Halloween Eve & the War of the Worlds

If and when alien contact is made, there are several theories as to how, when, and even if that contact should be made public. Although SETI assures us that there is a tight protocol for how this is to be handled, there is some doubt that information so sensitive will be given to the public, and that the info will be kept secret for months or even years, if the "behind closed doors" government agency that really controls such information is inclined to do so.

This decision is based upon the theory that everyday citizens, just like me and you, may not be able to handle such earth-shaking news. There is no doubt that the confirmation of contact will certainly change our lives in many ways. There will be ramifications to the monetary system, governmental cooperation, and religious belief, just to name a few. Why does our government think that we are unworthy of receiving this news of " alien contact?" Are we just not smart enough? Too unpredictable? Or is there a precedent for their distrust that goes beyond theory?

Maybe so, and one of those reasons is rooted in an old radio show which was broadcast on Halloween Eve, 1938. On this evening, millions of Americans tuned in to a popular radio program that featured plays directed by, and often starring, Orson Welles. The performance that evening was an adaptation of the science fiction novel "The War of the Worlds," about a Martian invasion of the Earth. But in adapting the book for a radio play, Welles made an important change: under his direction the play was written and performed so it would sound like a live news broadcast, a technique that, presumably, was intended to heighten the dramatic effect.

As the play unfolded, dance music was interrupted a number of times by fake news bulletins reporting that a "huge flaming object" had dropped on a farm near Grovers Mill, New Jersey. The "disclaimer" was aired only about every 40 minutes, and if you didn't listen constantly, you could easily miss the announcement. Many Americans believed they were hearing an actual news broadcast. The result of this? Many people packed up their bags, and headed to the hills. Roads were clogged with automobiles with no direction. Some folks hid in their basements, guns loaded, waiting to shoot a Martian, and protect their families. This is why there is some reluctance to transmit to all of our citizens that we have made alien contact. Here is a quote from the New York Tribune's Dorothy Thompson:

"All unwittingly, Mr. Orson Welles and the Mercury Theater of the Air have made one of the most fascinating and important demonstrations of all time," she wrote.

"They have proved that a few effective voices, accompanied by sound effects, can convince masses of people of a totally unreasonable, completely fantastic proposition as to create a nation-wide panic."

And what effect would an official announcement of alien contact bring? What would your reaction be?