The problem with the idea of re-claiming our natural resources is NOT that it can't be done. The problem lies with the little two-letter word "we."

If the "we" means socialization or taxation, the reclamation might get done. But the odds are that it will be used to make the rich richer, rather than for the benefit of all members of society - or even those who do the actual manual labor of the reclamation. This is the way socialization always seems to work.

On the other hand, if the reclamation is done by big business - provided that governments stay out of the way of progress - then there is at least a chance that the reclamation will succeed for the benefit of all.

This does not mean that there is no corruption in big business. But there is no end of corruption in socialization.