Re: Maybe the smart first step is to colonize the moon
Actually, the real 'first' smart step has already been taken - LEO.
Robert Heinlein was asked about this once by a journalist interested in why he used space stations in his stories. After the explanation about Delta V and getting off the surface, the journalist said 'Ah. I see now. Once you're in Low earth orbit, you're halfway to the moon.'
'No,' replied Heinlein, 'Once you're in LEO you're halfway to ANYWHERE'
Biting the hand that feeds IT
