UFO phenomena, often questioning the motives and credibility of individuals and organizations within the field.

Todd Zechel and the MJ-12 Hoax

The lead article, "TODD ZECHEL LURCHES BACK INTO THE ARENA," discusses a 34-page document written by Todd Zechel in 1989, titled "The MJ-12/Aquarius Hoax." Zechel, formerly of CAUS and GSW, claims this document details the involvement of William Moore and Sgt. Richard Doty in the release of the original MJ-12 documents in the late 1980s. The article mentions other prominent figures in the UFO community, including Lee Graham, Paul Bennewitz, Bob Pratt, Linda Moulton Howe, Trace Torme, Peter Gersten, and Brad Sparks. The "Saucer Smear" editors express skepticism about Zechel's timing and his own alleged intelligence background, which makes him a suspect in the hoax himself. While Zechel reportedly believes the Roswell Incident was caused by a balloon, he also maintains faith in another lesser-known crash story, the "El Indio Guerrero Case," which was reportedly debunked.

Zechel also provided a 17-page treatise to the CIA via a Freedom of Information Act request, which the publication characterizes as a subjective reconstruction of the CIA's ufological involvement. The article notes that while Zechel's efforts may have contributed to the release of CIA documents, no definitive "smoking gun" is presented. The piece also touches upon the involvement of "Smear" Contributing Editor Karl Pflock, whom Zechel identifies as a former CIA briefing officer and head of NICAP's Washington D.C. subcommittee. Pflock, according to Zechel, later became associated with the Fund for UFO Research (FUFOR) and received a grant from them. Pflock himself, after consulting with the publication's editors, generally confirms Zechel's remarks about his background, with the exception of his alleged membership in the CIA's Domestic Contact Service. The editors credit Pflock and others for establishing that the Roswell Incident was likely caused by a balloon, dismissing any CIA plot.

Sensational Low-Level UFO Reports in Illinois

The magazine reports on a series of police sightings in Illinois on January 5th, 2000. The object was described as an arrowhead-shaped craft, approximately 100 feet long and two stories high, with bright lights on its tail and underside. It was observed flying slowly at an altitude of 500 to 1,000 feet, emitting a low-decibel buzzing sound. One officer noted that bright red lights on the craft "radiated so much light into the sky that it was similar to the Japanese rising sun symbol." The sightings occurred near Scott Air Force Base, which denied involvement. The article speculates that the object might be related to advanced military technology, drawing a parallel to the Stealth bomber's test flights.

Miscellaneous Ravings

This section covers various topics, including:

• Uri Geller: The psychic spoon bender is reportedly suing Nintendo for $100 million over a Pokemon card. Geller appeared on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, where he successfully duplicated a complex design, plugging his book "Mind Medicine." The article notes his peculiar remark about his mother having eight abortions before his birth.
• Larry Bryant: Bryant of CAUS submitted a FOIA request to Walter Reed Army Medical Center, seeking information on the treatment of individuals experiencing symptoms of "abduction by 'extraterrestrial biological entities'." Dan Wright of MUFON stated that Bryant does not speak for MUFON.
• Franklin Mint Replica: The prestigious Franklin Mint is releasing a replica of the Roswell saucer, based on input from four alleged experts, including Linda Moulton Howe. The publication dismisses this as "nonsense."
• Roswell Laser Incident: A bright green laser beam was emitted from an abandoned nuclear missile site near Roswell on New Year's Eve 1999, carrying encoded messages. Matthew Cook described it as "gimmicky" but a way to "draw tourists and increase Roswell's mystique."

Tidbits of Trash

This section includes brief mentions and critiques:

• NUFOC Convention: Three women associated with the Corpus Christi NUFOC convention are pictured: Doris Upchurch, Constance Clear, and Susanna Washburn.
• Tim Beckley: A photo of Tim Beckley, formerly "Mr. UFO" and now "Mr. Creepo," is presented. The magazine notes his cynical attitude towards the UFO business.
• William Baldwin's Book: A review of William Baldwin's book "Different Kind of Interference by Otherworldly Beings" is mentioned, which retails for $10.95. The book is described as dealing with "Close Encounters of the Sixth (Sense) Kind."
• Steve Mansee: Mansee, who puts "Smear" online, explains the web site name "www.martiansgohome.com" as a homage to Fredric Brown's novel.
• Phil Klass: Phil Klass of "Skeptical Inquirer" is mentioned, along with a sketch of him piloting a UFO with his dog. He expresses a growing friendship with "pro-Ufologists" who are disillusioned with Roswell and MJ-12.
• John Lear: Pilot John Lear sent a payment to get back on the mailing list, mentioning his retirement from commercial piloting and his purchase of a gold mine.
• Christopher Roth: Roth comments on Tim Beckley's "Mr. Creepo" persona and humorously questions the legal age of consent for "Barely Legal Lesbian Vampires."
• Robert Sheaffer: Arch-skeptic Robert Sheaffer critiques Bruce Maccabee's photos of a cloud casting distinct shadows, suggesting it's a meteorological phenomenon rather than evidence of a UFO. He also questions the "Star of Bethlehem" explanation.
• Iraqi Drivers and Ghosts: A brief news item from Baghdad reports Iraqi drivers seeing "dancing naked ghosts" on a road near Haditha.

Pflock PTalk / A H UFODUMB!

Contributing Editor Karl Pflock discusses two items from recent issues of "MUFON UFO Journal" and "International UFO Reporter."

• C. Joseph Barron's Letter: Barron suggests changing MUFON's name to something more dignified, like "Extra Terrestrial Research Organization (ETRO)" or "International Inter-planetary Society (IIS)." Pflock sarcastically suggests "BOSCO."
• Robert Galganski and Roswell: Pflock critiques Robert Galganski's attempts to re-inflate the Roswell crashed-saucer balloon theory, particularly his reliance on Jesse Marcel Jr.'s claim about an "I-beam." Pflock quotes Jesse Marcel Sr. himself, who stated that the beams looked like wood and were "weightless."

Pflock concludes by agreeing with Barron that the UFO community needs to gain respectability, but implies that Barron's own letter demonstrates the lack thereof.

Brief Book Bashings

This section reviews two books:

• "The Dulce Wars: Underground Alien Bases & the Battle for Planet Earth" by "Branton": Described as "dreadfully mediocre," the book's back cover poses the question of whether an "ALIEN 'FIFTH COLUMN' ALREADY ACTIVE ON EARTH PREPARING TOTAL CONQUEST VIA IMPLANTATIONS AND MIND CONTROL?" The publication's answer is "probably not."
• "CE-VI Close Encounters of the Possession Kind" by William Baldwin: This book is described as exploring "Close Encounters of the Sixth (Sense) Kind," dealing with "unwanted intrusions by alien 'others'." The author admits the material is not offered as absolute truth.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

Throughout this issue, "Saucer Smear" exhibits a consistent editorial stance characterized by skepticism towards sensational claims, a critical examination of UFO research organizations and individuals, and a preference for evidence-based explanations, often leaning towards conventional or debunking perspectives. The publication frequently questions the motives and credibility of those involved in the UFO field, particularly when claims lack strong supporting evidence or appear self-serving. There is a recurring theme of exposing perceived hoaxes and misinformation within ufology, exemplified by the detailed analysis of Todd Zechel's MJ-12 claims and the critique of Roswell-related theories. The magazine also highlights unusual or sensational UFO reports, but often frames them within a context of potential misidentification or military technology. The overall tone is critical, investigative, and often dismissive of unsubstantiated or highly speculative UFO narratives.