[awake-n-angry]

So I guess the government steps in where the free market is too stupid to step up.

[chimera]

WRT space exploration/development, there is no reason why both can't be involved. The government when it is deemed in the national interest to do so, likewise private industry.

The current business model in vogue in this country is greatly risk-averse and inclined towards short-term profits, so I am doubtful that they will get involved in this work in a big way anytime soon. OTOH, there are reasonable arguments that it is in our national interest to maintain some level of public support, but, as I said, reasonable people can agree or not on those points.

[massgopguy]

Necessity is the mother of invention. After Sputnik scared the bleep out of us, NASA became a necessity for The Common Defense. The Space Program has given us collateral benefits from Velcro to the Pace Maker.