And now why?

Because people like international peaceful use of space, they like nations not threatening each other with nuclear destruction.

You''ll also note the jingoistic/nationalistic programs advocated by the manned Mars enthusiasts.
And you'll see it in their attacks on ISS.

You'll see it in their analyses of why Apollo ended.
It's like they want the 1960's back, the strong US economy and culture of their cihildhoods.
and think that manned Mars will help them accomplisth that.

I am sorry but I have no new religion to offer, nor any cures for 40 years of attacks by the neocons on US unions/industry.

Your point about manned Mar flight enthusiasts' reactions to anyone who upsets them is well taken, i.l. "insults".
As far as evidence goes, I've learned elsewhere that facts never penetrate delusioinal frameworks.
For example, I would tell you why ISS is good and valuable, but none of the reasons would sink in.

The real point here is that a Cult of Mars has been operating for some time.

Your point about their reactions is well taken.

I've been under vicious personal attack for over 10 years. It's a wonder they didn't demand my birth cerificate, but then they had much more effective tools to use. Their attacks are but one part of their "altar" to me.

Their fundamental theory is that NASA is a bureaucracy in search of a mission, and if they could limit that mission to manned Mars flight, it would be done.

My theory has been that the only driver for manned space after ISS will be the construction of NEO detection facilitiers on the Moon, and that once that is done the same technology will then be used for manned Mars flight.

We will now watch as it plays out.

cao knee men,
EP