Saucer Smear - Vol 54 No 08 - 2007

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 54, No. 8
Date: September 20th, 2007
Publisher: OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SAUCER & UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of Saucer Smear, the official publication of the Saucer & Unexplained Celestial Events Research Society, is dedicated to the principles of ufological journalism. The cover features a photo of "Ye Olde Supreme Commander" James W. Moseley and a headline announcing "THERE'S A BIG ONE COMING OUT:".

X-Conference 2007 and Exopolitics

The lead article discusses the upcoming "X-Conference 2007" held in suburban Maryland, USA, from September 14th-16th. The event is led by Stephen Bassett, described as a "well-known exo-politician," who advocates for government disclosure of alien visitation proof. The conference will feature the premiere of Paul Kimball's documentary, "Best Evidences Top Ten UFO Sightings." Kimball himself is quoted expressing skepticism about exopolitics, stating that while the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH) is valid, there is "absolutely no definitive proof that extraterrestrials have visited Earth." Other speakers mentioned include Tom Carey, Don Schmitt, Paul Davids, Richard Dolan, Dr. Steven Greer, Dr. Bruce Maccabee, Nick Pope, Dr. Michael Salla, Jaime Maussan, and Antonio Huneeus.

Contributing editor Vince Ditchkus is attending the conference with press credentials.

News Briefies

The "News Briefies" section covers several topics:

• Larry King UFO Show: A correction is made regarding Julie Shuster's role at the International UFO Museum in Roswell. Buzz Aldrin is noted as being a skeptic on the show.
• "UFO Magazine" Trademark: A rumor suggests that "UFO Magazine" has trademarked the term "UFO" in the U.S.A., threatening legal action against other publications using the term. The magazine notes that for many, "UFO" translates to "Unlimited Financial Opportunity."
• Walter Haut's Deathbed Truth: The July 2007 issue of "UFO Magazine" is criticized for its cover story claiming the Roswell case is solved by Walter Haut's deathbed testimony. Saucer Smear asserts the case is not solved and provides details from a Net posting by Frank Warren concerning Haut's post-mortem revelations. It is suggested that Haut's affidavit may not have been entirely his own words, as researcher Don Schmitt admitted it was prepared based on information Haut provided over years.
• Bonnybridge, Scotland: The town of Bonnybridge is seeking to become Roswell's "twin city" due to numerous UFO sightings. Local official Billy Buchanan is spearheading the effort, which includes proposals for a multi-million pound UFO theme park.

Gary McKinnon and UFO Research

The issue delves into the case of Gary McKinnon, a British computer hacker who allegedly accessed U.S. military web sites to find information on UFOs. He was caught and is fighting extradition from England. The article notes that his case is being reviewed by Britain's House of Lords.

UFO Sightings and Cases

• Kecksburg UFO: A photo shows researcher Rick Hilberg standing below a replica of the acorn-shaped UFO that allegedly landed near Kecksburg, Pennsylvania, in 1965.
• San Luis, Argentina: A report describes sightings of "imps" or "small demons" emerging from a tree, with some witnesses describing "brownish hue" clothing. The article draws a parallel to "grey" alien abductors, questioning the categorization of such phenomena.
• Holland Crop Circle: On July 7th, a large and mysterious crop circle appeared in a corn field in Holland. The formation measured 1,033 feet long with 150 circles, and was accompanied by a brief flash of sheet lightning. The article notes the unusual circumstances of three crop circle enthusiasts being present.
• Gulf Breeze Flap: The article revisits the 1987-1989 Gulf Breeze, Florida UFO sighting "flap," calling it one of the hottest things in ufology at the time. It mentions the magazine editor's personal investigations and the eventual discrediting of the case by MUFON's Rex Salisberry.

Books and Publications

Timothy Green Beckley has sent copies of two books: "UFOS ATTACK EARTH" and "GONE FOREVER IN THE BLINK OF AN EYE." The magazine also mentions Beckley's "Conspiracy Journal" magazine.

SETI and Alien Contact

A section discusses SETI's search for extraterrestrial life. It raises concerns about the implications of sending out our own messages, potentially inviting unwanted attention or disaster. It also questions whether we would even be aware of alien presence if they were already here, suggesting they might be invisible.

Abduction Case: Paul Hoffman

A story is presented about Paul Hoffman, a 23-year-old chef who claims he was abducted by a cross-shaped spaceship and taken to Outer Space, where he was "manipulated" and returned as an "apprentice shaman." He was later found in Dresden, Germany, behaving erratically and was sent to a psychiatric hospital.

MJ-12 Documents Controversy

The issue addresses a new claim on the Net that the MJ-12 documents are fake. The article dismisses this claim, finding the arguments unconvincing and noting that the examiner looked at only a small portion of the documents. The primary arguments against authenticity are the unknown source and lack of common sense.

"Alien Autopsy Film" Revisited

The "Alien Autopsy Film" is back in the news, with Royce Meyers interviewing Robert Kiviat, who produced the film. Kiviat has reportedly located the person who provided the props for the original fake film. The article recalls a rumor about a scene involving former president Harry S. Truman that did not appear in the final film.

UFO Personalities and Listings

• "The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly" List: The magazine discusses a listing of UFO personalities categorized by their perceived benefit to ufology. It notes that "Bad" people include researchers like Walt Andrus, Jerome Clark, Stanton Friedman, and Dr. Bruce Maccabee, while "Uglies" include Art Bell and Linda Moulton Howe. The list is attributed to Dr. Richard Boylan.
• Paul Kimball's Hall of Fame/Shame: Filmmaker Paul Kimball has created a listing of ufologists for a "Hall of Fame" and "Hall of Shame." The Fame inductees include Dr. J. Allen Hynek, Dr. Jacques Vallee, Stanton T. Friedman, Major Donald Keyhoe, and Dr. James McDonald. The Shame list includes Billy Meier, Philip J. Klass, Dr. Steven Greer, Dr. Edward U. Condon, and Marshall Applewhite. The editor notes that he received four votes for the Fame list.

Letters to the Editor

• Kevin Randle: Responds to a critique of his article, clarifying that his point was about the reporting of witness testimony, not the witnesses themselves, in the context of the Mogul balloon myth.
• Dr. Gary Posner: Thanks Saucer Smear for a previous mention, but notes that it resulted in only one inquiry, leading to staff reductions for the Tampa Bay Skeptics Report. He also criticizes Larry King for not inviting Karl Pflock onto his show.
• David Perkins: Responds to a book review, defending his "mess of tentative theories" as a new line of inquiry into the "unrecognized forces of nature" behind UFO phenomena, referencing Charles Fort's ideas.
• William Nash: Writes a farewell message to the editor, expressing his wish that Moseley would not retire and acknowledging his long-standing readership.
• Christopher Allan: Comments on the Walter Haut "deathbed" testimony, calling it a "diamond anniversary" plug that adds little to the Roswell legend. He also clarifies the nature of the "Trislander" aircraft mentioned in a report on the Channel Islands UFO case.

Other Items

• Brazilian UFO Magazine Theft: A story details a break-in at the Brazilian UFO Magazine's office, where $12,000 worth of equipment and sensitive information were stolen, suggesting the magazine's activities were being closely watched.
• "Three Men" Inside Joke: Mentioned as an inside joke to be explained in the next issue if requested.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently exhibits a skeptical yet open-minded approach to UFO phenomena. While reporting on various sightings, claims, and conferences, the editorial stance often questions the authenticity of evidence, the motivations of individuals and organizations, and the validity of certain interpretations (e.g., exopolitics, the Walter Haut affidavit, the "Alien Autopsy Film"). There is a strong emphasis on critical analysis and a distrust of what is perceived as "establishment" narratives. The editor, James W. Moseley, frequently injects his own opinions and sarcasm, particularly when discussing the credibility of researchers or the sensationalism surrounding certain cases. The magazine appears to value rigorous investigation and is wary of claims that lack solid, verifiable proof. The recurring theme is the persistent mystery of the UFO phenomenon, which the magazine believes warrants continued study, even if definitive answers remain elusive.