Age-Appropriate Deception

If you've ever told your children that Santa Claus exists, you've engaged in a lie. Although I oppose dishonesty, I participated in the tradition. My ex-partner would create elaborate setups to convince our son, who would question their authenticity. If he asked whether Santa was real, I would respond with, "What do you think?"

More often than not, my son asserts that UFOs are not real, demonstrating his skepticism towards information found online. I believe this skepticism is reasonable and indicative of his problem-solving skills. I suspect he is influenced by the political environment surrounding us, particularly the differences between Californian and Texan ideologies. While I lean politically, I strive for neutrality and seek to understand multiple perspectives. My son is still forming his views and seeks reliable sources, which is a valid approach.

Research suggests that individuals raised within a single religious framework often fare better as adults than those exposed to multiple faiths. Interestingly, a solid atheist upbringing may yield more favorable outcomes than a diverse belief system. The impact of parental involvement on a child's philosophical growth is still debated. American society is intricate; oversimplified political solutions often lead to greater issues. Children raised without a stable home base struggle to navigate complexities. Parents who encourage critical thinking and exposure to diverse viewpoints help their children thrive compared to those who either allow excessive freedom or impose strict authority.

The significance of maintaining a balance within societal structures cannot be overstated. A reasonable legal system is essential—neither too lenient nor overly strict. One memorable quote from "Star Trek: The Next Generation" encapsulates this sentiment: "There can be no justice when laws are absolute," a theme echoed in Dr. Bradley Chilton's writings on law and justice.

The fundamental purpose of law and governance is to uncover truth, ensure fairness, and uphold high standards. Citizens should not be treated as subordinates or mere subjects of a caste system. When a government discovers critical information, its responsibility is to communicate it, allowing citizens to make informed decisions.

If someone is diagnosed with cancer, the physician's role is to provide information about the condition and treatment options, while the decision to pursue treatment remains with the patient. Influences from doctors and family matter, but ultimately, the choice is personal.

Contrary to popular belief, choosing not to take medication is a matter of personal agency, not self-harm. Accepting one's circumstances can be a profound form of acceptance.

Your views on such matters are valid, and your emotions regarding them are significant. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy emphasizes that altering thoughts can lead to changes in emotions and behaviors. As a counselor, my role is not to modify your opinions or feelings, but to assist you in discovering what thoughts and feelings are beneficial or detrimental. The therapy's objective is to help clients identify functional thoughts as defined by them.

If evidence suggests the existence of extraterrestrials, NASA's role is to communicate this reality. Psychologists should facilitate the integration of this information, not shield the public from it. We deserve to hear the truth, free from manipulation.

How Will We Cope with the Truth of Alien Existence?

Personally, I would feel immense relief if the pervasive culture of deceit surrounding this topic were to end. The difficulty in gauging public reaction to potential alien disclosure stems from decades of stigmatization. Those who openly expressed belief in UFOs have often faced ridicule, and NASA continues to contend with this stigma in its research.

This stigma has been perpetuated by the government, academia, and the media.

Public discussions from NASA, ARRO, and scientists like Avi Loeb have all addressed this stigma, as they have faced significant backlash. Notably, John E. Mack, a distinguished psychiatrist at Harvard, faced threats to his academic career for maintaining his stance on this issue. He did not endorse dishonesty, even under considerable pressure.

Is this indicative of the public's inability to handle the truth, or does it reflect the discomfort of those in positions of authority? I believe it is the latter. If extraterrestrials are benevolent, there may be a collective sigh of relief; if they are malevolent, the current oppressive dynamics may remain unchanged.

In scenarios where aliens pose a direct threat, their actions might be more transparent than the manipulations we currently face from those in power.

Lawsuits against government bodies illustrate a significant lack of public trust, which results in harm. Trust cannot be mandated through mere rhetoric; it must be earned through transparency and action.

Dr. Malcolm Schofield from the College of Health, Psychology, and Social Care possesses substantial credentials, making his insights valuable. He is not the first expert to caution NASA that society may struggle to accept the truth.

> Dr. Schofield noted: “A considerable body of research is examining the term 'ontological shock,' which relates to the nature of reality. If something monumental is revealed, it will lead many to question their understanding of reality and their beliefs.”

Ontological shock is a genuine phenomenon, as evidenced by historical skepticism about concepts like continental drift. Scientists initially resisted the idea, while the general public continued with their lives, oblivious to the shifting geological reality.

Dr. Schofield did not advocate for deception in his remarks. Carl Jung famously stated in the 1960s that "lying is the worst policy."

Will some individuals struggle with such a transition? Certainly. Those with mental health issues may find it challenging. Each political transition often sees individuals from the opposing party seek therapy, indicating that transitions can be difficult. Some mental health professionals I know refuse to discuss extraterrestrials, dismissing the topic as irrelevant or too frightening to contemplate.

Dr. Schofield and I share an interest in the intersection of psychology and sociology. The question of how humanity will handle the truth of extraterrestrial existence depends on individual responses and the manner in which leaders choose to address the topic. Ignoring the facts does not instill public confidence. History suggests that people tend to cope better when they receive truthful information and observe their leaders conducting business as usual.

> “It’s going to be quite a big deal. So I think as psychologists, it will be very important for us to take a role in that and try to lessen that blow while being mindful of people’s well-being.”

Dr. Schofield and I are in complete agreement on this issue. However, journalists who interviewed him seemed to overlook his significant insights.

The comprehensive report prepared by a panel of experts does not definitively confirm the existence of extraterrestrials but does open the door to the possibility.

Labeling advocates for disclosure as "alien lovers" is misguided; wouldn't "truth lovers" or "truth seekers" be more appropriate? Aren't scientists, in their pursuit of knowledge, truth lovers? It's time to recognize that those who seek the truth should not be ridiculed. Such mockery fosters dishonesty and societal harm. We find ourselves in our current predicament due to decades of lies—perhaps even centuries. If the Vatican has known for two millennia, what implications does that hold for an institution that preaches honesty?

The time has come to end the culture of deceit. We cannot comprehend humanity's true potential until the truth is revealed, and we commit to authentic existence.

Healing the Damage Caused

The most pressing issue facing America, and indeed the world, is not the potential presence of aliens but the ongoing revelations of deception by our leaders. The media's role in disseminating information has often been flawed, resulting in further harm. Every time a credible veteran comes forward to assert the existence of extraterrestrials, only to be silenced by their own government, damage occurs.

Journalists who strive to report honestly on UFOs and face ridicule or job loss suffer harm, as does society. The refusal of media outlets to cover these stories results in collective harm. Hoaxes also contribute to societal damage, and one could argue that the U.S. government has historically manipulated narratives for political gain, causing additional harm. To eliminate the political and intelligence agendas surrounding UFOs, media must report on these topics free from derision.

Thorough investigation is essential before dismissing any claim.

Healing begins at home. All agencies must commit to truthfulness. I have never encountered a therapeutic approach that condones lying.

NASA, remember: the truth will set you free. Science is fundamentally about uncovering truth.