[dr_who_2]

But the Moon is a significant destination in its own right.

Certainly. But it's a 384,400 km stretch to say a "permanent" base on the moon would justify the cost. If you want to spend lots of money, build a city underneath the sea. Plenty of resources down there, and it's only a one day trip at best. But even that has little strategic importance, or the US Navy would have already done it.

What I'm waiting to see is the discovery of life on Mars.

How long are you willing to wait?