This case appears to me to be one of misplaced priorities. The earth, our home still requires a lot of help from us. But we are fixated on something else. I know other things beneficial to mankind can be discovered as a result of this pursuit. But the cost of a possible Mars colonization is insanely high. And it is definitely not worth it. But as a Science lover, it is a very interesting pursuit. I just also would love to see those resources go in some other direction.