Subject: The Theory of Non-Interference Supported


  

               The Theory of Non-Interference

  The Prime Directive:

  

     Within the next five hundred years, we will have made

  major advances in space technology, the possibility of our

  coming into contact with other species will grow. Such first

  contact must be carefully regulated, for we do not wish to

  repeat the mistakes of our Ancestors. Right here on Earth,

  failed first contacts and diplomatic procedures, have led to

  long and devastating wars. We must establish a protocol, a

  moral code which can be used universally. 

     For such a policy to be universal, it must take into

  account all possible beliefs and governments. To do so is

  impossible. Therefore I propose that we abide by a Theory of

  Non-Interference, such as the one featured in Paramount

  Picture's "Star Trek: The Next Generation." The theory is

  one of peace. It dictates that we as a people have no right

  to interfere with, or judge other races and peoples. I

  believe that if our governments had used foreign policy like

  this, many international wars could have been avoided. It is

  quintessential that a species is allowed to live its life

  without outside interference. For as has been proven with

  the environment, tampering can lead to devastation of a

  species.

     

     Scenario 1: In order to prove the worth of the Theory

  of Non-Interference, we must create a scenario. Let's say

  that a few years from now, aliens come to Earth. These

  aliens do not like the way our governments handle things and

  just change them to fit their own moral standards. To use

  the colloquial English, that would suck. 

     Scenario 2: Aliens come and give us their technology.

  This may sound great, but it really is detrimental. Such a

  rapid advance in technology, with so little understanding of

  how it works could only harm us. We would become dependent

  on a technology which we cannot recreate, and do not full

  understand. Humanity would increasingly tend to become a

  torpid race. The detrimental effects of such a change are

  clearly illustrated in the example of Native Americans. Part

  of their demise was European technology. With the riffle

  they could hunt buffalo much more efficiently, but also at

  an increased rate. Soon, the Native Americans who had the

  riffles were found themselves with an ever decreasing amount

  of buffalo. The near extinction of the buffalo was the

  finishing blow to that culture. The Native Americans had

  become dependent on the Europeans. 

     Scenario 3: The aliens come to earth during the middle

  ages, or the early stages of civilization. The reaction on

  earth would be mass hysteria, as shown by Orson Wells' "War

  of the Worlds" scare. Some peoples may even go so far as to

  worship the aliens due to their seemingly "magical" powers.

  Even in this case, the effect on our culture is detrimental.

  

     As we venture into space, we must keep these facts in

  mind. For by even just making our presence known, we are

  taking away a culture's right to develop naturally. Unless

  specifically addressed by the people, we should not make our

  presence known. And unless we are specifically asked for

  help, we have no right to interfere in the lives of a

  culture. Unless we adhere strictly to this policy, we are

  bound to repeat what the Europeans did to the Native

  Americans, the total annihilation of a culture.

  

                                   -Andreas Mller
-- 
- Andreas Mueller
		mueller@shadowso.com

