We can make it to Mars if we put enough effort into it. The question is whether now is a good time or if we should wait for progress in robotics and other areas. I think for now a permanent moon base makes way more sense.
I don't really understand the concept of jumping straight to Mars. With every complexity involved. First we should do sensible test runs on Earth, next Moon where we have chance to get anyone out in a few days. And only then when we have proven most aspect workable aim for Mars.
The costs probably aren't that much higher anyway.
Not just test runs - infrastructure and ideally resource extraction. The faster we don't have to launch every gram from earth the quicker the really interesting space efforts can get going!
