Scientists Brace for a Lost Generation in American Research

Government research is important for long term study. Most private companies are interested in science that is going to help them make money and reinforce their need for business (i.e. Fossil fuel companies). Somebody needs to help push back against the BS science. If we didn't have the EPA Chevroj and Exxon would have kept us in the dark about Climate change as they did back in the 70's.

SN Keagan Miller - It is undoubtedly important. And it will continue. Are you asserting that there's no pork to be cut at all in governmental funding of research? I think that would be pretty naive to think. But, let's address the organization who's science has more profoundly impacted every single human on the planet, than any other: NASA. 100% government funded. And he's increasing that budget.

SN Greg Wright - You are right, there is definitely places where pork can be cut. But overall this budget seems quite draconian in respect to the poor and undereducated.

I have to say I don't know a lot about research in academia but I do know this: Most of the research funds for these folks come from private interests such a the pharmaceutical industry for medical research. The actual researcher does not, in most cases, own their discoveries, their sponsors do. So brig pharma (and others) take that discovery, mark it up astronomically and then sell it off to enrich themselves. There are a few researchers that find money (relatively small amounts) outside of big business but they are in the minority. Government funds for research often helps us all - take NASA or DARPA for example. Not all government research makes sense, I agree with that. Some of it seems idiotic but in lots of cases, we need it.
Nuff said. I'm not changing your mind and your aren't changing mine.

So spending money on science is bad but spending 1.5 trillion on a worthless fighter called the F-35 is okay? Which one is actually going to help us in the future? Talk about abusing the government for a paycheck, check with the defense contractors first.

SN Keagan Miller - Non sequitur. No one claimed 1.5 trillion for the f-35 is better than science funding. There is no causal connection between the two.

SN Greg Wright - I apologize, that was a fallacy. Still, if we are splitting hairs about wasteful spending. To ignore the elephant in the room, which a lot of conservatives do when it comes to military spending is doing us all a disservice.

SN Keagan Miller - I actually agree that the f-35 is an utter and total waste of money. It just had nothing to do with this. As you've acknowledged. I'd be ecstatic to take any portion of that and give it to NASA.