Is UFO research a waste of money?

Hi there. This is one of the most read stories on bbcnews.com. A group of former pilots and government officials in the States is calling on the US government to reopen investigations into UFO sightings. Put UFO sightings into Google, or just take a look at mufon.com, and I think it’s safe to say this idea will get a lot of support.

The US Airforce has dryly responded that nothing has happened in the past four decades to justify spending any time or money on this.

Do you want your government to spend some of your taxes on investigating extraterrestrial life?

IS BENAZIR BHUTTO THE PROBLEM NOT THE SOLUTION?

The former Pakistani prime minister spoke on our sister programme The World Today and told us that it’s time for Pervez Musharraf to go. But some of you are arguing that far from General Musharraf being the problem, it is Mrs Bhutto’s presence that has brought about the state of emergency, and is inflaming the situation in Pakistan. Is it really helpful to try and hold a three-day march when her arrival home brought about a suicide attack that killed over a hundred people? What’s your verdict? Speak to you later. Ros

The truth is out there…

Good morning from a cold and grey west London.  Here are the stories that have caught my attention today.

PAKISTAN

The former prime minister of Pakistan, Benazir Bhutto says President Pervez Musharraf is out of his depth and should stand down. 

Police in Pakistan have strengthened the cordon around Miss Bhutto’s house in Lahore, where she’s been placed under arrest to prevent her taking part in a planned opposition rally. She told the BBC it was a sign of how badly General Musharraf had got things wrong that police who should be out looking for Osama bin Laden were now busy guarding her.

Is it time for President Musharraf to stand aside?

UFOs

Now one of the most read stories on bbcnews.com is about UFOs.  A group of former pilots and government officials has called on the US government to re-open an investigation into claims of UFO sightings.   Project Blue Book, run by the US Air Force, was stopped in the late 1960s. 

The group, which includes former military officers from seven countries, all say they have seen a UFO or have conducted research into the phenomenon.  However, the Air Force says nothing has happened in the past four decades to justify resuming investigations

Are they right? Have you had a close encounter..?

WAR COSTS

The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have cost the American taxpayer nearly twice the amount previously thought, according to a report obtained by the Washington Post.  It says the report, written by Democrats on the Congressional Joint Economic Committee, shows the wars have so far cost one-point-five trillion dollars.

Donald Rumsfeld once said: War is always a last choice, for with war comes the cost of human life and financial sacrifice for our country. But terror must be stopped before it arrives on our shores.

America soil has been free from terror since 2001 so isn’t this a fair price to pay to fight the war on terror?

ITALIAN FOOTBALL

The Italian Football Federation has suspended next week’s Serie B and C matches after the latest fan violence.  Is this going far enough?  Should the Italian National side be banned from world football until the violence at home is sorted out?

EXCESSIVE DRINKING

On yesterdays programme we had a sparkling debate about fat taxes on planes.  Today alcohol finds itself in the tax spotlight.  Taxes on alcohol should be increased and advertising restrictions should be tightened, according to the Alcohol Health Alliance – a new group of 24 leading health organisations here in the UK.  They want TV adverts for alcohol banned before 9pm and stronger health warnings to be placed on promotional material.

Should there be more taxes on alcohol and restrictions on advertising? Or is this just an extension of the ‘nanny state’?