In space, no one can hear profits
The scientific cycle almost always ends in privatization.
As Americans, nay, as humans, we could not help but feel a twinge of sadness when a private spacecraft launched from Florida last week. Dragon, as the SpaceX craft is named, is the start of a new era in space.
The transition from publicly funded science to private enterprise is nothing new. The Internet started as a Defense Department project. Christopher Columbus set sail with support from Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand. Once there was money to be made, public innovation gave way to private.
May 25, 2012 - 6:12 AM
How dare you suggest that the Defense Department started the Internet. Everyone knows that al gore invented it. If you do not believe me, just ask al.
In space, no one can hear you scream.
Nuclear was sought as a weapon, and was unleashed twice. Now, it generates electricity.
Aircraft revolutionized warfare, and spawned an industry.
The point being when government present a problem to the public, people who are problem-solvers comes calling, and people who are skilled labors construct the device to help overcome the problem. Mankind have always followed this pattern. It’s no surprise that the private sector takes over when the government moves onto more challenging problems.
The problem is when government forgets it is dependent on the people to help solve the problem, not the other way around.
Even Jesus knew there were matters to be left to Caesar. There are reasons some things are better done by the government. Good ones.
True, in space, no one can hear the word “profits” but here on terra firma, “profits” ring loud and clear.
Every American, from the kid running the summer time lemonade stand on the sidewalk in front of his house to the CEO of Ford Motor Company, knows innately that the purpose of a business is to make a profit. Creating jobs is only secondary to a sucessful business.
Obama’s war on capitalism and profits is a blind alley for his campaign. It will not work with the voters. Romney is correctly keeping on message that its the economy stupid while Obama focuses on side issues that the American people don’t care about.