re: #688 Jimmah

Yes, the problem with a command economy is that you have some authority trying to do what natural forces can handle much better. I agree with you on that. But the situation under dispute here is different. We know that natural market forces are not going to result in this basic research being done. We also know that not doing this research will result in our falling behind in a vital area of science. This is not a case of some authority trying to do the job of the market - it’s the recognition that certain goals will not be achieved if we leave it to the market and need public funding if they are to be done at all.

That was what I was trying to say, but you did it better.