Stephen Hawking aliens theory doesn't scare planet hunters.

[ZeitgeistObserver]

Among many astronomers and scientists, however, Hawking's conclusion seems sensational and counter-productive. Hollywood and science fiction novelists have been wrestling with this "friend or foe" question for decades. But the technology used to detect new planets – and thus our ability to find alien life – has increased in recent years and will likely continue to make drastic improvements in the next five to ten years.

As the possibility of discovering extraterrestrial life catches up with fiction, the question may become more pertinent.
But most scientists argue that humans should be prepared for and welcome any potential encounters.

“Ignoring the possibility and hiding your head in the sand, waiting for them to find us is certainly isn’t a scientifically intelligent way to proceed or a good cultural way to anticipate something like that either,” says Mary Voytek, senior scientist for astrobiology at NASA. “Our approach to it has been to be prepared. We’re not going to get caught, say like the Native Americans when Columbus came to their shores. We’ve been actively listening and hopefully we get some information before any eventual encounter ever happens.”

http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Europe/2010/0426/Stephen-Hawking-aliens-theory-doesn-t-scare-planet-hunters

Well there you have it folks, keeping our heads down is not an option. Onward and upward as they say.