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This is the point of Rare Earth. The idea behind the Drake equation properly applied, means that the habitable zones of galaxies, combined with the number of stable stars, with gas giant in circular orbits, combined with the number of solar systems with rocky planets with the right atmosphere and the correct distance from their star, plus dozens of other factors necessary for advanced life forms, whittles away at the billions and billions of stars, until it becomes improbable that there are other inhabitable planets let alone ones with advanced life.

There are many assumptions here. IMHO, "Rare Earth" falls in the realm of sensationalism and/or junk science.

I'm not sure I understand what you were trying to say with that statement.

Here was my statement: For the record, I do not believe there are life bearing planets out there; however, I do suspect there are.

What I was trying to say, was that I do not believe in ET. However, I suspect there may be other life out there. In other words, I will let the evidence speak for itself as we continue to learn more about this universe.

There are many assumptions here. IMHO, "Rare Earth" falls in the realm of sensationalism and/or junk science.

I realize that this is not exactly the forum for discussing complicated scientific issues, but I am surprised that you think so little of Brownlee and Ward. My understanding is that they are well respected in their fields. Not every astronomer, geologist, astrobiologist or astrophysicist may agree with their conclusions, but I doubt they would accuse Brownlee and Ward of pushing junk science. I agree that the field is open to speculation because the whole field of astrobiology is rather young, but if Rare Earth is junk science, then so is SETI and the Drake equation.

What I was trying to say, was that I do not believe in ET. However, I suspect there may be other life out there. In other words, I will let the evidence speak for itself as we continue to learn more about this universe.

Thanks for the explanation. That is a reasonable position to take since there is at this time no evidence whatsoever of extra-terrestial life. Since disproving the existence of extra-terrestial life is an impossible task, even if no extra-terrestial life exists, then the logical position to take is to keep an open mind.