Saucer Smear - Vol 56 No 05 - 2009

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 56, No. 5 (Whole Number 421)
Date: June 1st, 2009
Publisher: SAUCER & UNDPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Editor: James W. Moseley

This issue of Saucer Smear, a publication dedicated to ufological journalism, presents an "updated re-hash" of controversial topics like MJ-12, the Dulce, New Mexico alien base, and "Project Serpo." The content draws heavily from online material, particularly from researcher Robert Hastings, and critically examines the history of disinformation within the UFO field.

Key Articles and Topics

MJ-12, The Dulce Base, and Project Serpo

The lead article discusses the alleged MJ-12 documents, which surfaced in 1987 and purported to detail a secret government group dealing with UFOs. It mentions William Moore's role in releasing these documents and his subsequent organization of ufologists into "The Aviary," identified by bird names. Key figures like Sgt. Richard Doty ('Falcon') and Captain Robert Collins ('Condor') are identified as continuing a path of "lies and deception." The article also touches upon the "Dulce, New Mexico alien base" narrative, which allegedly drove businessman Paul Bennewitz insane, and the "Project Serpo" story about U.S. military personnel visiting a planet in the Zeta Reticula system.

Robert Hastings is presented as a legitimate researcher who has written a book titled "UFOs and Nukes: Extraordinary Encounters at Nuclear Weapons Sites," based on declassified documents and interviews. However, the article suggests that the "MJ-12 Saga Continues: Operation Bird Droppings" contains thousands of pages of bogus documents, many anonymously sent to Tim Cooper. Cooper's apparent retraction of his belief in these documents is noted as potentially being a hoax itself.

Disinformation and Skepticism in Ufology

The issue emphasizes the difficulty legitimate researchers face due to the pervasive disinformation in the UFO field. It notes that William Moore, despite his past contributions like the "Philadelphia Experiment" book and an early book on Roswell, is considered a contributor to "highly tainted modern folklore." Moore's confession in 1989 to being a disinformation agent for Intelligence Officer Doty is highlighted.

Robert Hastings is credited with pointing out how this history of disinformation makes it hard for sensational UFO information to be believed by the public or scientists. The article contrasts the complexity of UFO phenomena with the more easily digestible nature of quantum physics, suggesting that many scientists avoid the UFO field.

Scientific and Paranormal Musings

A section titled "MISCELLANEOUS RAVINGS" contrasts the perceived weirdness of UFO phenomena with the even stranger nature of sub-atomic (quantum) physics. It suggests that the universe might be far different than commonly understood, leaving room for new theories about UFOs and the paranormal. The article notes that while quantum experiments are duplicable, UFO/paranormal events are not, contributing to the lack of serious scientific engagement.

Gary McKinnon and UFO Disclosure

The issue briefly mentions Gary McKinnon, the British computer hacker who caused significant damage to U.S. government computers in an attempt to find information about flying saucers. The article notes the ongoing extradition debate, with the editor suggesting McKinnon should receive a suspended sentence and a reasonable fine rather than extradition.

Two primary reasons are given for why Americans can't expect UFO "Disclosure" from the government: the difficulty of disclosing real unknowns without also disclosing top-secret test flights, and the government's greater fear of revealing what it *doesn't* know and its own impotence in dealing with potential intruders.

Ooparts and Anomalies

The magazine discusses "ooparts" (out-of-place artifacts) that challenge conventional dating methods, citing examples like a wedge-shaped aluminum block found in Romania dating back potentially 20,000 years, which appears to be manufactured with technology not available until the 19th century. This leads to speculation about ancient civilizations or spacecraft components.

Magazine Foldings and New Publications

The folding of the British saucer zine "Magonia" is reported, with its continuation online. The emergence of a new skeptical magazine in the U.S. called "SUN LITE," edited by Tim Printy, is also noted. This zine is described as having a "ravings biased against UFOs," offering a contrast to the usual pro-UFO bias.

Phil Klass and the UFO Curse

The issue includes a piece about the late Phil Klass, a prominent UFO debunker, and his "UFO Curse" which states that those who criticize him will never know more about UFOs than they did on their deathbed. Dr. Gary Posner, a skeptic, is mentioned as having written an article about Klass.

John Keel and Kal Korff

Legendary folklorist John Keel is pictured and mentioned as being in poor health. The editor expresses well wishes despite Keel's historical antagonism. The issue also discusses Kal K. Korff, a frequent blogger, and his past writings on Roswell and Billy Meier. Korff's move to Europe and alleged lies about his employment record are noted. Paul Kimball's upcoming expose/documentary on Korff, titled "Worlds Away," is anticipated.

Roswell Museum Controversy

Julie Shuster, Executive Director of the Roswell Museum, writes to inform "Saucer Smear" that they no longer wish to receive the publication. She cites the front page photo and a photo on page 6 as crossing "a line of decency" and states that the museum does not want to be associated with "Smear" due to its borderline and often untruthful content, impacting the museum's reputation.

Dr. Gary Posner's Response

Dr. Gary Posner of the Tampa Bay Skeptics responds to a previous issue, defending his group's approach to testing paranormal claims and accusing the editor of being a "close-minded, mean-spirited debunker." He suggests the editor's motives for calling him are to entrap him into dispensing free psychiatric advice.

Jerry Clark on Morris K. Jessup

Jerry Clark writes to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Morris K. Jessup's death. He notes Jessup's role as an early scientifically trained writer of pro-UFO books, but criticizes his work for its "undisciplined speculation." Jessup is compared to Charles Fort, lacking Fort's creative intelligence and humor. Jessup died broke, illustrating that "there is no money in UFOs."

Other Contributions

Researcher Scott Bond expresses appreciation for the editor's appearance in "The Day the Earth Stood Still" special edition. Jerry Lucci offers observations on the "Big Cover-Up," suggesting the government might be concealing its ignorance rather than truth, and highlights the mystical and paranormal aspects of the UFO phenomenon often ignored by ufology. Chris Roth comments on the "newest senile / fraudulent Roswell witness" and Ken Randle's advocacy.

News Briefs

Brief news items include a radical preacher urging followers to convert aliens to Islam, the ironic death of Rabbi Gavriel Holtzberg while reading a book on self-protection, and the kidnapping of a security consultant who had been teaching about avoiding kidnapping.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Saucer Smear exhibits a consistent editorial stance critical of disinformation within the UFO community, while also acknowledging the complexity and potential reality of the UFO phenomenon. The editor, James W. Moseley, appears to maintain a somewhat skeptical yet open-minded approach, often engaging with and critiquing the work of other researchers and organizations. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing between legitimate research and fabricated or misleading narratives. The magazine also touches upon broader scientific concepts like quantum physics and theoretical dimensions, suggesting connections to the unexplained. The recurring theme of "disclosure" and the government's potential role in withholding information is also prominent. The editor's personal anecdotes and opinions are woven throughout the articles, contributing to the zine's distinctive voice.