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.
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.
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.