Saucer Smear - Vol 57 No 02 - 2010

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 57, No. 2
Date: February 20th, 2010
Publisher: SAUCER & UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY

This issue of "Saucer Smear" presents a collection of UFO-related news, commentary, and case analyses, maintaining its critical and sometimes skeptical perspective on ufology. The publication is dedicated to "the highest principles of ufological journalism" and aims to be "shockingly close to the truth."

Key Articles and Reports

Texas UFO Incident (December 11th, 2009)

The issue leads with a "FLASH" report about a UFO incident near Monahans, Texas. A craft, described as oval-shaped and about 30-40 feet in diameter, was observed hovering four feet off the ground. Two four-foot-tall humanoid "creatures" with long, skinny arms were seen nearby, busy gathering small objects from the ground and trees. This behavior is compared to older reports from the 1970s. Before the humans noticed them, the creatures disappeared behind the craft, which then rose quietly and vanished quickly. The report notes that this case is either a "complete hoax" or a "genuine unknown."

A similar, possibly "copycat" report from a different Texas resident describes a silver disc hovering above the ground, with a platform lowering and three smaller, human-like beings emerging. Details on this second case are scarce.

Critiques of Ufologists and Organizations

"Saucer Smear" expresses a policy of not ridiculing ufologists whose ideas are too outlandish, but does not shy away from critical commentary. Dr. Richard Boylan, a former psychologist whose license was lifted for unethical conduct, is mentioned in relation to his claims about "1,483 Star Nations Species." The magazine questions his qualifications to examine his own mental health.

The MUFON Journal is discussed, with a particular item from Mark Easter, their "Director of Public Relations." Easter participated in a History Channel program, "Alien Cover-up," which involved staging the discovery of "crash debris" from an "experimental vehicle" near Area 51. The magazine condemns this as a "shameful waste of time and energy" and an "inexcusable attempt to deceive the public."

Robert Bigelow's UFO Ventures

Robert Bigelow, an aerospace entrepreneur, is a significant focus. His companies have a new financial agreement with MUFON, raising concerns about an unhealthy connection between MUFON and the government. Bigelow's past ventures include funding an offbeat radio program, purchasing the Skinwalker Ranch for investigation, and founding the National Institute of Discovery Sciences (NIDS). NIDS investigated UFOs, cattle mutilations, and crop circles but was later put into "inactive" status due to a supposed "lack of worthwhile cases," a reason the magazine finds "utterly absurd."

Bigelow also funded a coalition of MUFON, CUFOS, and FUFOR, but this dissolved due to disagreements over control of funds. The magazine notes his willingness to spend money to get results but questions his methods and transparency.

MUFON Leadership Changes

James Carrion, the International Director of MUFON, is described as competent and having made positive changes, including the deal with Bigelow. However, the magazine acknowledges that running such an organization inevitably leads to criticism. Carrion is criticized for not accepting the claims of Stan Romanek, an alleged "professional abductee." Carrion recently announced his resignation as International Director, to be replaced by Clifford Clift.

Stephen Bassett and Disclosure Efforts

Stephen Bassett of Paradigm Research Group is mentioned for sponsoring X-Conferences. Despite a speaking tour of Europe, he reportedly owes significant money to a hotel. The magazine expresses skepticism about Bassett's approach to "Disclosure," suggesting that the Phenomenon itself might reveal itself rather than the government.

Other UFO-Related News and Cases

Loch Ness Monster: Sightings of the Loch Ness Monster have declined significantly in 2009, leading to speculation about its status.

Gary McKinnon: The UFO-oriented computer hacker Gary McKinnon is awaiting an extradition hearing, with the British government reportedly reluctant to extradite him to the U.S.

Classic Cases: The issue revisits several "classic" UFO cases:

• 1996-1897 Airship Scare: Sightings of unknown airships in California and other western states, some involving pilots speaking English.
• 1942 Los Angeles UFO Incident: A "huge flying disc" was observed over Los Angeles, attracting military gunfire but sustaining no damage. Six people died from spent artillery shells.
• 1950 New Guinea Sighting: A four-hour series of sightings by a Christian missionary and others involving a large, disc-shaped object.
• 1955 Hopkinsville, Kentucky Encounter: A bizarre encounter with a small creature, involving a shooting scene where the creature appeared unharmed.
• 1976 Allagash Abduction: Four young men on a fishing trip in Maine experienced "missing time" and recovered memories of abduction and physical examinations after seeing a "glowing orb."

Letters to the Editor

• Anthony Bragalia criticizes a headline linking his name to the death of Lonnie Zamora, calling it "reprehensible" and a "rumor-mongering." He states Zamora's sighting was a hoax, but one he did not participate in.
• George Hansen praises "Saucer Smear" as "the best UFO zine in the world."
• Dave Swink expresses burnout with ufology and indifference to the field, suggesting it might be time for "Saucer Smear" to cease publication.
• Robert Sheaffer, a "skeptic," comments on the cyclical nature of doomsday predictions, contrasting the 2001 Y2K scare with the upcoming 2012 Mayan calendar end date.

Questionable Judgments

• A GAO report revealed that individuals on the U.S. suspected-terrorist list attempted to buy guns or explosives on numerous occasions, with a high success rate, despite "no-fly" and "no-visa" restrictions.
• A police comment on a fireball sighting in Texas stated, "We are fairly certain that whatever happened, happened."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of "Saucer Smear" consistently adopts a critical and analytical stance towards ufology. It questions the credibility of certain ufologists and organizations, highlights potential hoaxes and misinterpretations, and emphasizes the importance of rigorous investigation. The magazine appears to value truth-seeking above all, even if it means challenging established narratives or popular figures within the UFO community. There's a recurring theme of skepticism towards sensationalism and a preference for grounded analysis, while still acknowledging the existence of genuine unknowns. The editorial tone is direct, often blunt, and unafraid to express strong opinions, as seen in the critiques of MUFON's PR efforts and Bigelow's financial influence. The publication also seems to have a long-standing history, referencing events from decades past and maintaining a connection with its readership through letters and commentary.