Saucer Smear - Vol 47 No 04 - 2000

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 47, No. 4
Date: May 15th, 2000
Publisher: SAUCER & UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of "Saucer Smear" presents a collection of articles and news briefs covering various aspects of ufology, skepticism, and related phenomena. The publication is dedicated to the highest principles of ufological journalism and serves as the official publication of the SAUCER & UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY.

DEAF, DUMB, AND BLIND:

The editor, James W. Moseley, recounts his experience attending "The Prophets Conference" in Santa Fe, New Mexico, from April 14th-16th, 2000. Although not strictly a UFO event, it was attended by figures like former astronaut Edgar Mitchell and ufologist Joe Firmage. Moseley expresses disappointment, noting issues with hotel arrangements, lack of signage, and the perceived "pleasant New Age goo" presented by Dr. Mitchell. He also mentions that Robert Anton Wilson, whom he wished to meet, was ill. The conference, which cost attendees $325 or more, seemed to generate significant revenue, though most paid for individual lectures. During his trip, Moseley also met with contributing editor Karl Pflock, artist Miller Johnson, and interviewed former Air Force sergeant Richard Doty about the Paul Bennewitz UFO case.

FOR WHOM THE BELLS TOIL:

This section reports on the impending retirement of radio host Art Bell, announced for April 26th, 2000. The reasons cited are the kidnapping and rape of his son in 1997, and accusations of child molestation made against him later that year. These events have caused significant trauma, leading Bell to seek an "anonymous lifestyle."

NEWS BRIEFIES (Formerly TIDBITS OF TRASH):

• 37th Annual National UFO Conference (NUFOC): Scheduled for September 23rd-24th, 2000, in Corpus Christi, Texas, hosted by Doris Upchurch. Speakers include Stanton Friedman, Ann Druffel, Dennis Stacy, Rick Hilberg, and Walt Andrus.
• Fate Magazine Article: A review of Scott S. Smith's article "Schism in the Church of the Left Brain" in the April 2000 issue of Fate, which critiques skeptics and compares CSICOP with The Skeptics Society. Smith's book, "The Soul of Your Pet: Evidence for the Survival of Animals in the Afterlife," is also mentioned.
• Fate Magazine Commissioned Articles: Two articles by Pflock and Moseley are forthcoming in Fate Magazine: one exploring the differences between "nuts & bolts" UFOs and dimensional entities, and another titled "Saucer Logic," which humorously points out logical errors in ufology.

Illinois UFO Sighting:

The issue revisits a report from the February 10th issue about a brightly-lit UFO seen in Illinois. Phil Klass of SUN attributed it to Venus, but a spokesman for NIDS (National Institute for Discovery Science) stated that Venus was not visible at the time of the sightings, suggesting NIDS might have solved the case.

Peter Gersten's Case:

Ufological lawyer Peter Gersten lost a case but is commended for his efforts in demanding details from the Department of Defense regarding its search for information on the 1997 Phoenix, Arizona UFOs. The judge dismissed the case despite the government's inadequate search.

MUFON's Ballot Initiative:

MUFON's "ballot initiative" in Missouri is discussed. The state accepted the wording, but MUFON needs 75,000 signatures by May 7th to get it on the ballot.

International UFO Museum & Research Center:

Four researchers—Stanton Friedman, Linda Moulton Howe, George Fawcett, and Donald Schmitt—have been appointed as Advisors to the Board of Directors at the International UFO Museum & Research Center in Roswell, New Mexico.

"UFO Magazine" Congress Account:

The May 2000 issue of "UFO Magazine" features an account of the 9th Annual International UFO Congress in Laughlin, Nevada. The keynote speaker, Jonathan Reed, claimed to have encountered a landed UFO and an ET, which he killed and stored in his freezer, only for it to resurrect and escape. The magazine calls this tale "patently ridiculous."

Kal K. Korff Update:

Kal K. Korff, author of debunking books, is now living in the Czech Republic, married, and claims to be Chief Information Officer for "The Prague Post."

Roswell Incident Theories:

Joseph Stefula, visiting Key West, believes that while the Roswell Incident of 1947 might not have been interplanetary, something unusual did occur in the U.S. Southwest that the government is covering up. Former researcher Todd Zechhel also has a theory on this.

Anti-Abduction Hat:

A man in Bellevue, Washington, claims to have created a special hat made of anti-static material that is "100 percent effective in preventing alien abductions," even during sleep.

Dr. Heather Anne Harder for President:

Dr. Heather Anne Harder, a former university professor, is running for president on a pro-UFO platform, citing the Nazca Lines in Peru as proof of UFO existence.

"Chemtrails" Hoax:

A hoax perpetrated by a local skeptics group in New Mexico tricked residents into believing that "chemtrails" (white streaks in the sky) contained a deadly chemical, dihydrogen monoxide, which is actually water.

ROSWELL - THE MUSICAL:

A musical drama titled "Roswell - The Musical" is being produced by the Roswell Outdoor Theatrical Association from June 15th to July 29th.

Area 51 Photographs:

Five detailed photographs of "Area 51" from a spy satellite have been posted online, showing buildings, sports facilities, and a swimming pool, suggesting possible underground networks. The government has denied Area 51's existence, with a Pentagon spokesman giving a humorous response about "no classified program that relies on aliens from outer space."

BOOK REVIEW: "The Anomalist" Issue Eight:

This review covers Issue Number Eight of "The Anomalist," a "Special UFO Issue" edited by Patrick Huyghe and Dennis Stacy. It features articles by Jerome Clark, Patrick Huyghe, Karl Pflock, Martin Kottmeyer, and others. Patrick Huyghe's contribution, "The Best UFO Case Ever? A Review and Update of the Socorro (N.M.) Incident," is highlighted, along with the Cash/Landrum Case of 1980.

PFlock PTalk / GOING POSTAL (PART TWO):

Karl Pflock continues his expose of the U.S. Postal Service (USPS), alleging that since 1947, its principal business has been MJ-12 research and cover-up, not mail delivery. He claims the USPS is responsible for delivering MJ-12 related documents and that "going postal" incidents are staged events to dispose of untrustworthy employees. He also suggests the privatization of the Postal Service and questions Benjamin Franklin's true nature.

Other Incidents and Theories:

• Socorro Landing (1964): A police officer encountered a landed object with small beings. A hot air balloon explanation is deemed unlikely.
• Aztec, New Mexico Landing (1948): Pflock's expanded lecture version discusses this event, linked to Frank Scully's book and Silas Newton, suggesting a possible crash-retrieval in the 1940s, not necessarily near Roswell.
• George Adamski: Colin Bennett's account of Adamski's 1959 world tour is mentioned, with the author noting Bennett's apparent belief in Adamski, contrasting with Moseley's own expose.

MISSIVES FROM THE MASSES:

• David Huggins: Writes about his play "UFO," expressing gratitude for the "Smear" review and the cartoon by Matt Graeber. He describes writing the play as a catharsis.
• Alexander Mebane: Questions if Huggins' saga represents a new phase of UFO phenomenon involving "seductions" rather than abductions.
• Matt Graeber: Enjoys Huggins' play and the "Smear" review, humorously commenting on the "well-endowed alien female" named "Aloo" and Huggins' "rich and diverse sex life."
• Todd Zechhel: Expresses a dislike for "fools" and "mendacity," finding the "Smear" editor "mildly entertaining."
• William Moore: Critiques an unnamed individual's "diatribe," calling it "stupid" and comparing it to "regurgitating too much cow flop."
• Barry Greenwood: Writes to Karl Pflock, warning him about the "Postal Brotherhood" and threatening revenge for his "Going Postal" columns, suggesting Moseley will also be "plucked from the face of the earth."
• Miller Johnson: Praises the "sexy" content of the March 15th "Smear" and enjoys Pflock's "Going Postal" column.
• Richard ("Dick") Freeman: Reveals he worked as a mailman and for UPS, and wonders if aliens are behind the anti-abortion business.
• Kenn Thomas: Believes Jim Martin has "smoking gun proof" of MJ-12's existence in his book "Wilhelm Reich and the Cold War," referencing a document from British diplomat Lew Douglas.
• Bob Zanotti: Updates on Erich Von Daeniken's "Mysteries of the World" theme park near Interlaken, Switzerland, opening in 2002, emphasizing it is not a UFO park.
• George Earley: Reviews "The Abduction Enigma," confirming his belief that abductionism is "pretty much nonsense." He expresses hope for "Real" intelligent life but finds "Rare Earth" authors overly pessimistic.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The "Saucer Smear" consistently adopts a critical and often skeptical stance towards many UFO claims, while simultaneously exploring the more unusual and conspiratorial aspects of the phenomenon. The publication seems to favor investigative journalism, even when it involves debunking or questioning established narratives. There's a strong undercurrent of distrust towards government secrecy and official explanations, particularly concerning UFOs and alleged cover-ups (e.g., MJ-12, Area 51). The editor, James W. Moseley, and contributing editor Karl T. Pflock are central figures, often injecting personal anecdotes and strong opinions into their writing. The publication also embraces humor and satire, as seen in the "News Briefies" section and the commentary on various UFO cases and personalities. The editorial stance appears to be one of seeking "The Truth," even if it's "Shockingly Close" and unconventional, often challenging mainstream skepticism while also being critical of unsubstantiated claims within the UFO community itself. The recurring theme of government cover-ups, particularly involving the U.S. Postal Service and the MJ-12 group, is a prominent element in this issue.