News Should scientific research be solely funded by the private sector?

[jambaugh]

Why don't we end all government welfare for physicists, engineers, biologists, chemist, and other scientific disciplines? We could save plenty of money by shutting down NASA, NOAA, cutting the NSF, and other government facilities.

Why not let the private market fund all research?

I agree,... excepting two specifics. Scientific research for the DOD, i.e. research into weapons and other militarily relevant technology (such as GPS) and scientific research important for policy decisions, e.g. sociology, economics, and such...
are justified as supporting the primary role of government.

But by all means, defund NASA and NSF (and NEA and Public Media and ...). NOAA has important policy supporting research as well as data gathering important for Emergency Management so I'd say keep it funded. Move the rest to the private sector.

But everything in order of priority. Defund first social engineering programs and wealth redistribution which aside from the waste of tax dollars are actively detrimental to our society and economy. Then begin cutting productive programs which can be transitioned to the private sector and are not essential for defense, law enforcement, emergency management, and foreign relations.