Bush is planning to colonize Mars but NASA'll probably start with the moon first. In a few years, but more likely, a few decades, humanity has their first (two?) colonized areas outside Earth. Cool. Colonizig Mars would be a great idea because we can finally undoubtly say there is no intelligent lifeform on Mars. But let's it one step further. Here's my maybe ridiculous idea.

Up until now, Earth's moon and Mars (with it's around 60 moons) are free territory, accesable to all (if we had the money and technology). but what if someone would buy up Mars and it's moons and Earth's moon? There are no inteligent lifeforms found in that area, so we won't claim other species' land. And no-one's interested in the mentioned territories, so the price is not much of a problem. And then, when humankind sets foot in these territories, the buyer (me) can make a toll charge. After all, it's my land, isn't it?

Of course, NATO, EU, US and other countries won't accept it, so when countries want pieces of land, they can buy it for a high price from me. That's completely legal. And if they don't pay, well, then my territories remain mine and uncolonized.

It isn't likely that we will estabelish bases on the mentioned territories in the next few years, but it is inevitable. It WILL happen. So when it doesn't happen in my time, my kids inherit my territories and perhabs they have more luck than me...

What do you think, is this a ridiculous idea? Or am I just thinking ahead and are you rushing to a broker to buy it?