Saucer Smear - Vol 54 No 07 - 2007

Magazine Overview

Title: Saucer Smear
Issue Date: August 20, 2007
Volume: 54, No. 7
Publisher: The Saucer & Unexplained Celestial Events Research Society

This issue of Saucer Smear, a non-scheduled newsletter dedicated to ufological journalism, focuses heavily on the 60th anniversary of the Roswell Incident. The cover prominently features "THE ROSWELL INCIDENT 60th ANNIVERSARY" and a newspaper clipping about a "RAAF Captures Flying Saucer". The editorial content delves into the commercial aspects of the anniversary, the organization of events, and controversies surrounding UFO lecturers.

Roswell 60th Anniversary Meltdown

The lead article details the 60th anniversary of the Roswell Incident, estimating 35,000 to 45,000 attendees. It notes the significant commercial impact on the town, with a planned alien theme park and a large resort and conference center. The International UFO Museum, a key player in the commercialization since 1991, is expanding. A notable point of contention arose between the City of Roswell and the International UFO Museum, who fielded separate UFO lecturer slates. Julie Shuster, director of the museum, is quoted expressing concern about the city "making a circus out of it" and jeopardizing credibility. The city's events were led by Guy Malone of "Alien Resistance," who, being a Creationist, refused to book speakers promoting the theory of alien seeding of human life, stating Roswell is a "Christian town."

The magazine critiques this stance as a lack of scientific objectivity. The festival itself included various events beyond lectures, such as costume contests, an alien motorcycle rally, disc golf, a 10K run, an air show, a skateboard exhibition, and a haunted house. Tours to supposed crash sites were also offered.

The issue touches upon the commercialism at Roswell, with vendors filling the streets. A planned pseudo-abduction scenario was canceled due to budget issues.

Key Figures and Research on Roswell

Stanton Friedman is mentioned as being present and quoted regarding alleged military threats to Roswell witnesses. The article discusses the "Big Bang" Theory in contrast to the gradual "blowing up of a balloon" nature of the Roswell Incident's unfolding.

A section titled "WALTER HAUT, ROSWELL, AND MORE ON MOORE" highlights the release of a "deathbed confession" by Roswell witness Walter Haut. William "Bill" Moore, co-author of the seminal 1980 book "The Roswell Incident," is identified as the "Father of Roswell." Moore's alleged involvement with the MJ-12 documents is also mentioned. Haut, as the PIO in 1947, released the initial statement about the flying saucer crash. His daughter, Julie Shuster, is now director of the International UFO Museum. The article notes that Haut's statements varied over time, suggesting senility in his later years, and that his sensational claims might have been an effort to benefit his family and the town.

The magazine expresses skepticism towards the testimony of Haut and other "major discredited witnesses" like Frank Kaufmann, Philip Corso, Gerald Anderson, and Glenn Dennis.

Other Roswell Books and Theories

Several new books on Roswell are noted, including "Witness to Roswell" by Tom Carey and Donald Schmitt, which reportedly contains numerous witness accounts. The article questions the credibility of "new" witnesses after 60 years. Theories about multiple crash sites are discussed, referencing Karl Pflock's work. The Air Force's "final" reports from the 1990s, offering the Mogul Balloon explanation, are mentioned, along with the controversial "Case Closed" report which suggested human-like test dummies might account for memories of alien bodies.

The magazine reiterates skepticism about Walter Haut's later statements, attributing them to senility or an effort to benefit his family and town. Similar skepticism is directed towards the testimonies of other individuals.

Miscellaneous Ravings and Other Cases

Dr. Jesse Marcel Jr.'s book "The Roswell Legacy" is mentioned, with the author falsely claiming to be the "last living survivor." Major Kevin Randle is noted for having written extensively on Roswell. Kathleen Marden, Betty Hill's niece, co-authored a book with Friedman.

Frank Feschino's interest in the West Virginia Flatwoods Monster case is highlighted, with a new book "Shoot Them Down" focusing on alleged UFO-military air battles.

The issue references a Larry King TV interview on the UFO subject, featuring Julie Shuster, who stated her father believed the Roswell craft was "not of this Earth." Dr. Jesse Marcel Jr. recounted handling debris as an 11-year-old. Skeptic Michael Shermer is criticized for his lack of knowledge on the Roswell case. Former astronaut Buzz Aldrin's UFO sighting discussion is described as lengthy and unfocused.

The article revisits the Kenneth Arnold sighting of June 24, 1947, as the beginning of the modern saucer era, and the earlier Maury Island incident of June 21, 1947, involving Harold Dahl and alleged alien craft dumping slag. The investigation of the Maury Island incident led to a plane crash that killed two U.S. Intelligence officers.

International UFO News and Cults

A segment from England's "Fortean Times" magazine discusses Paul Kimball's film "Best Evidence: The Top 10 UFO Cases," suggesting a move towards more thoughtful ufology. A report from Britain describes a mile-wide, cigar-shaped object seen by airline passengers over the Channel Islands. The UK's promise to open its UFO files is mentioned.

The Heaven's Gate cult is discussed, noting survivors and new converts. Their belief that a UFO was riding the tail of the Hale-Bopp comet led to mass suicide in 1997. The group is reportedly making a motion picture called "Heaven's Gates A Decade Later."

MUFON's conclusion that oddly-shaped "drones" are likely computer-generated hoaxes is reported.

Personal Anecdotes and Criticisms

Royce Meyer, proprietor of www.ufowatchdog.com, is reported to have been silenced by ufologists he had attacked. Meyer himself stated he was taking a break from the UFO field due to a lack of time and inclination to deal with "crackpots and con artists."

A ufological conclave in New York City's East Village is mentioned, featuring David Huggins' interplanetary art. Publicist Mike Luckman and researcher Antonio Huneeus are also noted. Huneeus is described as being in a difficult situation regarding his UFO files, which were auctioned off.

The passing of Harold Salkin, a long-time figure in ufology and involved with George Adamski's book "Flying Saucers Have Landed," is noted.

Reader Contributions and Book Reviews

Matt Graeber writes about "mysterious symbols" on Roswell debris, describing them as flower-like, translucent purple/violet shapes on cellophane tape, possibly related to the debris found by Bessie Brazel.

William Shumaker agrees with the idea that science can sometimes hinder thinking and shares personal anomalous experiences. He recounts a class on "Frauds, Myths, and Mysteries" that focused on old UFO cases and Evolution.

Gary Hemphill references the 1977 Tom Dawson / Jimmy Hoffa UFO encounter, suggesting aliens were involved in Hoffa's disappearance and questioning what the government gave the aliens in return.

Chris Roth critiques Kal K. Korff, describing him as a "fantasy-prone individual" who has concocted a James Bond-style career. Roth also comments on the Raelians relocating to Nevada and Michael Luckman's book "Alien Rock."

Sales Pitches and Book Recommendations

The issue includes sales pitches for "The Nellis Range UFO Video" and a booklet titled "Jim Moseley and the Saucer News Years." It also promotes Moseley's book "Shockingly Close to the Truth: Confessions of a Grave-Robbing Ufologist."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The editorial stance of Saucer Smear appears to be critical of excessive commercialization in ufology, skeptical of sensational claims without strong evidence, and questioning of those who prioritize belief over scientific objectivity. The magazine highlights perceived inconsistencies and questionable motives among some prominent figures in the UFO community. There is a recurring theme of questioning official narratives and exploring alternative explanations, while also being wary of hoaxes and self-serving individuals. The publication seems to value direct research and firsthand accounts but is quick to dismiss what it deems as unscientific or fabricated.