A Cult Leader Without A Cult

FORTY FIVE YEARS AGO, in high school, he chaired the student senate, played football, starred onstage. Now he lives alone in a log cabin, reading UFO paranormal magazines, and telling his friends about them. Either way, 'tsall good, mahn. His parents were always disappointed that he didn't grow up to become a successful white collar professional. Me, I don't care. What concerns me, though, is his apparent complete disinterest in our beautiful Martian rovers, and our beautiful planet finding telescopes, and other such exciting science. My friend; this is beautiful. this is wonderful. This is science. Let the aliens come to us; they'll know best. Let's keep lookin' for 'em, but let's be sure not to claim that we found them, unless we find them. The latest abcuction or alien contact is always the best yet, and he sends it right to us, poste haste. And this is a good thing. Communication, baby. Baby, its cold...out there. And the information flows forth from our friend to us, and he is the source, the giver of truth, the teacher, and we, the receivers. (Seldom if ever does it work in reverse). All well and good. But be careful how you respond! Unacceptable responses are not tolerated. Negative responses are off strictly limits. Verboten. One who cnhannels aliens online channels aliens online, case closed. Scientific, critical skepticism and investigation are banned. One risks banishment for noncompliance.. To not respond is to risk accusations of apathy. Alas, the high price of friendship! I think most people smile, and say thank you, to be nice, avoid trouble, preserve friendship. After the fashion of a passive, obedient, receptive cult. But, somehow, a cult with an impassive, passionless membership, nodding wearily, not truly believing. But is this a contribution, or a white elephant, which will inevtiably start moving around? Whether the others ever roll their eyes I know not. Aliens, you say? Show me.