Moonbase

A bit late on this but: Sorry Newt, a lunar base is very unlikely in your lifetime.

During the waning days of the Third Turning, it was just barely possible IF a prize (like a MUCH larger X-Prize) had been available. Dr. Pournelle's 30 people / 3 years / $10 billion could have done it. Just imagine trying to suggest an amount like that now. We have larger problems to deal with which will prevent either party from being able to move it forward in that form.

The alternative is a First Turning project comparable to Apollo or the Transcontinental Railroad. Even assuming a 2005 start to the 4T, we're at least 15 years from being able to start that.

"Ah," I hear you say, "The Transcontinental Railroad was built during the American Civil War, so why couldn't it happen now?" Certainly that could happen (although it wasn't finished until several years after) if there's some reason that a lunar base helps in this 4T. The only hypothetical I can imagine for that involves an energy war where Solar Power Satellites become worthwhile. Not saying it couldn't happen, just seems really unlikely. Even that would have to wait until the peak of the Crisis, which might be too late for Mr. Gingrich.