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183 and instances of interference, once overflights are accepted, it will require no great leap of the imagination to believe some of the more sensational claims that have been made over the years. And let's face it: If something can fly, it probably can land as well. And if it can land, then whoever was flying it so proficiently should be able to climb out and do who-knows- what. Visions of hideous, slobbering monsters from science fiction movies will trigger far too many imaginations, in the absence of calming facts. While the information will spread more slowly by word of mouth, it will have a secondary effect of damaging the govern- ment's credibility as the public realizes that it is not being told the full story and that its leaders cannot be trusted. The public, for the most part, might still accept the staggering news and learn how to go about its business. Even if the weird idea of "alien abductions" becomes an accepted part of life, such expe- riences are brief and rarely produce long-term physical harm, and open discussion might reduce the psychological damage. But there would almost certainly be long-term effects on hu- man culture. First off, there is the world political and military situation. With the accelerating rush toward East—West peace, the addi- tion of a third element, the aliens, may not have the great impact that it might have had in the days of the cold war. Military-related industries are preparing themselves for a ma- jor adjustment to civilian products and services, as military forces are being cut back. The recognition of aliens in our midst, or at least in our skies, could speed up the alliance of the long-antagonistic major powers. Ronald Reagan, when presi- dent, said on at least four occasions that a threat from outer space might unite the nations of Earth. The most immediate and painful result of the widespread recognition of the presence of aliens would be the rapid drop in the value of defense shares on the stock market. It would be hard to see the long-term value of military aircraft, radar, ships, and missiles in the face of vastly superior technology that could probably be used to overwhelm Earth if that fit the IMPLICATIONS