Normally I wouldn't succumb to the pressures of expressing my opinion through a Viewpoint article. However, this topic is of great importance for both Catholics and atheists, Republicans and Democrats and all who find themselves living on this planet. The subject I would like to address concerns the search extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI).
For years, many men and women have explored the heavens in search of intelligent beings other than ourselves. Dangers exist in such curiosity that could end civilization as we know it.
Let me posit the scenario that we did in fact contact other intelligent beings. If these entities can comprehend and reply to our communications, there is a good chance that they posses the same, if not more, intellectual capacity than ourselves. The implications could not only mean greater technology, but could also mean something much more grave.
Who is to say that this alien race shares the same ethical and moral values that we share as humans? Who is to say, once contacted, these intelligent beings would not want to enslave us or exterminate our species, much as we want to get rid of household pests? These are just a few of the many implications of extraterrestrial contact. To quote Professor Stephen Hawking, "We only have to look at ourselves to see how intelligent life might develop into something we wouldn't want to meet."
Any activities related to SETI should be ceased immediately. Perhaps there was something to "Alien," "Independence Day," "War of the Worlds," "Signs," "Invasion of the Body Snatchers," "Mars Attacks!," "The Blob," "Monsters vs. Aliens" and the list goes on.
If you ask me, I am just fine remaining intelligently alone on this planet.
Walker Anderson
senior
off campus
Nov. 16
