Yes, we care about the environment, and the impoverished, and all that stuff. But we still want to go to Mars.

The results:

Q: Should the U.S. commit more resources toward the goal of landing astronauts on Mars?

• Yes, let's go to Mars - 2,014 (51%)
• No, it's a waste of money - 1,464 (37%)
• Only if I get to go - 254 (6%)
• I don't care - 188 (5%)

Your comments:

"Must get back to home planet...need nourishment!" Lucy, Storrs

"Exploration of Mars is a total waste of money at this time. Let's first feed the poor, educate our children, provide universal health care to all, and protect our elderly citizens." R.G., Vernon

"Tech is the future of America. Mars and Star Wars is future tech." Jack, Watertown

"Exploration of Mars should continue. However, there is no need to send astronauts. Space exploration does not need on-site humans." C.H.K., Guilford

"Why can't we clean up the planet we are already destroying before we go screw up another one?" A., Bozrah

"We must- for the advancement of science and economic growth. As in our moon exploration, these flights to Mars will enhance life on earth." M.M., Dayville

"A concerted effort to overcome the technical difficulties of travelling to Mars will only help to improve life here on Earth. How do I know? All one needs to do is trace the origins of may of today's commonplace technological marvels back to their roots. I think most people would be surprised to discover the degree to which the race to the moon has impacted our lives. Such benign things as freeze dried foods, Tang (powdered juice), mylar, reflective sunglasses, etc. were developed much quicker through the needs of the space program than they would have been otherwise. Could the naysayers of the past or the present have made such timely advances without the drive the space race created? I doubt it!" A.G., New Britain

"To Whom It May Concern:

I was fascinated at the NASA Space Center when I visited it. I was born and raised in Florida, so it was great to see our men and women go to the Moon. I felt priviledged to live so close by. We have sent out probes and satellites and have received scientific readings back from Mars. I think it is great that we are learning more and more about the Universe. But as humans we are a dumb civilization. We have millions of people dying of starvation, homelessness, and disease and yet we spent countless billions on exploration. I am all for learning and knowledge and finding out about other species, but isn't it kinda pointless if we can't take care of our own? I really feel strongly that we should care for our land, our people, and our resources, before we start invading other planets!!!! Thank you for your time and listening to my comments." V.J., Naugatuck

"I feel our tax dollars would be better spent on cleaning our enviroment to provide a healthy life for the generations to follow." R.K., Mansfield

"How can we not? It is an inevitability that we will grow out of this planet. Whether buy our own stupidity, sheer numbers, or, if we cure one and slow the other, just by the basic need to move to new digs. It enobles all of us to stretch up towards the heavens. We have to go." S.O'N., Norwalk

"Let's take care of our home the earth...clean the water & air. House the homeless in the nation's Capitol and every other community. Feed our children that are starving on the earth...and if there is any left over...then Mars here we come." S.M., New Haven

"What happens to these surveys? Are they sent on to the appropriate entities or simply filed?" D.P., Winsted

"Yes we should go to mars let`s find out what is out there. They should go the sooner the better." A.F., Danbury

Previous survey results are available.