How so? It only takes up half a degree in the sky, it isn't maneuverable or stealthy, difficult to defend, and weapons would take days to arrive on earth.
and economic and commercial development.
The first moon program didn't do much for either. Why would this be any different?
Science, education and national pride are nice side benefits.
One has to wonder how Ben Franklin, Thomas Edison, Albert Einstein, Richard Feynman, and others ever became educated scientists without a taxpayer financed moon program. Ben Franklin did it with only one year of formal schooling.
It will serve as a staging ground, a fuel depot and let's say, "an eye in the sky" against stealth attacks on our orbiting military and commercial assets.
Apollo was a race to go and get back. This time we go and stay.