I can't think of any good reason to continue extorting money for science regardless of how "good" it is. Certainly good has come out of NASA, but at what cost to freedom? The best thing the government could do for science would be to discontinue all funding and offer complete tax exemption for organizations doing research. If we can get government out of the picture, private industry will be able to accomplish things never dreamed of by the extortionists at NASA.
BTW, I know that NASA's budget is tiny compared to other programs, but for the record I advocate the end of their funding as well!
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Terry Donaghe: terry@donaghe.com
http://www.donaghe.com
"If you love wealth more than liberty, the tranquility of servitude better than the animating contest of freedom, depart from us in peace. We ask not your counsel nor your arms. Crouch down and lick the hand that feeds you. May your chains rest lightly upon you and may posterity forget that you were our countrymen." --Samuel Adams