[leadpenny]

Why Mars?

Because Columbia happened and the subject needed to be changed.

[onyx]

Why Mars? Because Barney Frank said, "Before I go to Mars, I'd like to get a train from Fall River-New Bedford to Boston."

[risk]

"Because It's There" --George Leigh Mallory

According to Reuters, Edmund Hillary himself is not pleased with the crowds: "I personally, if I were a younger man, would not wish to be on an expedition with so many people around. Climbing Everest now is no longer the big challenge it was, but just a walkway with ladders and fixed ropes all along the route ..."

[Cincinatus' Wife]

Because exploration keeps us on our toes and makes us think! We learn new things and that pushes technology and discovery.

Exploration makes our country healthier, wealthier, wiser and stronger.

Exploration improves the quality and safety of our everyday lives.

[Professional Engineer]

Why Mars? Because I want this to be a portrait of my kids