The Space Settlement Initiative

> Back to the "ideological" lawyers for a moment. For their position
> to be consistent they would have to support the Chinese selling
> parcels of the Moon. For these lawyers, if their ideology is strong
> enough, that might not be a problem. But harkening back to the Cold
> War days, not too many politicians or citizens would like to look up
> and see a Soviet Moon or in this case, a Chinese Moon.

I don't think any of the people I've talked to would see any
reason why China wouldn't deserve to do what it likes with the
Moon if it is able to develop its resources while the US sits
on its hands. They'd be more than happy that at least somebody
was up there making space resources a reality. Of course it's
nicer if it's people we know and trust, but sometimes you have
to take what life gives you...

Your other points are good; Vatican city is a rather odd case - it
really only exists because Italy chooses to humor the pope (who
has at least a base of support in that country). Perhaps the world
would treat a lunar nation similarly - I have my doubts though...

Arthur