Core Beliefs & Perspectives:

UAPs are Real: Semel emphatically states that UAPs (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) and the associated phenomenon are real and have been documented for a long time.
The Phenomenon is Profound: He views the UAP topic as a deeply important and potentially world-altering mystery – "the story of the millennia."
Complexity & Interdisciplinarity: He believes a comprehensive understanding requires input from diverse fields: government, religion, social science, philosophy, science, and direct experiencers.
Transparency & Collaboration: Semel champions a future where investigations involve multiple governments and a broader range of experts.

Current State of Investigation & Concerns:

Lack of Sourcing/Reliable Information: Semel criticizes a tendency within the UAP community to present unsubstantiated claims and lack rigorous sourcing. He contrasts this with the meticulous research of figures like Peter Levenda.
Problem with “Safe” Scholarship: He points out that some researchers avoid deeper dives due to a lack of concrete evidence or fear of ridicule.
Beware of Misinformation: Semel warns against accepting information at face value and cautions against individuals who fabricate or misrepresent data.
Historical Pattern: He acknowledges that this has been a historical pattern within the field.

Key People & Books Mentioned:

Peter Levenda: Highly praised for his meticulous research, thorough sourcing, and academic approach. His upcoming book ("War Out of the God") is anticipated.
Tom DeLonge: Mentioned as a co-author with Levenda.
AJ Hartley: Working on the third installment of “Secret Machines.”
Whitley Strieber: Reminisced about an interview with him.
Werner Erhart: Described as someone who created unsubstantiated claims in the past.

Desire for a Holistic Approach:

Interdisciplinary Investigation: Semel advocates for a holistic approach involving not only scientists, but also religious scholars, philosophers, social scientists, and individuals with direct experiences.
Broader Involvement: He stresses the importance of incorporating insights from multiple governments and a wider range of expertise.

Overall Message:

Semel’s message is one of cautious optimism. He believes the UAP phenomenon is real and potentially transformative but emphasizes the need for rigorous research, transparency, and a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach to unraveling its mysteries. He encourages continued interest and "faith" in the pursuit of understanding, even if answers remain elusive in the near term.