Saucer Smear - Vol 59 No 09 - 2012

Magazine Overview

Title: Saucer Smear
Issue Date: October 20th, 2012
Volume: 59, No. 9 (Whole Number 455)
Publisher: Saucer & Unexplained Celestial Events Research Society

This issue of Saucer Smear, dedicated to ufological journalism, presents a critical perspective on the field, questioning the scientific rigor of organizations like MUFON and the overall direction of UFO research. It includes extracts from articles, letters from editors, and personal accounts, aiming to provide a balanced, albeit often skeptical, view of UFO phenomena.

Article Excerpts and Commentary

"Why Don't Scientists Take Ufology Seriously?" by John Harvey

The issue begins with excerpts from a Net article by John Harvey, who critically examines a typical issue of the MUFON UFO Journal. Harvey questions MUFON's mission of 'scientific study' by analyzing the September 2012 issue. He highlights the Director's Message by David MacDonald, which announces MUFON's acquisition of files from Leonard Stringfield. MacDonald's account of these files, detailing alleged beatings by Federal Marshalls, death threats, and intimidation, is described by Harvey as "delightfully absurd" and "frightening if not downright terrifying." The editor's note adds that it's absurd to believe "Dark Forces" would act so badly, suggesting ufologists enjoy feeling paranoid.

Harvey also points to an investigation by Norman Gagnon featured in the journal, detailing a sighting of ten orange lights. He suggests a simple explanation: fire balloons. The article also mentions Stanton Friedman's monthly article, noting his skepticism towards Chase Brandom, who claims the Roswell crash involved an alien craft and is suspected of promoting his new science fiction novel. Harvey criticizes Friedman's "modest, self-effacing" persona and his involvement in documentaries, questioning his approach. Harvey concludes that ufology faces a "basic difficulty" as a "non-subject," where sightings of phenomena and subjective experiences are conflated, making it hard to separate facts from lies and misinterpretations. He states that MUFON and other organizations are not capable of this task.

Two Unusual Sightings from the "Golden Age" of Ufology

To balance the negative commentary, the magazine presents two "classic" but little-remembered UFO events from the authors' 1953 drive to California. The first is the account of William Squires, who reported seeing an object shaped like two oblong dinner plates hovering over a field on August 27th, 1952. The object, about 100 feet long, had windows through which he saw "shadowy forms" and emitted bright blue lights. It shot upwards rapidly when he stopped his car. The object reportedly had many small propellers around its perimeter for stability.

The second sighting comes from Dr. Clyde W. Tombaugh, the discoverer of Pluto. On a clear night in August 1949, Tombaugh and his wife in Las Cruces, New Mexico, observed a UFO at the zenith that moved quickly and dimmed out. They saw a row of about ten rectangular lights on it.

Dr. E.C. Slipher on Mars Canals

The issue also includes a brief mention of Dr. E.C. Slipher, an astronomer from Lowell Observatory. Slipher believed that the controversial "canals" of Mars were artificial, created by an extinct intelligent race, contrasting with current scientific views that seek natural explanations.

Anti-Roswell "Nonsense" and a Secret Air Force Document

This section discusses a declassified Air Force document from January 2nd, 1952, headlined "WMD" (possibly "Weapons of Mass Destruction"). Written by General Garland to General Samford, Chief of USAF Intelligence, the memo (SUBJECT: SECRET) contemplates action to determine the nature and origin of "Unusual Flying Objects." The memo focuses on tracking reports and relating sightings to known aircraft development, particularly from Germany and the U.S.S.R. Notably, it does not consider extraterrestrial possibilities, leading the author to suggest the Air Force did not think that way at the time. The document uses the term "unusual flying objects" rather than "unidentified flying objects." The author notes that in 1952, the Freedom of Information Act did not exist, so there was no reason for the generals to lie to each other. The late Karl Pflock, formerly with the CIA, is mentioned as having believed in the authenticity of this memo but not in Roswell.

Bigfoot Hoaxer Ends Up as "Roadkill"

A brief, dark anecdote describes a 44-year-old man in Kalispell, Montana, who attempted to stage a Bigfoot hoax by walking on a highway at night wearing a ghillie suit. He was hit and killed by two cars. The piece muses that if Bigfoot exists, it must be paranormal, as no remains have ever been found.

The "Philadelphia Experiment" Revisited

This lengthy section delves into the legend of the "Philadelphia Experiment," an event not directly related to UFOs but often discussed in similar circles. The mystery is rehashed by Keith Veronese, who is noted for adding new information while omitting known details. The legend involves two events in 1943 concerning the Navy Destroyer escort USS Eldridge: an alleged invisibility experiment on July 22nd and a teleportation/time travel experiment on October 28th. The article notes that William Moore and Charles Berlitz wrote a paperback on this subject around 1980, following earlier movies. The story's origin is traced to Carl Meredith Allen (Carlos Miguel Allende), who claimed to have witnessed the second experiment. Allende's story was shared with Morris K. Jessup, a UFO author. Eventually, Allende admitted his account was untrue and that three different handwritings in a "Vero Edition" of Jessup's book were his. The article suggests the Navy did conduct experiments in the early 1940s to make ships "invisible" to magnetic mines by running electrical current through hull cables, not to make them invisible to the human eye. These experiments were reportedly unsuccessful and discontinued.

Carlos Allende is described as a colorful, "mad as a hatter" individual with a cultured voice and a fake Mexican accent. He interacted with UFO researchers like Gray Barker. The article mentions that fifteen surviving crew members of the USS Eldridge held a reunion in 1999.

Contributing Editor Curt Collins's Column

Curt Collins praises the latest issue of "Smear," liking the Mothman cartoon and coverage of the Valentich case. He supports revisiting older cases due to the involvement of military personnel and investigators. He compares the arrangement of Contactees not disputing each other's stories to Dwight Connelly's plea for ufologists to "hang together." Collins also comments on MUFON's promotion scandal, calling it a "carnival exhibit," and notes the UFO presentation at the National Atomic Testing Museum, where retired Col. Coleman allegedly backed off from disclosure.

"The Soul-Killing UFO Obsession - or Is It an Addiction" by Rich Reynolds

This Net item, described as "sadly Negative," criticizes the "addiction" to the UFO topic, stating that it disrupts lives and marriages. Gene Steinberg, host of The Paracast, is cited as an example of someone facing financial hardship but unwilling to abandon his UFO pursuits.

Anthony Bragalia and the Socorro Landing

Anthony Bragalia's theory that the 1964 Socorro landing was a hoax by students at the N.M. Institute of Technology is discussed. Skeptic Tim Printy agrees that Bragalia's evidence is inadequate and questions Bragalia's refusal to release a full transcript of his interview with Prof. Stirling Colgate, suggesting "selective editing." Bragalia reportedly claims to have names of hoaxers but won't reveal them to protect reputations.

Kevin Randle and Don Schmitt

The column references Kevin Randle's past criticism of Don Schmitt as a liar and lazy researcher. It notes that Schmitt is now considered a respected researcher and questions the implication that Schmitt has "new evidence" about Roswell that he is not sharing with the "dream team."

Stanton Friedman's Letter

Stanton Friedman writes in response to an article, questioning the information supplied about UFOs and himself. He asserts he is not a "True Believer" but a researcher who references evidence. He defends his credentials as a Nuclear Physicist, listing his work and publications since the 1970s, including reports for the Canadian Electrical Association and studies on radon exposure. He also contrasts his findings on the Flatwoods Monster case with those of Joe Nickell, who identified it as a "6' owl." Friedman urges the editor to "get your facts straight."

Editor's Note on Stanton Friedman

The editor respects Friedman but disagrees with his belief that the U.S. Air Force has shot down ET UFOs. The editor suggests Friedman is a "True Believer" rooted in the 1950s and that the phenomena are likely paranormal, stating that neither of them has much time left.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include a critical examination of ufology as a field, questioning the methodologies and claims of prominent organizations like MUFON. There is a strong emphasis on distinguishing between scientific investigation and mere belief or obsession. The issue also revisits historical UFO cases, offering alternative explanations or highlighting the lack of concrete proof. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious skepticism, valuing evidence and rational analysis while acknowledging the possibility of unexplained phenomena, often leaning towards paranormal explanations rather than strictly extraterrestrial ones. The publication seems to encourage debate and welcomes reader comments, as evidenced by the invitation to send for the full "WMD" document.

Notable Quotes

• "MUFON's mission is the scientific study of UFOs for the benefit of humanity."
• "It certainly looks as if some of this material could provide plenty of useful material for producers of slapstick comedy films, as it seems so delightfully absurd."
• "The basic difficulty with ufology is that it is a non-subject."
• "UFOLOGY HAS FAILED:"
• "I am curious as to who is supplying you with wrong information about UFOs and about me as shown in the latest SS."
• "We respect Stan Friedman as a friend and a legitimate scholar. Obviously, we were not completely aware of his continuing work in physics. HOWEVER, to seriously believe that our AF has actually shot down one or more ET UFOs or any such thing, is beyond reason!"

FAQ

• Q: What is the main criticism of ufology presented in this issue? A: The main criticism is that ufology has become static, embracing the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis as fact rather than belief, and failing to produce tangible, provable evidence beyond collecting reports.
• Q: What is the Philadelphia Experiment legend? A: The legend describes two events in 1943 involving the USS Eldridge: one where it was allegedly rendered invisible by electrical field manipulation, and another involving teleportation and time travel.
• Q: What is the publication's stance on Stanton Friedman's work? A: The publication respects Stanton Friedman as a friend and scholar but disagrees with his belief that the US Air Force has shot down ET UFOs, suggesting he is a "True Believer" rooted in the 1950s and dealing with paranormal aspects.
• Q: What happened to the Bigfoot hoaxer mentioned? A: A man attempting to stage a Bigfoot hoax by walking on a highway at night in a ghillie suit was hit and killed by two cars.