Saucer Smear - Vol 50 No 07 - 2003

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 50, No. 7
Date: August 10th, 2003
Publisher: OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SAUCER & UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Type: Non-Scheduled Newsletter

This issue of "Saucer Smear" is dedicated to the principles of ufological journalism and features a quote from John Keel calling ufology "a boil on the ass of ufology." The newsletter is edited by James W. Moseley and contributes to by Karl T. Pflock.

Upcoming Events and Conference News

The main focus of the issue is the upcoming 40th annual National UFO Conference (NUFOC), scheduled for September 6th and 7th at the Beverly Garland Hotel in North Hollywood, California. The conference will feature speakers such as abductee Travis Walton, Robert Wood (of MJ-12 fame), Ann Druffel (speaking on her book "Firestorm" about Dr. James McDonald), Derrel Sims, Dr. John Miller, Terry Hansen, Brian Boldman, Rev. Harrison Bailey, and Jim Moseley. Efforts to secure William (Bill) Moore as a speaker were unsuccessful, though he is noted for introducing the MJ-12 documents at a NUFOC conference in 1987. Contact information for Ann Druffel and Linda Reavely is provided for those interested in attending.

Echos of the "Philadelphia Experiment"

The newsletter examines the claims of Al Bielek, who has lectured and written about being a survivor of the mythical Philadelphia Experiment. This alleged top-secret test in 1943 aimed to make a ship invisible using early stealth technology, with the destroyer U.S.S. Eldridge reportedly used for the test. The story claims the ship went invisible and teleported from Philadelphia to Norfolk, Virginia, and back. Bielek's version includes him and his half-brother, Duncan Cameron, jumping overboard and landing in 1983, experiencing time travel and mind control. The article notes that recent research by civilian investigators suggests Bielek stole the identity he claims to have had during these adventures, casting doubt on his story. The piece also briefly mentions Carlos Allende (born Carl Allen), who was a spokesman for the Philadelphia Experiment a generation ago and wrote strange comments in an annotated edition of a Morris K. Jessup UFO book. Allende was observed to be a "madman" by the "Smear" editor.

Phillip J. Klass Ceases Publication of "SUN"

Phillip J. Klass, described as an arch-skeptic who has written anti-UFO books and published the quarterly newsletter "Skeptics UFO Newsletter" (SUN), is ceasing publication. Klass, who became deeply interested in ufology in the late 1960s, particularly concerning the Ed Walters case in Gulf Breeze, Florida, has been a vocal critic of UFO claims. The article notes that Klass was a writer and editor for "Aviation Week and Space Technology" and that some assumed his anti-UFO views were part of an official disinformation plot. Now 84 years old and in failing health, Klass has decided to end "SUN" with the Summer 2003 issue. The "Smear" editor expresses regret at his departure, noting that ufology needs a "Devil" and Klass cheerfully accepted that role.

Klass's final issue includes a cryptic remark about not imagining a successful UFO cover-up by many U.S. administrations and governments over the past half-century, nor the landing or crash of a single extraterrestrial craft. The "Smear" editor and Klass disagree on whether a genuine UFO mystery exists, with Klass, a founding member of CSICOP, believing all cases could be explained with sufficient information.

News Briefies

Roswell and Welsh Roswell: The newsletter mentions that Roswell is not the only site of an alleged saucer crash. An incident in 1974 in the Berwyn Mountains of Wales, dubbed "the Welsh Roswell," involved a large disc-like craft falling from the sky, causing an earth tremor and a military cordon. The article suggests exaggeration and speculation but notes that an unsolved crash likely took place.

UFO Specials on TV: The issue notes two recent UFO specials: "Tuesday Declassified - Out of the Blue" on the Si/Fi channel, which covered topics like the Phoenix lights, "Foo Fighters" of WWII, Roswell, the Bentwaters case, and the French COMETA report. It also mentions a "Larry King Live" show on Roswell that was disjointed and poorly organized.

Maverick UFO Activist Larry Bryant: Larry Bryant submitted a paid advertisement to a government-sponsored weekly newspaper called the Pentagram, which was rejected. The ad called for the impeachment of President Bush if he lied about the reason for the war in Iraq.

Rendlesham (Bentwaters) UFO Case: The article revisits the classic Rendlesham case from 1980 in England. It discusses a recent confession by former Air Force military policeman Kevin Conde, who claims the lights were from his patrol car and that the "unknown object" was a 1979 Plymouth Volare used as a prank. The newsletter expresses skepticism about this confession, noting the complexity of the Rendlesham sightings.

Richard Shaver: The article mentions that Richard Shaver, author of the "Shaver Mystery," has passed away, and his former home and artwork are for sale on Ebay.

"The World's First Traveling UFO Museum": A traveling UFO museum in Turkey is highlighted, aiming to inform citizens and tourists about the UFO phenomenon.

George Fawcett's New Book: Veteran UFO researcher George Fawcett has published a new book combining two previous reports, focusing on the objective and subjective effects of UFO encounters.

Gordon Creighton's Passing: Gordon Creighton, long-time editor of England's "Flying Saucer Review," has died at the age of 95.

PFlock PTalk / Gray Barker Lite

Karl Pflock's column discusses Timothy Green Beckley, also known as "Mr. UFO" and "Mr. Creepo," and his publishing activities. Pflock criticizes Beckley's book "MJ-12 and the Riddle of Hangar 18: The New Evidence" as a recycled and expanded version of previous editions, featuring a "badly hung-over, somewhat pissed, lipstick-wearing alien" on the cover. The column also touches on the Roswell case, mentioning a "Larry King Live" show and critiquing the involvement of figures like Glenn Dennis, Walter Haut, Julie Shuster, Jesse Marcel Jr., and Don Schmitt. Dr. Bruce Maccabee and Dr. William Doleman are also mentioned in relation to the Roswell dig.

The column also references the Kecksburg UFO crash and the annual Roswell Festival. It mentions the "Alien Autopsy Video" and Stanton Friedman's disbelief in it.

Letters to the Editor

John Zupansic (FATE Magazine): Shares a story about Erik Eeckjord selling a "first generation print from the Patterson-Grimlin Bigfoot Film" for a million dollars.

Kenn Thomas (Steamshovel Press): Expresses surprise that WMDs haven't been found in Iraq, questions incompetence, and mentions an article by Jim Martin in "Steamshovel Press" about MJ-12. He also notes Wilhelm Reich's search for aliens in Roswell in 1955.

Michael Dennett: Comments on a previous "Smear" issue and the use of a photo of Jasmin. He thanks the editor for a review of "Twin Telepathy" by Guy Playfair, suggesting it might support a "3-D Theory" but expresses reservations about the data's consistency.

Christopher Roth: Reports on attending local UFO-group meetings in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and mentions Heidi Hollis, a contactee and author.

Brian Parks: Provides an update on MJ-12, mentioning a meeting between Truman and MJ-12 members. He also quotes Charlie Chan on the state of "Saucerdom."

Carol Honey: Claims to be "blackballed" by UFO investigating groups for exposing deceptions like Al Bielek's claims and criticizes Phil Klass.

Brief Book Review: "A Gray Barker Reader"

Cleveland researcher Rick Hilberg's latest publication, "A Gray Barker Reader," is a 32-page softcover booklet featuring edited text from Gray Barker's "Chasing the Flying Saucers" columns. The review notes that Hilberg deliberately makes the text difficult to read by not separating the columns. It acknowledges Barker as a "finest writer" and "important pioneer" of the UFO movement, though the editor notes Barker likely didn't believe much of what he wrote. The book is priced at eight dollars.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of "Saucer Smear" maintains a critical yet engaged stance on ufology. It actively promotes upcoming UFO conferences and events while also scrutinizing claims and debunking perceived hoaxes or deceptions. Skepticism, particularly from figures like Phillip J. Klass, is acknowledged and discussed, with the editor noting the value of such critical voices. The publication also engages with various news and letters from the UFO community, covering a range of topics from alleged historical experiments to contemporary UFO sightings and research. There's a clear interest in historical UFO cases like Roswell and Rendlesham, as well as ongoing debates about the nature of UFO phenomena and potential cover-ups.