[boris]

"Unless we are absolutely unique, odds are we have neighbors who are way ahead of us."

And if this is so, they should already be here. We fail to observe them. Hence the premise is flawed: there are no neighbors who are way ahead of us.

--Boris

[Congressman Billybob]

You are behind the curve in this discussion. What you just said, "we would have observed them," was raised by Enrico Fermi fifty years ago. His comment, "So why aren't they here?" was quoted by me, about fifty posts above this one.

That led to a discussion of the "non-interference" principle. They've seen us, find us hopelessly backward, and choose to leave us alone for a few millenia to see if we grow up and mature as a civilization.

No way to prove it either way, without venturing into the Von Daniken tin-foil theories, but there it is.

Congressman Billybob

Latest column, "Open Judicial Mouth, Insert Foot," discussion thread. IF YOU WANT A FREEPER IN CONGRESS, CLICK HERE.

[harbingr]

Yes, the predators are here - humanity is a protectorate of God - His garden of souls. Free will is the key. Damnation is a personal choice (ie:pro-choice). Science without faith is Folly. The denouement will find you wanting.