Politics, Religion, and Human Nature: Practical Problems and Roadblocks On the Path to Disclosure

摘要

A new administration is now installed in Washington with an intelligent, open minded President in office, and a key Presidential adviser, John Podesta, on record as taking seriously the issue of excessive UFO-related secrecy. As such, it is not surprising that many in the UFO research community are more hopeful than ever that the our government may finally begin the process of declassifying and releasing long sought UFO information. Such a historic change in policy, however, remains unlikely without a critical and strategic anticipation of the cultural, political, and theological resistance it is sure to face. Among the issues involved is the deeply entrenched ridicule factor that lawmakers, politicians, and the public still associate with the subject, the inability of many to acknowledge that a UFO cover-up even exists, and the ongoing resistance of a scientific establishment that refuses to examine the overwhelming amount of available evidence. Further complicating this are the deeply held religious convictions of many Americans, particularly religious fundamentalists, whose beliefs conflict with certain implications of UFO reality. In this paper the author draws upon policy papers, declassified documents, relevant surveys, historic and religious texts, numerous personal observations made during his more than thirty years in Ufology, his psychology studies, crisis intervention experience, and numerous discussions with colleagues, academics, theologians and mental health professionals. While pointing out the depth and stubbornness of many of the intractable problems involved, he offers suggestions that may assist in achieving this elusive and sought-after goal. Disclaimer: The views expressed in this paper are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those held by MUFON, its members, or anyone else for that matter.