As I have been informed, on 28 January 2008 the Intergalactic Research Company has decided to gather opinions on this subject. It is evident that there can only be two responses – yes (Earth is appropriate for “first contact”) and no (Earth is not appropriate for “first contact”). In my opinion, I strongly believe that Planet Earth is suitable for “first contact” and I have provided reasons to assert my belief.

First and foremost, relationships can be fostered among humans and extraterrestrial beings. As a matter of fact, this cannot be done unless the notion of “first contact” is put into effect. It is evident that if associations are made, both sides will enjoy its benefits. It is also plain to see that in the long run, political leaders from both sides can hold peace talks or round table discussions to confer with national issues such as security measures, research and developments, as well as technical support. These efforts can greatly improve the state of many Third world countries on Planet Earth at present. Nevertheless, governments are not the only party to profit from this pact. For example, school children as well as teenagers can get the privilege of befriending beings from outer space through integration or exchange programmes, education cum pleasure trips and so forth. In addition to that, intergalactic sports can be held to promote friendship, sportsmanship and harmony amongst the players and create awareness of the various kinds of games that both humankind and aliens are able to compete in. This will undeniably be a giant leap for mankind as the magnitude of such a project is truly awesome.    

Besides forging bonds, humans and intergalactic beings are able to learn more about each other’s habits and traditions. As I have stated earlier this can only happen if humans are able to be in touch with intergalactic inhabitants and vice versa, that is, through “first contact”. It must be remembered that when learning about a diverse race, we should first be acquainted with their habits, cultural practices, beliefs and ways of life. As a matter of fact, this can be accomplished in so many ways. The understanding of each other can be promoted through ice-breaking experiences, discussions, exchange of ideas and familiarisation tours. Annual fairs can also be conducted to attract intergalactic tourists. When there is support from international organisations, intergalactic travel can be further encouraged for educational purposes relating to culture and the sciences. In sum, where there is understanding, awareness and appreciation for the uniqueness of the various cultures of mankind and aliens, further diplomacy will be fostered. Therefore, the bonds of friendship can be strengthened ultimately leading to an intergalactic alliance in the near future and each race will be rid of suspicion and fear of each other.

However, the benefits of being material for “first contact” does not stop at learning about the dissimilarities in the different cultures of both man and alien. If the truth is to be told, scientists will be pleased about the fact that technologies and research from each side can be shared when strong ties are formed after “first contact”. There have been speculations about intergalactic beings possessing the ability to invent clever automatons that can outshine the creations made by humanity at any time. If these rumours are found to be true, then there is no doubt about the fact that “think-tanks” can be formed to find innovative ways of making the planets in the universe life-sustaining for future generations. Thus, human and alien intelligentsias are able to practice a symbiotic relationship in working together for mutual benefit, making use of advanced science and technology. As a result of this method, the advancements gained from working with extraterrestrial scientists can be used for the development of all nations especially third-world countries. For example, desalination plants can separate the salt from seawater easily to help solve the imbalanced the ratio of seawater to drinkable water, which is in the ratio of 97% to 3%. Furthermore, these collaborative efforts can bring about new revolutions to many environmental problems faced by our planet, for instance acid rain, haze, smog, pollution and global warming. These will greatly help to prevent further degradation of the ecological system on earth.     

            Another argument in favour of Planet Earth being suitable for “first contact” is that the study of heavenly bodies or more commonly known as astronomy will be further enhanced. As of now, it is apparent that we still do not have the answers to the many myths and mysteries of the universe. If humans can have “first contact” with beings from outer space, the benefits would be enormous. It would be much easier to acquire astronomical information first hand. Devices that extraterrestrial astronomers and spaceship pilots use such as star charts, star maps, and space rock gauges would be beneficial to human researchers who can harness this wealth of information to further the scientific field of space exploration. The apex of space exploration will be the time when satellites and space probes do not only orbit Planet Earth and its moon but also other planets. Subsequently, more space stations can be built to accommodate the escalating number of space tourists when intergalactic travel becomes the norm, which hitherto remains no more than a pipe dream.

            Finally, as a collective end product of “first contact” and forging friendly links, mankind and their intergalactic counterparts can gain mutual protection against unknown political adversaries. A wide range of political enemies, including war combatants and military juntas who used to intimidate entire nations by threatening their internal stability, can be finally brought down by deploying space paratroopers from one side to the other whenever the need arises. There is no doubt that our intergalactic equals have sophisticated weaponry that would be unmatched by human standards. Collaborative defence measures would be able to help to patrol the frontiers of space, thus warding off any impending attacks from enemies unheard of. Planet Earth will be safeguarded from alien invasions if she has the backing of an inter-galactic defence system to boost her own military ballistic missiles and weapon arsenal, a situation worth thinking about right now.

            I write this letter as a solitary voice, not as a vox populi or as one who puts into writing the desires of several individuals. I do hope that my opinion will give you an insight as to what one person feels on this topic, which is whether Planet Earth is suitable for “first contact”, and that you will also take into account what the rest of the participants of your worldwide poll have to say. I have faith that the final decision would be unbiased, fair, and in the interest of all humanity.

Yours sincerely
Markus Loke
(1210 words)

NOTE: THIS MATERIAL IS COPYRIGHT PROTECTED.

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