Saucer Smear - Vol 49 No 01 - 2002

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 49, No. 1
Date: January 10th, 2002
Publisher: SAUCER & UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Editor and Supreme Commander: James W. Moseley J.S.
Contributing Editor: Karl T. Pflock

This issue of Saucer Smear, a non-scheduled newsletter dedicated to ufological journalism, presents a mix of news, personal commentary, book reviews, and updates on UFO-related events. The publication maintains a critical and often sarcastic tone, particularly in its editorial content.

Key Articles and Features

MUFON Maverick and a New UFO Book

The issue begins with a note about MUFON maverick Larry Bryant, who has ordered the new UFO book "Shockingly Close to the Truth!". Bryant's playful moniker for the editor, "Commander-of-Sheep," is mentioned. The price of the book is clarified: $25.00 plus postage, making the total $28.00. An advertisement for this book is referenced on page 8. The article also highlights Larry Bryant's own book, "UFO Politics at the White House: Citizens Rally 'round Jimmy Carter's Promise," which reportedly contains letters received by former President Carter regarding his alleged UFO sighting and promise to reveal UFO truths.

Update on the 2002 National UFO Conference (NUFOC)

The 2002 NUFOC, initially planned for Nashville, Tennessee, has been moved to Lima, Ohio, and will be held at the Civic & Convention Center on October 5th and 6th. This event precedes Pat Marcattilio's annual UFO/ET/Alien conclave in Bordentown, New Jersey. Speakers confirmed for the NUFOC include Stanton Friedman, Bruce Maccabee, Karl Pflock, and editor James Moseley, who will be promoting his book.

"Pflock on Corso" - A Critical Examination

Karl T. Pflock contributes a lengthy piece detailing his exposure of Lt. Col. Philip Corso's alleged "bait and switch" regarding Senator Thurmond's foreword for Corso's book, "The Day After Roswell." Pflock claims Corso used a foreword intended for a different memoir in his UFO book without proper authorization. He references a review in "UFO Magazine" that attempts to rehabilitate Corso and criticizes the evidence presented, including a release form that Pflock alleges was altered. Pflock also mentions receiving documents from Senator Thurmond's office that support his claims.

News Briefies

• This section includes several short items:
• The newsletter is now using a new electric typewriter for a denser layout.
• Information is provided for C.A. ("Carol") Honey, an associate of George Adamski, including an address for obtaining "Tract #252."
• Timothy Green Beckley has published a book titled "William Cooper: Death of a Conspiracy Salesman," about the recently deceased William Cooper.

Boondocks Cartoon

A "Boondocks" cartoon by Aaron McGruder is featured, with a satirical take on President Bush's "Psychic Selective Service Act" and Attorney General Ashcroft's statements.

Book Reviews and Mentions

• "Behold a Pale Horse" by William Cooper: Mentioned as a classic conspiracy book available from Global Communications.
• CSICOP's Rationality: The article notes CSICOP's struggle to make society more rational, contrasting it with the popularity of fantasy films like "Harry Potter" and "Lord of the Rings."
• "UFO Magazine" vs. "Fate" Circulation: "UFO Magazine" reportedly has a higher circulation (27,000 copies) than "Fate" (21,600 copies).
• "Area 51" Security Guards Strike: A report about security guards at "Area 51" in Nevada going on strike for better pay and conditions, possibly linked to increased overtime after September 11th.
• Rosemary Brown: The death of the pianist who claimed to play compositions dictated by deceased composers is noted. Her story is mentioned as appearing in Lou Farish's "UFO Newsclipping Service."
• "UFO Mysteries" by Curt Sutherly: This book, published by Llewellyn, is reviewed. It covers ten UFO situations and includes an appendix on triangular UFOs. Sutherly's own views on UFO origins, involving religion, philosophy, and metaphysics, are discussed. A "Raymond" is mentioned as being driven out of the UFO field by bizarre incidents.
• "Almanac of Alien Encounters" by Ron Story: This children's book from Random House is mentioned, with a promise of a review in the next issue.

"Pflock PTalk / Antonio Does a Space Babe" (Part 4)

Karl Pflock continues his serialized story, referencing the upcoming book "Shockingly Close to the Truth!" and a competition for advance orders between himself and Jim Moseley. He provides a semi-confidential address for ordering his copies of the book.

"FIGHT" Comic Strip

A comic strip titled "FIGHT" promotes saying "NO to deceptive alien entities" and features imagery related to cattle mutilation.

Letters to the Editor

• Jerry Clark: Defends Brenda Denzler's use of the word "myth" in her book "The Lure of the Edge," arguing she uses it in a scholarly, not negative, sense regarding ufology.
• Alexander Mebane: Critiques George Hansen's book, finding his UFO perspective lacking and questioning his attribution of UFO phenomena to "unconscious human 'psi' powers." He agrees with Hansen that the Linda Cortile case is likely not real.
• Bob Pratt: Comments on an article about Bill Cooper, finding Pflock's reference to "powerful, hairy dwarves" as "culturally influenced perception" to be "pretty shitty."
• Timothy Green Beckley: Clarifies his relationship with William Cooper, stating he merely filed IRS forms for Cooper's lecture income and did not abruptly end their relationship.
• Harley Byrd: Comments on the death of Bill Cooper, drawing parallels to the deaths of Ruby Ridge and David Koresh.
• DICK Freeman: Expresses relief that the 9/11 attacks were not UFO-related, fearing the consequences for ufologists if they were.
• DENIS COREY: Mentions enjoying Ron Story's "Encyclopedia of ET Encounters."

"SHOCKINGLY CLOSE TO THE TRUTH!" Advertisement

An advertisement for the book "Shockingly Close to the Truth!" by James W. Moseley and Karl T. Pflock is included, detailing its features, price, and shipping information.

"CASH-LANDRUM UFO INCIDENT" Book Mention

A 323-page softcover book about a UFO encounter in Texas is mentioned, available from MUFON.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Saucer Smear include critical analysis of UFO literature and researchers, skepticism towards certain claims (while still engaging with the subject matter), and a strong emphasis on the publication's own unique perspective. The editorial stance, as exemplified by James Moseley and Karl Pflock, is one of critical inquiry, often laced with sarcasm and a sense of being outside the mainstream of ufology. There is a clear dedication to promoting their own book and publication, often at the expense of others. The issue also reflects a broader cultural context, referencing events like 9/11 and the popularity of fantasy media.