From the paper: >> Astronomy is also engaged in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence, a classic example of a program that might proceed for many years

From the paper: >> Astronomy is also engaged in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence, a classic example of a program that might proceed for many years with little or nothing of interest to report, but that might someday provide one of the most profound discoveries in human history That is all well and good. Most HN readers are probably well aware of that project. But if you want to alter policy at a national or international level, don't talk about extraterrestrial intelligence. It stirs the hornets next of faith, politics and cultural conflict. It opens the door to ridicule. Talk about the search for life, the search for a second life-supporting world. And maybe some of that life runs a radio station. Just avoid mentioning ET by name.