Ron, The purpose in going is to bring back a bit of gravel and a little bit of atmosphere and experience. Some say that this can not be done by robots.
So.....a manned mission is supposedly the only we can satisfy this esoteric
curiousity. This is supposed to transcend the great things we could do
with the money.....ie send several thousands of kids to college and make quality taxpayers or ressurect the energy research and development administration or something else that would be immediately usefull . It's all about imagination.

Best regards, Dan