The rationale for establishing an international lunar base

When a link is established between the technological / cultural expertise of humankind and the virtually unlimited resources of space, the human species will become a true space faring civilization. Humankind will then be able to conduct large-scale operations in space independent of Earth resources, and the people of the Earth will benefit from the vast energy and material resources of space. The most expedient means for becoming a space faring species is to establish an international scientific / industrial base on the Moon.