[Captain Kirk]

Hey, if you want to privately raise money for Mars exploration, nothing is stopping you. I might even chip in. Just keep your hands out of the pockets of the unwilling. That’s the perfect compromise, IMHO.

[MikefromOhio]

Hey, if you want to privately raise money for Mars exploration, nothing is stopping you. I might even chip in. Just keep your hands out of the pockets of the unwilling. That’s the perfect compromise, IMHO.

That wasn't and isn't my point and his ignorance is all over the net for everyone to see now (look at the rest of his posts in this thread).....

Beyond that, there are both scientific and military applications to be considered. If you don't think the Chinese, the Russians and possibly eventually the Iranians won't look at space as a possible area of advantage, you're kidding yourself.