"No Blood for Cheese"

THE UNITED STATES plans to establish permanent bases on the Moon, according to a report in the New York Times citing Bush Administration officials.

Under a presidential order signed in 2004, the federal government has been developing plans for new space hardware to deploy personnel to the Moon and establish a foothold near the lunar south pole. Once there, unspecified “other countries” and “commercial enterprises” could “expand the outpost in order to develop scientific and other interests,” says a senior administration official.

The official declined to elaborate on what those “other interests” might be, but initial reports hint at efforts to seize and exploit the satellite’s natural resources.

[snip]

Terrance Resnik, holding a handmade sign that read “Stop U.S. Lunar Imperialism,” agreed with his companion. “Who profits?” asked Resnik, before answering his own question. The corporations, that’s who!”

“Follow the money.” Candless agreed. “It will lead you straight to (Vice President Richard) Cheney, and his no-bid buddies at Bechtel and Halliburton.”

“This is not a peaceful venture,” proclaimed Sandra Gutierrez, a student. “Bush is taking the first steps towards establishing a galactic empire.” Gutierrez also carried a handmade sign, demanding “No Permanent Bases on the Moon!”

“Bottom line, it’s a unilateral invasion of a pristine planet, in order to steal its natural resources.” Candless declared. “We’ve worn out Gaia, and now Bush wants to rape Luna. Where will it end?” When asked what resources the Moon had to steal, he looked puzzled. “You don’t know?” Candless asked, his voice tinged with disbelief.

When no answer was forthcoming, Candless shook his head, and proceeded with his group in a march around Lafayette Park. “Hands off the Moon!” he chanted.

“Hands off the Moon!” came the booming reply.

“No Blood for Cheese!”