"Mike Morris" wrote in message
...

The whole basis of exploring Mars is to find if life
did once exist there. Lets cut all the bull about
interesting geology and photos; no-one really
gives a toss.

With 100% certainty, you are mistaken.

We pay attention to this information
because we think that it could give indications as to
the biological viability on Mars.

Some do. Some don't.

This whole saga has got me thinking about the Viking
findings. Many of the scientists on that project still to
this day claim they found biology.

Many?

So we have to
wonder why NASA might be motivated to put a
pessimistic light on their Viking findings.

The answer is all about money and future funding.
Is this honest science?

You seem to be implying that NASA has secretly confirmed
that life exists on Mars and are keeping this information
suppressed to keep their funding.
Frankly, you would have to be out of your mind to think
that if NASA announced they had confirmed the
existence of life on Mars - that there would not be
a massive increase in funding. It is inconceivable
that they would suppress such knowledge in the
hope of increasing or maintaining funding. This
is an argument only a troll would use.