[ncallaway]

I agree that any Mars colony should very quickly become independent.

However, I think we should wait until there are enough people on Mars that there can be a small representative government (or other form of government that they would choose).

Mars shouldn't be independent when the first 10 people land on the surface of the planet.

This tos item has always been my biggest complaint about Starlink. I shouldn't be forced to take a position on premature Martian independence just because I hate Comcast.

[koheripbal]

This is someone semantics anyway since there will be no enforcement mechanism in the beginning from Earth to Mars. People on Mars will just do whatever they want.

[ncallaway]

That doesn't seem accurate to me.

Let's say you're in the _first_ colony ship that lands on Mars. 12 people disembark from the vessel.

There are resources available for 5 years on the planet from prior cargo runs.

All future cargo will be launched from Earth, and very likely from territory controlled by large and powerful governments. All those flights require mission approval to launch and resupply.

Are you _sure_ there's no enforcement mechanism that Earthbound authorities can apply to the Martian people?

I actually think independence for Mars quickly (but not immediately) is important exactly _because_ the Martian people will be able to be so easily held hostage by the whims of a few Earthbound governments.

[koheripbal]

My point only applies to a colony that is functionally independent.

[jonplackett]

> I shouldn't be forced to take a position on premature Martian independence just because I hate Comcast.

We really do live in the future!

[hidden-spyder]

> I agree that any Mars colony should very quickly become independent.

Why do you think so? Wouldn't it be better for them to be Earth dependent?

[ncallaway]

> Wouldn't it be better for them to be Earth dependent?

Mars very likely would be dependent on the Earth for trade and resources for a long time. It will be a long, long time before it becomes totally self-sustaining.

But, in terms of their government, I generally believe broadly in the principle of local self-determination. I think that will and should apply to Mars, once the population is sufficient.

[oblio]

For them? Probably not. When has anyone else made big decisions for you than you made for yourself?