A volume I have been reading posits a series of cascading errors by galactic administrators resulting in the temporary absence on earth of all visible signs of universe administration.
Until affairs can be rectified, the planet is quarantined from all verifiable contact with the rest of the populated cosmos to prevent the spread of confusion from here to those worlds where the normal progression of civilization continues unencumbered.
An interesting thesis that opens the door to many fascinating possibilities.
Fermi's Paradox II:
What's Blocking Galactic Civilization? Or Are We Just Blind To It?
Space.com | November 8, 2001 | By Seth Shostak, Astronomer, Project Phoenix, SPACE.com
Posted on 11/08/2001 10:52:53 AM EST by MeekOneGOP
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/566578/posts
The Fermi Paradox - Are We Alone in the Universe
Posted on 05/19/2004 3:46:40 PM EDT by Conservomax
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1138670/posts
Refuting Fermi: No Evidence for Extraterrestrial Life?
National Institute for Discovery Science ^ | John B. Alexander, Ph.D
Posted on 01/02/2005 7:43:04 AM EST by SunkenCiv
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/1312384/posts
I remember the excitment I felt when I saw the first formula (for me) estimating how many planets with life are out there.
I think it was in Sky and Telescope back in the early 60's.
Everyone knew it was nothing more than a wild a$$ guess, but it was exciting anyway.