Saucer Smear - Vol 57 No 06 - 2010

Magazine Overview

This issue of SAUCER SMEAR, the official publication of the Saucer & Unexplained Celestial Events Research Society, is dated August 30th, 2010. The editor and supreme commander is James W. Moseley. The issue is Volume 57, No. 6, with a whole number of 432. The publication is dedicated to the highest principles of ufological journalism.

The UFological Revolt of MUFON's Former Director, James Carrion

The lead article discusses the sudden departure of James Carrion, former director of MUFON, from the organization, which he has termed the "Circus Tent of Ufology." Carrion has started a new rival organization called "The Center for UFO Truth" (CUT). The focus of CUT is the theory that "UFOs is a modern-day myth created by the United States Government and its allies, initially as a cold war deception operation, and subsequently used for other intelligence purposes up to the modern day." CUT wisely "does not accept the contributions of anonymous individuals or alleged leaked documents." Their stance is that they "do not believe. CUT only endorses what the factual evidence can prove to be real." The article criticizes this narrow focus, suggesting it would have little bearing on the overall UFO mystery. It speculates that governments may have encouraged the belief in events like Roswell and alien technology to gain an advantage over adversaries. The author concludes that while governments manipulate public opinion, an accurate historical record is paramount, and the question of what UFOs are remains unanswered.

A Net Comment on Larry King's Roswell UFO Shows

This section critiques Larry King's handling of a Roswell UFO show, noting the disorganization and the brief, impactful statement from Earl Fulford, a survivor of the Roswell debris-field search teams, who died a month later. The article suggests that researchers often come and go due to impatience and frustration, with no shortcuts to wisdom.

Researcher Anthony Bragalia and the Maury Island Incident

The magazine comments on researcher Anthony Bragalia's work, noting his previous stances on the Roswell Incident (as interplanetary) and the Socorro landing (as a hoax). Bragalia's new paper focuses on the three "opening incidents" of the modern UFO saga: Maury Island, Kenneth Arnold, and Roswell, all in July 1947. Bragalia suggests Maury Island was a hoax inspired by the other two incidents. The article details the Maury Island incident involving Harold Dahl, who claimed to have seen UFOs and metallic slag. The incident gained importance when two military men investigating it died in an air crash. Bragalia believes the incident was a hoax invented by Fred Crisman, Dahl's partner, who was described as frustrated and imaginative. The article notes that Bragalia omits details that might make the Maury Island incident seem authentic, such as the deaths of the military investigators. It also mentions that Dahl's children do not recall their brother being injured. The magazine agrees with Bragalia that the Maury Island incident was likely a hoax, adding that it is unlike other UFO sightings. A faint photo of alleged Maury Island debris from the Tacoma Times is mentioned.

European Parliament Member Calls for UFO File Disclosure

An Italian Member of the European Parliament, Mario Borghezio, has urged EU members to open their secret UFO files. While some states have complied, Borghezio's request has only garnered 18 signatures out of 736.

Fate Magazine's Status and a New Book Review

The magazine notes that Fate Magazine, a publication focused on ghosts and psychic events, has apparently folded after about a year without issues. It recalls Fate's beginnings in 1947 and its coverage of the Maury Island case and Kenneth Arnold sighting. The editor of Fate, Phyllis Galse, contacted the magazine to state that Fate is alive and well, with a September-October issue planned. The magazine also mentions an upcoming review of a new book called "Synchronicity" by Rob MacGregor and Trish MacGregor.

Book Review: "Breaking Through the Barrier of Global UFO Secrecy"

This section reviews a book edited by Timothy Green Beckley, with contributions from Sean Casteel and John Weigle. The book is described as a "glorious re-hash" of information for those familiar with the ufological scene. It attempts to answer questions about UFO disclosure and the "Truth Embargo." Sean Casteel's contribution examines what each U.S. president knew about UFOs. The book is available for $21 plus $5 shipping.

Erich von Daniken's "Twilight of the Gods"

The magazine discusses Erich von Daniken's latest book, "Twilight of the Gods: The Mayan Calendar and the Return of the Extraterrestrials." The article expresses skepticism about von Daniken's claims, citing his lack of academic credentials and past instances of fabricating stories, such as the "Gold of the Gods" account of underground tunnels in Ecuador. It also mentions a failed theme park based on his theories and his advocacy for the Nazca Lines being an ET landing field, which the magazine disputes. The article concludes that von Daniken is an "outrageous money-grubber" but acknowledges he is entertaining.

Book Review: "The Seven Secrets of Synchronicity"

This review discusses a book by Trish MacGregor and Rob MacGregor. While not strictly a UFO book, it explores the concept of synchronicity, a term popularized by Carl Jung. The authors argue that there is no such thing as coincidence and that one's life can be improved by recognizing synchronicity. The magazine expresses a differing view, suggesting that synchronicity, like other psychic phenomena, is likely an occasional occurrence for most people.

Annual Roswell Bash

David Swink provides an update on the annual Roswell UFO celebration. The International UFO Museum held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new 30,000 square foot building, despite apparent funding shortfalls. The editor notes that the museum's director, Julie Shuster, is not a "team player" due to the museum declining to include its activity schedule in a festival guidebook. A local writer, Stu Pritchard, muses about the national recognition Roswell receives due to UFO sightings.

Stanton Friedman and the Roswell Incident

Former nuclear physicist Stanton Friedman was inducted into the International UFO Museum's Hall of Fame at the Roswell Festival. He is recognized as the "original civilian investigator of the Roswell Incident." The article notes that Jesse Marcel Sr. was the first person inducted into the Hall of Fame the previous year. The magazine expresses admiration for Friedman's energy and dedication to "Ufoology," while noting their own more conservative stance on issues like interplanetary spaceships and the MJ-12 documents.

The Travis Walton Abduction Re-visited

This section re-examines the 1975 Travis Walton abduction case, which the editor had previously suspected of being a hoax. The article presents an expose by someone claiming to be the nephew of Sank Flake, the county sheriff at the time. The expose suggests that Walton was not abducted by aliens but was instead incapacitated by drugs during his six-day disappearance. The article mentions that Walton failed a lie detector test and that Phil Klass investigated the case. It also notes Walton's prior arrest for burglary and Dallas's arrest for selling acid. The conclusion is that the individuals involved in the incident are not people one would want to be associated with during a frightening alien experience.

Letters to the Editor

Several letters are included:

• Jerome Clark thanks the editor for generous observations about his book and discusses his ongoing research into 19th-century airships, considering them likely hoaxes. He emphasizes the importance of current researchers documenting UFO phenomena.
• Paris Flammonde, a writer on off-beat subjects, expresses intrigue about Stan Gordon, a Pennsylvania investigator. He also hopes the magazine's pessimism about its longevity is an "under-projection."
• Gene Steinberg corrects the record regarding David Biedny's departure from The Paracast radio show, stating Biedny left due to his professional career being harmed by appearing on a paranormal show. Steinberg notes Biedny's subsequent attacks and expresses sympathy. He also provides an update on The Paracast's financial situation, mentioning increased listenership and a network syndication deal.
• Dr. Chris Roth comments on David Biedny's online hate campaign against Gene Steinberg, finding no evidence online but acknowledging Biedny's hotheadedness.
• Paul Kimball, a film producer, discusses his hosting gigs with Gene Steinberg. He feels there is "nothing new, really, with the UFO phenomenon in decades" and no meaningful way to investigate it today, preferring to discuss topics with friends over a beer.
• Gene Duplantier, editor of Canada's "Delve Report," encourages "Saucer Smear" to continue publishing, stating it gives him something to do. He notes a recent UFO event in Fresno, California.
• Curtis Peebles, a skeptic, revisits the Kecksburg "crash" report, suggesting it was the re-entry of Cosmos 6, a failed Soviet Venus probe, rather than an alien craft. He now thinks it was a meteor, a conclusion the magazine disagrees with.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include skepticism towards certain UFO claims, a focus on historical UFO cases, and commentary on the personalities and organizations within the ufology community. The magazine maintains a critical and often skeptical editorial stance, questioning sensational claims and emphasizing the need for factual evidence and accurate historical records. While acknowledging the existence of genuine mysteries, the editor expresses a preference for grounded explanations over speculative ones. The magazine also highlights the importance of continued research and documentation in the field of ufology, even while expressing concerns about the lack of new developments in the phenomenon itself.