[Dog Gone]

If there were really UFOs out there, they would have conquered us and either enslaved us or eaten us.

You don't let the competition develop to a position where they can threaten you.

That's why we're so concerned about Iran.

And you take even less chances with some alien species.

[going hot]

I would concur re your points regards the ME. They are, in fact, living literally and mentally in the 7th century, where barbarism, and general death to infidals was the accepted norm.

I would venture to guess, however, that any civilization that has existed long enough to perfect star travel, and not just in an exploratory vein, but the ability to cruise around and check out other star systems, probably has been around long enough to get their civil thinking in order.

I submit most who wish to beat or conquer do so out of lust for ultimate power, or perceived threat.

I do not see how a civilization that has perfected star travel sees us as a threat. If they were lusting for power, surely they could have sent a few rays our way long ago.

Now, if the visiting civilization were islamics, that would certainly be a drag. :-)

[Quix]

If there were really UFOs out there, they would have conquered us and either enslaved us or eaten us.

You don't let the competition develop to a position where they can threaten you.

That's why we're so concerned about Iran.

And you take even less chances with some alien species.
- - - - -

Sounds like that all or nothing thinking again, to me.

Or perhaps unimaginative. There are a number of logical possibilities otherwise.