SAUCER SMEAR

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 59, No. 5 (Whole Number 451)
Date: May 20th, 2012
Publisher: SAUCER & UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY

This issue of Saucer Smear, dedicated to ufological journalism, presents a diverse range of articles and commentary on UFO phenomena, skepticism, and related topics. The magazine's editor, James V. Moseley, J.S., continues his critical and often humorous examination of the field.

Flamingo Air and MUFON Leadership

The issue highlights Flamingo Air, described as Cincinnati's "most outrageous airline" and a "Flightseeing Tour" operation, founded in 1991. The airline, run by David MacDonald, also offers "The Mile High Club" service. The article reveals that David MacDonald is the new International Director of MUFON, a prominent UFO organization. This connection raises questions about MUFON's direction, especially given MacDonald's business ventures. The magazine notes that MUFON, with approximately 3,000 members worldwide, has seen its leadership change again. MacDonald, at 65, is a long-time pilot and businessman who has implemented background checks on field investigators, weeding out individuals with criminal records. The article contrasts this with past practices, such as NICAP's non-Communist oath.

James Randi and Passport Fraud

Another significant piece focuses on James Randi, the well-known skeptic. His long-time partner, Deyvi Pena (also known as Jose Luis Alvarez), has pleaded guilty to passport fraud. The article details how Pena assumed Alvarez's identity, leading to complications when the real Alvarez attempted to obtain a passport. This identity switch came to light in 2010, and Pena was arrested in September 2011. The magazine questions Randi's awareness of these activities, noting that Pena was released on a $1 million bond. The piece also references a past incident where Randi and Pena allegedly hoaxed the press in Australia by staging a demonstration of a supposed discarnate entity named "Carlos".

Review of Publications and Cases

The issue includes reviews and mentions of various publications. "A Gray Barker Reader - III," compiled by Rick Hilberg, is noted as a special 40-page tome featuring articles from Ray Palmer's "Flying Saucers" magazine. The magazine also discusses the "International UFO Reporter" (IUR), which is ceasing its print issues due to the rise of the internet. The article laments the loss of this publication, which focused on high-class contributors with a scientific background. "UFO Magazine" is mentioned as still being in publication, though some of its regular columnists are criticized for being "semi-incoherent or worse." Kevin Randle's book "Reflections of a UFO Investigator" is reviewed, with a comment on the cover photo of Randle in uniform with a rifle.

The Fatima Event

A substantial portion of the magazine is dedicated to the Fatima event of October 13th, 1917. The article examines various accounts, including one from Ray Stanford's book "FATIMA PROPHECY." The phenomenon is described as a "sun" that spun, quivered, and emitted varicolored light, appearing to crash towards Earth before retreating. The witnesses reported that despite being soaked and kneeling in mud, their clothes were dry afterward. The magazine expresses skepticism towards channeling but acknowledges the physical manifestations at Fatima, suggesting a possible UFO connection. Similar visions reported in Beauraing, Belgium, Garabandal, Spain, and Zeitoun, Egypt, are also mentioned.

Foreign UFO Landings

The magazine revisits lesser-known foreign UFO landings. In 1954, a "flap" of saucer landings in Europe is discussed, including an incident in La Cretive Pouroy, France, where three children observed a circular object land and a humanoid emerge. Another case from Macerata, Italy, in 1954, describes a small, thin entity with a melon-shaped head moving through weeds and entering a "flying barrel" that ascended rapidly. An undated 1955 case from Australia details three men who found "jagged shiny wreckage" and a "somewhat frog-like" figure after witnessing a shiny object fall from the sky.

Letters to the Editor and Commentary

Several letters and commentaries are included. Distinguished ufologist Kevin Randle writes critically about Stanton Friedman's views on the MJ-12 documents, questioning their provenance and authenticity. Ace researcher Curt Collins comments on the Fatima coverage, religious territory, and the President's remarks on Roswell, suggesting a potential loss of ET support for political campaigns. Collins also discusses a review of the Skinwalker book and Stanton Friedman's letter regarding Menzel and MJ-12. Allen Greenfield offers his perspective on phenomena as a product of "interpenetrating distinct universes" and "Bubble Theory." New non-subscriber Tom Durgesfield praises the book "Shockingly Close to the Truth" and inquires about Dom Luchessi and Augie Roberts. Gene Steinberg's upcoming radio show on "the good old days" of ufology is also mentioned.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Saucer Smear maintains its critical and often skeptical stance towards UFO claims, while still exploring reported phenomena and historical cases. The editor, James V. Moseley, uses a blend of serious reporting and wry commentary. Recurring themes include the questioning of authority figures in ufology, the distinction between legitimate investigation and hoaxes, and the intersection of UFOs with religion and popular culture. The magazine appears to value evidence and provenance, often challenging assertions made without them. The editorial stance is one of cautious inquiry, often highlighting the absurd or contradictory aspects of the UFO field.