I can understand the issues that David and Gene have with Stephen Bassett, but I'd like to add some input to the discussion.
First of all, I think that shows like the Paracast and people like Bassett have very different functions, both of them valid and useful. The Paracast is focused on understanding the phenomenon, and Bassett is focused on removing the shroud of ridicule and secrecy that has been deliberately placed upon the ufo subject by the powers that be. Though the ETH may not be an established fact, the secrecy is DEFINITELY an established fact.
Consider this: If it turns out that ufos are in fact "crypto-terrestrials" and not space travellers, does this alter Bassett's effort in any way at all?
The answer is of course "no", as his focus is simply on removing the cover-up. Extra-terrestrial cover-up or crypto-terrestrial cover-up, it's the same to him. He simply wants the truth to come out! This is why he considers those sorts of "inter-dimensional" arguments as silly and futile, which makes sense considering his function. He is focused on "the prize", as he says, and he is willing to overlook differences of opinion in people such as Greer as long as they are dedicated to the same end result. I believe this is what he meant by "on the same train, but in a different car", and it's an admirable stance in my opinion. It's also one that ufology needs ALOT more of! As of today, people cannot let go of their latest vapid pet theory long enough to work together on anything.
Imagine if all the main figures in ufology were to say: "Ok, none of us seem to be able to agree on what ufos are or where they come from, but we can ALL agree that they are real, and we can all agree that the US government has information on them that they are concealing from the public. Therefore, let's all work together on this one aspect that we can agree on." This is what Bassett is trying to create.
And even though I disagree with his opinion on the nature of the non-human entities (my opinions are much more in line with Steiger), I commend Bassett's efforts.
I also sincerely commend the efforts of Gene and David, for whatever that's worth coming from a random internet listener. I'm a thinker by nature and I can't help but speculate on these subjects and it's very great to be able to discuss these ideas with like-minded people. I guess my personal focus would be more in line with the Paracast... even though I've contributed to Bassett's organization, I spend most of my time and energy trying to understand the phenomenon.
Which is why I'm also thankful that there are people like Bassett out there.
First of all, I think that shows like the Paracast and people like Bassett have very different functions, both of them valid and useful. The Paracast is focused on understanding the phenomenon, and Bassett is focused on removing the shroud of ridicule and secrecy that has been deliberately placed upon the ufo subject by the powers that be. Though the ETH may not be an established fact, the secrecy is DEFINITELY an established fact.
Consider this: If it turns out that ufos are in fact "crypto-terrestrials" and not space travellers, does this alter Bassett's effort in any way at all?
The answer is of course "no", as his focus is simply on removing the cover-up. Extra-terrestrial cover-up or crypto-terrestrial cover-up, it's the same to him. He simply wants the truth to come out! This is why he considers those sorts of "inter-dimensional" arguments as silly and futile, which makes sense considering his function. He is focused on "the prize", as he says, and he is willing to overlook differences of opinion in people such as Greer as long as they are dedicated to the same end result. I believe this is what he meant by "on the same train, but in a different car", and it's an admirable stance in my opinion. It's also one that ufology needs ALOT more of! As of today, people cannot let go of their latest vapid pet theory long enough to work together on anything.
Imagine if all the main figures in ufology were to say: "Ok, none of us seem to be able to agree on what ufos are or where they come from, but we can ALL agree that they are real, and we can all agree that the US government has information on them that they are concealing from the public. Therefore, let's all work together on this one aspect that we can agree on." This is what Bassett is trying to create.
And even though I disagree with his opinion on the nature of the non-human entities (my opinions are much more in line with Steiger), I commend Bassett's efforts.
I also sincerely commend the efforts of Gene and David, for whatever that's worth coming from a random internet listener. I'm a thinker by nature and I can't help but speculate on these subjects and it's very great to be able to discuss these ideas with like-minded people. I guess my personal focus would be more in line with the Paracast... even though I've contributed to Bassett's organization, I spend most of my time and energy trying to understand the phenomenon.
Which is why I'm also thankful that there are people like Bassett out there.
