Saucer Smear - Vol 54 No 09 - 2007

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 54, No. 9 (Whole Number 405)
Date: October 20th, 2007
Publisher: OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SAUCER & UNDPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Editor: James W. Moseley

This issue of Saucer Smear, a non-scheduled newsletter dedicated to ufological journalism, covers a range of topics within the UFO community, including tributes to researchers, discussions on alleged alien encounters, and critiques of UFO-related media and organizations.

Stanton Friedman Day and Ufological Tributes

The issue opens with a report on 'Stanton Friedman Day' proclaimed in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada, on August 27th. The magazine humorously suggests that a 'Stanton Friedman Hour' might be more appropriate than a full day, noting that while Friedman has built a reputation as an authority on flying saucers and alien abductions, the editors agree with him on very little, except that the UFO phenomenon is a genuine mystery worthy of study. The article also mentions a 'James Moseley Day' declared in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in connection with a donation of pre-Columbian artifacts to a local museum.

Alien Autopsy Films and 'The Alien Ghost at Roswell'

The magazine discusses the proliferation of 'alien autopsy' films, referencing an article by Nick Redfern in England's 'Fortean Times'. It notes that Ray Santilli's 1995 documentary is not the only one of its kind, and that Leonard Stringfield wrote of similar films shown to military personnel as part of training programs. A 'SMEAR EXCLUSIVE' introduces a video called 'The Alien Ghost at Roswell', produced by Jim Marrs and featuring psychic researchers led by Nick Redfern. The premise is that aliens killed in crashes are still present as ghosts. The film was shot at Roswell and alleged crash sites. The editors conclude that 'Nothing definitive was seen or learned' from the video, which was not accepted by the Discovery TV Channel.

Richard Doty and UFO Document Leaks

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to Richard Doty, a figure described as a 'little-known mystery man of the UFO field'. Barry Greenwood writes about Doty's career, including his time in the Air Force security police, his alleged sighting of a flying saucer, and his recruitment into the Air Force Office of Special Investigations. Doty's public UFO connection began in 1978 with the alleged leak of the Ellsworth Air Force Base document about a firefight between guards and aliens. He later became involved with Paul Bennewitz, who claimed to be receiving extraterrestrial signals, and was associated with the 'Aviary' group from which strange UFO documents, such as the 'Project Aquarius' teletype, surfaced. Doty lost his clearance in Germany in 1986 due to alleged illegal counterintelligence activities. He later appeared on a TV show as a mysterious figure called 'Falcon'. The article notes that Doty co-authored a book, 'Exempt from Disclosure', with Robert Collins and Tim Cooper, who is associated with numerous MJ-12 documents.

Critiques and Observations on Ufology

Nick Redfern is quoted expressing a pessimistic view on the future of ufology, predicting it will remain a niche subject attracting only a few thousand people unless a major breakthrough, such as proving Roswell was ET, occurs. He believes that if ETs do land, ufology will be swept away as the public seeks answers from the media and government. The magazine also touches upon a lawsuit filed against God by a Nebraska lawmaker and God's response, highlighting the intersection of the mundane and the extraordinary.

UFO Sightings and Research Experiences

The issue includes a report of a UFO sighting in the Florida Keys, described as a row of bright car headlights forming a large, dark aircraft moving slowly and silently. The editors also recount their past involvement with MUFON, including being barred and later allowed to join, and their experience as Section Director for Monroe County, Florida, where they investigated no sightings. The rarity of sightings in the Keys is noted.

Legal and Political Aspects of Extraterrestrials

An article discusses the 'Extraterrestrial Exposure Law' passed by NASA in 1969, which provided a legal precedent for detaining individuals in contact with extraterrestrials. While the law was officially removed in 1991, the article speculates on its implications, particularly in the context of potential extraterrestrial contact and government secrecy. The Paradigm Research Group's opinion that extraterrestrials are seeking a role in the 2008 presidential campaign is also mentioned.

'Who's Who in Ufology Today' and 'Project Serpo'

The magazine critiques a list of 'Who's Who in Ufology Today', noting that the order is alphabetical and that some listed individuals are deceased or skeptical. The 'Project Serpo' story, involving American military personnel allegedly flying to another planet, is mentioned as being included in a book, with the editors expressing incredulity at its magnitude and the possibility of its endorsement by Stanton Friedman.

Letters and Contributions

Several 'Missives from the Masses' are included:

• George Earley critiques the rumor of 'UFO Magazine' trademarking the acronym 'UFO', stating it's impossible as the term is in the public domain.
• Tristram Jones inquires about a cryptic reference to 'the three space entities who silenced NICAP', prompting an explanation from the editor about a symbolic gesture involving a bouquet of lilies.
• Jerry Lucci suggests that UFO mystery answers are more earth-shattering than mere aliens, criticizing those who refuse to look in other directions.
• Kenn Thomas of Steamshovel Press promotes his book on the Maury Island UFO Case and discusses the shift to electronic distribution for his magazine.
• Christopher Roth comments on 'The Paracast' radio show and 'UFO Magazine', and notes the apparent revival of the Heaven's Gate cult.
• Erik Beckjord recounts how he allegedly forced 'UFO Watchdog' to remove defamatory posts about him.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Saucer Smear maintains a critical yet engaged stance towards ufology. The editors employ a blend of serious reporting, skeptical commentary, and lighthearted teasing, particularly directed at prominent figures like Stanton Friedman. Themes of government secrecy, the nature of evidence in ufology, the media's role in reporting on UFOs, and the personal experiences of researchers are recurrent. The magazine appears to value direct investigation and evidence but is wary of sensationalism and unsubstantiated claims. There's a clear skepticism towards certain aspects of the UFO community, while still acknowledging the phenomenon's inherent mystery and the importance of serious scientific study.