With a name like that, I've always thought it's hard not to say it's among the most absurd conflicts in human history. As bad as some of the messes like the inevitable mobilization timetables of WW1 are, or the sheer pettiness of the balance-of-power wars Europe elevated to an art form, never mind the simple greed of colonialism, but Jenkins ear is just a prize-winningly ridiculous reason for strife.
Still, I think we're pretty clear on why aliens won't talk to us.
