Glenn Reynolds, writing on whether opening up the Final Frontier might not be an appropriate legacy for an American President accused by many around the world of being a "cowboy," draws the following enticing scenario:
If you want settlement, and development, you need to give people an incentive. One possibility, discussed by space enthusiasts for some time, is a property-rights regime modeled on the American West, with land grants for those who actually establish a presence on the Moon or Mars. Some have, of course, derided the idea of a "Wild West" approach to space development, but other people like the idea of a "Moon Rush," which I suppose could be expanded in time to a "Mars Rush."
I think people will go even without land incentives, and even without clearly defined business plans, given the opportunity. They'll go for the adventure, which is probably the most motivating incentive of all.
Posted by Phil at January 13, 2004 02:45 PM | TrackBack