Could a Mars colony become a nation?

Blasting News ^ | Jan 24, 2016 | Mark R. Whittington

[Marcus]

Could a Mars colony become a nation? That question was posed by Michael Byers, who holds the Canada Research Chair in Global Politics and International Law at the University of British Columbia in a Washington Post article. Byers’ answer to his question was yes. A body of international law has evolved over time that recognizes the rights of people to self-determination.

[BenLurkin]

It would have to fight for its independence.

[Cowboy Bob]

But “Diversity” must be its primary goal!

[The Iceman Cometh]

Might be the best way to handle the Trump/Cruz feud here on FreeRepublic. I’d be okay going to Mars with Trump cause he’d build a killer resort. Lolz.

[Shadow44]

Probably. Governing from Earth would be rather complicated. I see shades of the American Revolution.

[dfwgator]

It ain’t the kind of place to raise your kids.

[rockinqsranch]

“Could a Mars colony become a nation?”

Why not!? And the local watering hole could be a “Mars Bar”.

[dead]

That link tried to take my computer to Mars. I recommend against clicking the link.

Didn't read the article, but that's the premise of The Moon is a Harsh Mistress, though different orb.

[5thGenTexan]

Bad idea. It would be a one world government, just a different world.

:-)

[Harmless Teddy Bear]

And there’s no one there to raise them if you did

[datura]

Canada research chair looking for a new prime minister of Mars?.....

Yeah, you know where I’m going with that.

[BigEdLB]

According to Edgar Rice Burroughs, and Ray Bradbury, the women of Mars are hot, so where do I sign up???? Wait... Been married for 21 years. Guess that isn’t an option...

[Jack Hydrazine]

Just imagine Muzzies on the “planet of war”!

[higgmeister]

Could a Mars colony become a nation?

Of course! How many times have you read "The Moon is a Harsh Mistress?"

If the moon can why can't Mars?

[higgmeister]

Mike, is that you?

[Talisker]

...that's the premise of The Moon is a Harsh Mistress...

Not only the premise, but also the answer, IMO.

[kingu]

According to international law, no one can claim any land outside of Earth as property, so that would lead me to believe the answer to be no. (I’m sorry, but am I the only one who finds offense at such hubris as to declare all of space to be for the use of all mankind?)

[zaxtres]

That was just so out of this world, man!

Okay so I had Chong’s voice in my head when I typed this.

[dfwgator]

Earth First!

We’ll mine the other planets later.

[philetus]

Wouldn’t take too many boulders into Earth’s gravity well to win.