Should we be going to Mars?

Intrepid Crater on Mars (False Color)

Do we really need to go to mars?

I am a huge supporter of space exploration, but to go to mars it would cost billions which we could use  here on earth (for aid, power generation or medical care to name a few.) If we must explore space going to the moon again would be much more cost effective. I just don't think that now is the best time to be sending people to mars. Maybe for the next few years we should consider sticking with the more cost effective rovers.