[kromem]

Yeah, but go even further back in that timeline.

Like 1952 when multiple newspapers have front page news about UFO sightings over Washington DC.

And then in 1952 Gene Pope, a graduate of MIT in only three years, leaves his position in CIA psyops to buy up a failing periodical that two years later he rebrands as the National Enquirer which frequently covers UFO stories alongside claims Elvis isn't really dead, etc. (And then later has Weekly World News with batboy.)

Suddenly no more newspapers will touch UFO stories with a 10' pole and everyone that thinks Elvis is still alive also thinks there's aliens.

Probably one of the most successful propaganda campaigns in history, so effective that even today multiple career military witnesses being interviewed in front of Congress taking their claims seriously and looking to get private follow-up details - much of which alleges defense contractors funneling tax dollars to unaccountable projects - is largely brushed off by both the news media and commentators as "nothing to see."

So yes, sure, look at the timeline - but maybe cast a wider net.

[euroderf]

> Like 1952 when multiple newspapers have front page news about UFO sightings over Washington DC.

I spent an afternoon reading these stories in university (G.U.) microfilm archives of the Washington Post. Fascinating stuff. Many, many occurrences over the course of a month or two.

[Sohcahtoa82]

> Suddenly no more newspapers will touch UFO stories with a 10' pole and everyone that thinks Elvis is still alive also thinks there's aliens.

Pedantic nitpick:

I believe 100% that aliens exist. The universe is way too vast for us to be the only intelligent life.

But I also 100% believe that they have not visited our planet. Unless faster-than-light travel is actually possible, the universe is simply too vast for intergalactic travel.