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How exactly do ordinary Americans follow astronauts to Mars in that way?

I agree . . . They can't follow in that way, at least not immediately. In fact, ordinary Americans probably won't be able to follow for a long time. The technology and infrastructure have to be developed and put into place first. As Dubya said, we're doing it "in the spirit of discovery, to learn the potential of vast new territory, and to chart a way for others to follow." That's the comparison to Lewis and Clark we need to focus on, imo, and not so much on beaver pelts and the like. It'll never be like that.

So...we'll spend trillions of dollars to move a "MarsBase" into place at a million bucks a pound so that in a century or so...billionaires will be able to pay for vacations there? Is that about how it's worked for the moon?

Remember, 35 years after Columbus, thousands of Europeans were making a profit sailing to the new world.

That just ain't gonna happen with the moon or Mars. A trillion bucks for a photo op is a bit steep.

Send robots, for pennies on the dollar.