FIRST ON MARS SHOULD OWN IT
Ron Pisaturo
What is the most ethical and practical way for the U.S. government to promote the exploration and settlement of Mars?
The Government should declare, "The first person to land on Mars, live
there a year (or some other specified minimum duration), and return alive owns
the whole Red Planet." (This idea was originated by objectivist
philosopher Harry Binswanger.)
Whoever implements the concept of getting to Mars and living there turns a
worthless ball of
rock into real estate. Initial ownership of that real estate is a just reward to those who create its initial value.
But much more important than the exact rule for initial ownership is that Mars
be *owned*--that it be *property*. Regardless of who owns Mars initially, the
free market would ensure that pieces of Martian real estate would quickly end
up in the hands of those who could make the most productive use of them.
The initial owners of Mars would have to recoup the billions of dollars they'd
invested on their mission. They'd have to work smart and fast to develop their
property -- to lease and sell parcels, to promote industry, commerce, and
settlement on the Red Planet.
What is Mars worth? Let each individual decide for himself, through the free
market.
Taxpayers would spend nothing. Only those who expected to profit in some way,
financially or otherwise, would invest their time and money. If their
investments failed, only they would suffer. If they succeeded, the riches of
Mars would be theirs.
If you want to see the development of Martian civilization in our lifetime,
then make Mars private property, and see many of the best innovators from other
industries turn their creative energies to this one, multiplying the ranks of
today's Martian pioneers