In reply to Mike Carrell's message of Tue, 25 Jul 2006 18:18:30 -0400: Hi, [snip] >4) As Greer has pointed out, formal disclosure and acknowledgement of >humankind as sub-class [xenopobic, fratricidal, scientifically provincial] >could have sprialling consequences for our attitudes and our economy. If you >were an offical, would you want that on your watch?
If you were an alien observing Earth, would you want us visiting your planet? I think it's a safe bet, they are doing everything in their power to ensure we *don't* get advanced technology. And that probably includes steering us down as many technological and scientific "dead ends" as possible. (Another reason I'm no great adherent of SQM). > >5) "They" may be many, and for all I know, Earth may be a tourist stop. It probably is, but from a discreet distance. >Taking out all our satellite capability could be short work if we needed >spanking. I think they are a little more sophisticated. Replacing people in positions of power with "look alike's" is more likely IMO. Particularly those in charge of allocating funds to Universities. They would probably also introduce the occasional "seminal" paper, designed to retarget our scientific endeavors into limbo when the occasion arose. > >6) Oneof the most stupid things for humans to do would be an attempted >military challenge. Let us hope coold heads prevail. There probably aren't all that many targets. After all, only the occasional shuttle craft is needed to return "our" "guest workers" to their home planet when on furlough. If you think this is far fetched, then I suggest you read "The Contact Has Begun" and "The Challenge of Contact" by Phillip H. Krapf. Regards, Robin van Spaandonk http://users.bigpond.net.au/rvanspaa/ Competition provides the motivation, Cooperation provides the means.
