[Jeff Head]

Would you have opposed and resented the monies spent on the Lewis and Clark expedition in the early 1800's. After all, who cared what existed on the other side of the tractless, uselss great American desert, or what savages occupied the western reaches of the continent at that time?

Yet, that expedition and the info it provided stimulated the nation's imaginiation and led to great happenings and the growth of the nation.

That's the same reasoning behind this.

Hope that helps you with the other perspective.

[pianomikey]

Awwww... do we have to buy Mars from the french, too??

[BJungNan]

Should the United States spend money exploring Mars?
29.6% Yes
70.4% No
Total Votes: 81

Certainly won't be hard to influence this one. The Desert Sun, by the way, is running an editorial cartoon accompanying this poll that shows President Bush as a little boy riding a rocket to mars, dollars pouring out the back of the rocket.

Poll link Here