Why Doesn't America Own the Moon?

[Maceman]

During the run-up to Thanksgiving, I heard a lot of the usual left-wing carping about the evil European settlers taking the land away from the so-called native Americans (actually, aboriginal Americans.)

I also came across an article citing estimates that the pre-Columbian population of North America was between 2.5-3.8 million.

Now I will admit that I am not that knowledgeable about Aboriginal American history.

But I did a little math, and it turns out that if these estimates are anywhere near accurate, the population density of aboriginal Americans had to be at least 600 acres per person (assuming for the sake of argument that all 3.8 million were living in what is now the USA.)

Now personally, it strikes me as inherently nonsensical to think that any group of people could actually claim an eternal right to that much land, without having done anything to work it or develop it in some way. I mean, whatever happened to the idea of "smart development" that liberals are always pushing? 600 acres per person? Come on.

But, the argument goes, the Aboriginal Americans were here first. So the land was rightfully theirs, and the Europeans had no right to settle any part of it that the Aboriginals didn't want settled. I believe this essentially summarizes the basic complaint of the anti-European multi-cultural diversity crowd.

I recently read where the Chinese have announced that they intend to send a man to the moon sometime in the next 20 years.

And I got to thinking. Americans got to the moon first, just like the Aboriginal Americans got to America first. So using the same anti-European, multi-cultural pro-diversity arguments that are trotted out every year to proclaim Thanksgiving as a day of mourning, doesn't it follow that Americans have a similar right to claim the moon, and to even go to war to prevent it being settled by anyone else?

True, we haven't done much with the real estate since we first set foot there in 1969, but then again, what did the Aboriginal Americans ever do with 600 acres per person of American real estate during the 15,000 or so years before the Europeans got here?

There are some who will argue that the problem with the Europeans was that they conducted genocide against the aboriginals. But certainly there were some aboriginal groups that waged war against other aboriginal groups -- often with quite a bit of brutality. So really, it can't be that the Europeans were inherently more blood thirsty -- only more more efficient. But morally, when you look at the big picture, it is hard to see a difference.

So again, I have to ask what could possibly lead the Chinese to believe that they have any right to set foot on our moon?

Oh. I forgot. There's some kind of international treaty in which we Americans voluntarily gave up our claim to exclusive ownership. Of course, we didn't really get anything in return for giving up that right, so arguably it wouldn't exactly be a contract.

But still, we gave up our rights anyway. Why? Because we are Americans -- the most innovative and generous people in the world.

What kind of outrage would there be from the left if America had taken the same position on the moon that the left uses to castigate Americans for being in America?

Which only goes to prove that if it weren't for double standards, the left wouldn't have any standards at all.

[Radix]

You are a funny person, and I like that, a lot.

[JZoback]

Doesn't Wal-Mart own the moon? I have their hands in everything else

[Texas_Jarhead]

BUMP for you

[Willie Green]

I heard that on our last visit, the astronauts came across a "No Trespassing" sign.
They weren't sure who posted it, but they didn't want to stick around to find out.

[w1andsodidwe]

Your problem is that you have a logical mind. That is the enemy of socialism. Pardon me I meant liberalism.

[cyborg]

I need two more cups of coffee before I can comprehend the deepness of this thread.

BTTT

[The Electrician]

It's curious - Leftists always seem to be in favor of "land reform", where small numbers of wealthy landowners are forced to give up their land to the "masses". Well, isn't that exactly what happened when Europeans settled America and took the land from the wealthy Indian land owners?

[Jotmo]

Very good.

[Malsua]

I say we mine the moon for Tritium, use it for fuel and give the Saudis a big middle finger.

[AGreatPer]

"One great step for mankind and with planting this flag we declare the Moon, United States of America territory".

Gees, who was the idiot President that didn't dictate that to be said?

[Alouette]

The Jews own the moon.

[Drammach]

"The Man Who Sold The Moon" Robert Heinlein..

[Joe Hadenuf]

I actually claimed the lunar surface and I have title to all of it's elements, possible mining resources, and any water or water ice that may be present. I hold the rights to all of this, including the moon rover that was left by NASA.

I claimed the moon just 23 minutes before NASA and Mr. Armstrong landed on it's lunar surface.

I have the actual deed, and as soon as I find it, I'll scan it and post it.

[Cagey]

I had a feeling they were up to something.

[Brett66]

As far as I know, the outer Space Treaty can be backed out of as simply as the ABM treaty was. Then it's only a matter of physical presence and the ability to deny anyone else a physical presence on the moon. I say go for it, this issue probably won't be truly tested until we go back there and set up communities,businesses, etc. But it will have to be addressed in a serious fashion in the not too distant future.

[Cboldt]

... what did the Aboriginal Americans ever do with 600 acres per person of American real estate during the 15,000 or so years before the Europeans got here?

They lived there. So, who's living on the moon? Possession is 9/10ths of the law, the other tenth being who has the gun. Property rights, when pressed, are ALWAYS about who is stronger.

[M Kehoe]

One thing is for sure, if the Chicoms get to the moon they will claim it as soverign territory. Just like they do with Taiwan, Tibet, etc..

Many have said that the next war (after the terrorists) will be fought in space.

5.56mm

[Joe Hadenuf]

I bet the Aboriginal Americans regret not having adequate border and immigration control.

[Lazamataz]

The problem is, the moon landing was faked.

Therefore, the basic premise of your editorial is flawed.

PROTECT THE CHILDREN!