the typical person discussing Mars colonization lives in a coastal climate with enjoyable weather who thinks something like Texas weather - nevermind Russian weather - is a deterrent from living there.

it should be kept in mind anyone talking about Mars colonization under these circumstances is probably radically unprepared for the reality of what that would feel like. for the first 100+ (probably much more) years, living on Mars is going to suck and be like living on Antarctica. most people are going to think in terms of how far they are from coming back to wherever they consider home. the people who live on Antarctica now are the kinds of people who will end up doing Mars stuff first. it will not be a cool or awesome time.