The recent NASA announcement that they are certain water can be found on the surface of Mars has renewed interest in going there to confirm the speculation.
The salt content of water on Mars will not solve any problems that we have here in the USA.
I say that it is “totally ridiculous” to consider spending any more money looking at Mars until problems here are solved. We have far too many problems, weakening this nation, to waste money on such a project.
I have more adjectives to describe how I feel about exploring Mars but they would likely upset Mars travel enthusiasts.
Our problems include but are not limited to; Our military has been decimated by elected and appointed persons in Washington, DC.
Our education system is in shambles, compared to public schools prior to Jimmy Carter creating the Department of Education. Crime and our criminal justice system are running amok, again due to actions of elected and appointed persons. The health insurance program(s) need severe correction. Why waste money going to Mars (manned or unmanned vehicles) when the defense of this nation needs to be the top priority?
Those of us who use common sense in handling our personal finances and household budgets know and understand that expenditures should be based on needs and not wants.
True..…jobs could be created or sustained in a Mars exploration program but many, many more jobs need to be created or reallocated to start solving the problems listed above. Since it took two or three generations to create the huge mess that we are saddled with, it will take a decade or two to get this once great nation back on track.
We the people, We the taxpayers, We the voters must make our voices heard to persons in Washington, DC.
Send snail mail and not email to let them know your thoughts. I write to a number of people in Washington regardless of which state elected them. I receive letters specific to my message as well as phone calls from senior staffers. Our voices are important and need to be heard.
I often use this quote “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead, 1901 – 1978, American Anthropologist

By Jim Towler