Seems like all the recent furore about we measly Earthlings receiving a transmission from an alien world may have been so much hyperbole.
But what if it were true? Should we respond?
What if they were hostile? Or on the scrounge? Would they want to go straight on to our Earth benefits system and cost us taxpayers yet more money for no return? Would they want to watch daytime cookery shows?
Well, they'd have no choice with the last one.
If they were hostile, it might actually bring the planet closer together. Possibly on the alien's dinner table, but should we let such a once in a lifetime chance pass us by simply because we're yellow?
Now, you know me readers, my yellow streak is longer than John Kerry's hairspray bill. But I say go for it. They might be tasty, or better still - shaggable. I dare say I'll have done worse.
If they were friendly sorts, they may help us find a cure for certain diseases. Just imagine - the French would become a thing of the past.
It took this signal 30 million years or so to reach us, so it would take 'em about the same to receive our reply - longer if we send it second class. So we'll be getting on a bit by the time we get around to discussing rendezvous points ("I'll be the one sat in the corner with the 6 bulbous eyes, spiky tail and 'We Will Rock You Sirius Minor' T-Shirt").
What would you do? The decision is yours...
Well, it ain't really - you're rather insignificant because you didn't have the right nobby parents.
I think we should respond. If they are hostile it doesn't matter, there are several posters on this forum that must be the advance party because they are certainly not from this fucking planet, and if that's the best they've got.........
Considering there are more galaxies in the universe than there are grains of sand on the Earth, the odds of there being other life sustaining planets out there are surprisingly large.
But you could visit every one of those galaxies, and it's a sure bet that only on Earth do we consider decorating your house to be ideal material for 4000 television programmes.
Apologies for using the word 'there' 4 times in my first sentence.
If they had the technology 31 million years ago, just imagine what they could be ready to do now!
If John Kerry is in charge when they turn up, they are gonna take the P*ss out of us something rotten.
I'd be changing sides anyway. But then I'm a dirty turncoat.