[mission9]

I believe that if the Alien presence is admitted, it would actually strengthen our institutions such as patriotism, government, and religion. In times of flux people grab for the familiar. This society has been thoroughly prepared for such an announcement by entertainment (comics to movies, TV, songs, and etc.) and nonfiction books for many years.

[Finny]

Well, yes, except this society has been prepared for such an announcement to be an “Oh, goodie!” thing more or less — that these aliens are our friends, that they’re going to “help us save the planet” and presumably help save us from ourselves. I believe that evil is afoot through them and that when humankind is made “officially” aware of them, religion (specifically, Christianity) will be the only salvation, and it will be an ugly, frightening time.