One interesting element about the current controversy is the theological-like zeal of certain people. What is it, I wonder, that has caused such anger, such fury? It is one thing for disagreements to occur, but I can only smile at those who would consider being wrong about something to be an actionable offense. My goodness, if I were to be ostracized for every time I’ve been wrong about something, I would have been living under a rock many years ago.
Everyone is wrong at times, sometime even on matters that are important (of which the current controversy doesn’t even qualify, despite the many protestations). And here is a shocker: I reserve the right to be wrong about things in the future. That is part of life. You go into something unknown, and sometimes you get it right, sometimes not. Sometimes you handle it perfectly, sometimes not. Those of us interested in UFOs are in a field with multiple layers of mystery. In the first place, it is intrinsically difficult, and (in my view) the product of a civilization that is well ahead of our own. In addition, it has been dominated by official denial and secrecy, making that mystery even more difficult to penetrate. By its very nature, we will always be struggling with this mystery, grappling with it in darkness for the most part. That is our condition.
It seems to me that the first rule in such a situation is to maintain our curiosity, realizing that without it, we would never be willing to ask questions. Second, bravery in our investigations, which includes by its nature a willingness to make a false step. Finally, we must retain integrity and honesty in our conclusions, which means changing them when needed. Those of us who are genuinely interested in this mystery should remember this.
I am aware that there are those who are disappointed with me over my connection to the recent event in Mexico City. Some are even angry. I have already discussed my position on this matter on Facebook and Richard Dolan Press. Critics may think what they want; I am satisfied with my actions, and that is all that matters to me. I am not here to prove anything to anyone about myself, and will continue to do my work to the best of my ability.
I should add to anyone who hasn't been paying attention that I never at any point endorsed the slides as representing something extraterrestrial. Even when I felt they were compelling, I maintained that before they were considered evidence, the arguments supporting them needed further examination. [additional edit here: After they were released, that is exactly what they got.]
Such controversies, even the current vitriolic campaign, always pass away. They are inevitable bumps in the road. The main quarry still lies ahead, and that is the greatest mystery of our age. This is a fascinating time to be involved in UFO research. I know that those of us who are genuinely interested in engaging that mystery will continue to support each other in that endeavor. The rest will simply fall away along the journey.
