Right. That goes for the Internet, too. The Feds got it started. At some point entrepreneurs can join in.
there are a few areas that are ideal for federal government involvement. these sorts of exploits, like space exploration, are cost prohibitive as private endeavors in their early stages. and yet they often represent the best that america has to offer in terms of national prestige and scientific development. spinoffs from the apollo days in materials, structures, and technology (miniaturization that was essential for space travel made today's pc possible) came about because federal dollars were spent on endeavors that even the most abmbitious venture capitalist couldn't afford and wouldn't risk.
it was private industry that took those spinoff technologies and made them economically viable, appealing to wide industrial or consumer bases. the idea of space exploration is federal government at its best.
now social security or medicare? i can save for my own retirement. i can save for my own health insurance. NASA makes it possible for us as americans to do what i could never do on my own.
anyway, that's enough rambling. its nice to see there are so many people on here that are excited about the space program and america's role in the last frontier.