Measured Discussions, Civility in Roswell.

Greetings. Discussions about any unexplained issue, or undetermined question, should be measured and open to all reasonable possibilities. Such a dispassionate approach offers the chance for defensible answers, or at the very least, some level of consensus. The UFO subculture is not very proficient at such a logical and productive approach. Too many in the UFO arena are focused on their own belief structures, and are not open to other points of view or any information that contradicts their previously held positions. It may not have always been this way, but it is the neighborhood the UFO subculture currently resides in. All is not lost however....

Just last weekend, I had the opportunity to attend two panel discussions held on the Friday and Sunday of the Roswell UFO Festival. The panel was moderated by Peter Robbins, with the following researchers participating in the discussions; Frank Kimbler, Kevin D. Randle, Dennis Balthaser, and Donald R. Schmitt. The first part of each panel discussion focused on various aspects of the Roswell case from July of 1947, with the second half open for the attendees to ask questions of the panel, with no particular case or scenario at play. All four gentlemen answered the questions as best as they could, using valid and accurate information to support their opinions and declarations. Their interactions with each other displayed the same level of knowledge and dispassion, with a good amount of disagreement considered throughout. 

No attacks took place. None of the attendees lost their cool, or resorted to lewd behavior or language. Both panel discussions were conducted with an air of civility and consideration for all, with no abhorrent or personal statements coming to the surface. Not exactly what one would expect from today's UFO community. 

Despite what usually transpires on social media, civility is not a lost art, with each of us being fully capable of policing our own conduct, our language, and our statements. Unfortunately, too often people choose a completely different course of action, and that leads to nowhere.

Thank you for your time and consideration.