We already have a colony in low earth orbit. Also, by colonizing mars we will only have 2 points of failure.

> We already have a colony in low earth orbit.

It's a little flying shack, not a "colony". Anyway, it's not self-sustainable, which is the main issue.

> Also, by colonizing mars we will only have 2 points of failure.

It appears that you've never done backups.