[bert]

...America had it and let it go to whoever else wants it....

This is not a true statement.

America never had it to the exclusion of all. The moon is there for any one who can to shoot for. America has no claim on the moon or on space and can not therefore "let it go"

The question is whether there is adequate treasure on the moon to justify the expense of exploration and exploitation. At least one Chinaman thinks there is.

America was distracted by the leftists who can't see beyond the misery on earth and their lawyers who demand perfection in every endeavor. However, a little competition might bring out the treasure seekers.

[RightWhale]

America never had it to the exclusion of all.

You were lucky Skywalker. Sure, you bagged a Deathstar, but only one. There's more where that came from, and maybe we'll let you extract resources from the moon so long as you keep your license fees current.

[Buckeye Bomber]

http://www.oosa.unvienna.org/SpaceLaw/moontxt.htm

This treaty, signed and ratified by most nations of the world, basically states that the moon belongs to all mankind. Note the wording on the plaque that Neil Armstrong left on the moon. "Here men from the planet Earth first set foot upon the Moon, July 1969 A.D. We came in peace for all mankind."