I would agree that the US government should have a role in funding pure research. What I find discouraging though is when uber-rich people like Gates and Buffe

I would agree that the US government should have a role in funding pure research. What I find discouraging though is when uber-rich people like Gates and Buffet advocate lots of government, and lots of taxes because they've made theirs. And because of their wealth, high-profile, and connections with big government figures, they consider themselves "part of government.