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RobertDyck wrote:I would prefer Mars be science based, not religious. However, some American members have suggested a religious c alolony as a reason to go. Just to mirror American history.
I agree, and I do believe that Martians will on average be less religious. Interestingly enough, the Puritans were the ancestors of much of American progressivism throughout the centuries and are almost certainly a net positive on American History, and such a Protestant Work Ethic might benefit Mars. Similarly, although more controversial the Mormons had a large role in building up Utah. That being said, Louis does have a point that for every religion like Puritanism or Mormonism there would be another one like Wahhabism or Southern Evangelicalism that is too stifling without a good side effect.
I was referring to the fact that religion is history that differs. Modern Europe and modern American mentalities differ as do our modern histories. I was also not saying a military outpost on Mars was a good idea. I was saying that if Americans colonized Mars alone, Russia, China and possibly some Middle Eastern companies would bomb the colony, not wanting America to have the advantage. Why I think an international effort is necessary to colonize Mars peacefully.
Are you genuinely puzzled about why people might want to go to Mars?
Yes and no. I have my own ideas, but I am working on a writing project that is about an international Mars Colony. This is because I think any nation that thinks their nation can be the only nation represented on an extra-planetary outpost without military repercussions is delusional. It's too key a tactical position. I know some issues that I think would drive people to flee Earth for the stars, but I'm American. I don't think other countries think quite the same. No offense. It's just that different culture and a different government or educational or religious foundation causes a different perspective on life in general. So I am wondering if there are issues or desired outcomes of having a Mars Colony that I haven't taken into consideration.
Thanks.
Perhaps they realize that building and demonstrating a proto-type of a Martian settlement on Earth is the quickest way to demonstrate the disadvantages to living off planet.
Reporter: So what do you do all day?
Proto-Mars Colonist: Er, um, I sit inside, under the flickering lights, driving this little rover around in vacum.
Reporter: What do you do for fun?
Proto-Mars Colonist: Well, most of the time we have to do saftey drills, do diagnostic sweeps, calibrate sensors, and triple check the machinery we pretend to depend on for life.
Reporter: So what are the advantages of pretending to live on Mars?
Proto-Mars Colonist: That's what we are trying to figure out, so far we have "science".
Reporter: What is the food like?
Proto-Mars Colonist: Rich and varied, all nutrious- of course by Earthly standards, it is sparse and tasteless. We have very little room for luxaries, as the cost is too great. Most of our food is soy based. Most of us would kill for ice cream, we feel for our Antartic cousins.
Reporter: Speaking of killing, is there crime in your community?
Proto-Mars Colonist: Nah, not really- what with all the cameras and other base sensors that monitor the status of the habitat 24/7, and the fact that we live in an enclosed and regulated environment, there is little opportunity for crime. Of course, it would be nice to have cloudy and cold days now and then, but the temp regs require 72 degrees, all the time- and due to the need for constant work throughout the day for maintainence, the lights are always the same in the general area.
Reporter: Why do you think people would want to go to mars?
Proto-Mars Colonist: Why? For the adventure of course, dosen't my life sound like an adventure? Well, dosen't it?You tell mme.
It is very boring. But there is one aspect of colonizing Mars you forgot about. Renewable food. A food garden would be a must have for real Mars colonists. If an Apollo 13 type malfunction delays a supply run, with rations their only food, colonists are dead. One hundred percent isolation from the outside world (including reporters) would be a necessary part of establishing a test colony on Earth. Also B-12 deprivation is a serious issue. Without a high-tech chem-lab as part of the colony for creating artificial pills and liquids with vital nutrients like that, a full blown ecosystem within the real Mars complex would be necessary, including keeping animals for slaughter.
There are many such issues I see with colonizing Mars, but I'm determined to come up with solutions to every single one of them, same as the rest of you, I assume.
I've joined a few forums recently and all have an introduction thread. I was told off on one since I couldn't find that thread and skipped it, so I'm doing so here. I am an American writer, science aficionado and someone currently caught up, for personal reasons, with the various plans various people and nations have for space exploration in general and specifically the Red Planet. I look forward to seeing the many opinions and hopefully international opinions presented here on my research journey to understand the mentality of those looking for a colony on Mars.
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