General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: How Believers in the Paranormal Birthed the Pentagon's New Hunt for UFOs [View all]This was not a philosophical ruse.
You exist because you leave traces (as do UFOs), you can be photographed (as can UFOs), you are seen (as are UFOs), and you cause physical effects (as do UFOs). There are many well-documented cases by the most serious of authorities you can find which establish the above. You can disavow existence for lack of being fully convinced by the level of evidence. But there is a slow turning by Scientists to see that there is something we are aware of which can not be explained in the UFOs experience.
I was ambivalent as to the reality of UFOs until recently, then I got into reading some highly credentialed investigators in the UFO subject notably Jacques Vallée. Check his writings out. Also, after the substantial Navy pilot's sightings were released I took a renewed interest in the subject. And lastly, I have seen several odd things which I felt were explained satisfactorily. Except one: A very large stationary line of four large oval lights flashing silently close by in the night on two occasions. It could have been a military refueling exercise-but with no jet noise?
Another author is Harvey Rutledge. In 1973 there were many UFO reports around Piedmont, MO. A local Ph.D. Physicist Harley Rutledge from Southeast Missouri State put together a team, a plan, and equipment, to study the objects for years in a Scientific way (as possible with the elusive subject). His book is a little known research book into the subject Project Identification:: Harley Rutledge: Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming: Internet Archive https://archive.org/details/rutledge-project-identification/page/85/mode/1up
So if we eliminate the kooks, the hoaxes, the misidentification. What are we left with? Nothing? Have you read the military's account of UFOs shutting down nuclear missile systems. No? How about Jacques Vallée acquiring nearly a half dozen materials derived from alleged UFOs which have been thoroughly tested by the most advanced techniques and found to have inexplicable properties as to purity and construction?
How about the "nuts" at Stanford University calling for further investigation into the UFO topic because of the evidence presented: https://news.stanford.edu/pr/98/980629ufostudy.html
Two last things:
1. Search for Ruppelt's free audiobook on YouTube "The Report on UFOs" and give it a listen.
2. Vallée posits whatever UFOs are they are likely non-extraterrestrial and are working to influence our belief system.