The Mars Society's purpose is to build support for a manned misison to Mars. The NS and PS have similar but broader goals. A lack of public support shows that these society's have a valid mission based on their members belief in the importance of these goals. Since the poll takes no measure of the basis for these beliefs it is hardly an objective measure of whether the space advocates or the general public is correct. It would take a rational public debate to determine that. It is however certain that these attitudes should be different before the government embarks on expensive taxpayer funded plans.

Regards,
Mark

PS why no link? Did you cut and paste or just violate copyright?