Our unlikely welcome mat in the stars

Astronomers have discovered an Earth-like planet 20 light-years away from our solar system. It is a "Super Earth" in the Libra constellation, discovered with a telescope in La Silla, Chile. These sorts of discoveries actually happen somewhat frequently. But this particular planet might have all the necessary features to sustain life. A researcher at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics told The New York Times exactly what we all hope to hear: "It's 20 light-years. We can go there." But the question is, would we be welcome? My bet is that the life-forms there -- let's call them "aliens" -- have surely been watching how we're gradually destroying our own planet and, if they're smart, will politely refuse our visit. Mars or bust?