Yawn. Presidents since Nixon said similar proclamations and nothing happens.
Manned Mars missions are overkill. Mars will never be a viable location for human settlement, other than science for centuries.
We’ve been in Antarctica for a century and there are few artists, musicians, factories, schools, city halls and hospitals there today.
Three hundred days in deep space trying to cross a distance of 34 million miles is frightening enough by itself. And that’s one way. Not to mention those who say $100 billion would be too low in terms of cost.
You've blown your whole argument. Even my first cousin has visited Antarctica and handed out Bibles as a Gideon.
Virtual Tour - Life at the South Pole
It's not easy. It's actually similar to the environment that one would encounter in interplanetary travel, like if we go to Mars -- confined spaces, only a few people, and no way to "get away" by going outside because it's such a hostile environment. But, as people always do, they find ways to get the job done and have fun too. Having a rather substantial video library and collection of video games helps a lot.