and here was some poll which shows a different view
qutoe via some bbs via google, no idea which poll this was:
From nasawatch.com:
"Endorsement of the space program in general is very strong, with 69% of Americans voicing their support. Interest and excitement about the Vision for Space Exploration is strong for near-term aspects of the plan (65% of Americans responded positively) and for returning to the Moon. This is not true for plans to send humans to Mars, which is seen as involving much more risk (only 18% of Americans responded positively)."
18% favor paying their taxes to send men to Mars