Mark: That’s a nice argument. I think the premise — i.e. that the U.S.A. has irresistible expansionist urges — is dubious, but not preposterous. If it’s granted, then your conclusion — i.e. better we should satisfy those urges by occupying Asteroid #87014 than by occupying Trashcanistan — is one I entirely agree with. Just not sure about that premise …

And even if I grant your argument, the role of government remains to be decided. Stuck as I am with the rooted conviction that government does everything badly and in a spirit of financial irresponsibility, I’d keep government involvement to a mimimum, with just perhaps a modest subsidy here or there to encourage entrepreneurs. Shuttle missions at half a billion dollars per, though? No thanks. Not unless I’m on board!