> The cost is relatively small as compared to the benefit to all citizens The cost is in fact small just compared to the subscription fees. I don't have the s

> The cost is relatively small as compared to the benefit to all citizens The cost is in fact small just compared to the subscription fees. I don't have the statistics for how much countries pay editors in subscription fees (because in fact these deals are often negociated in private and the terms are secret), but I think it is highly likely that this money is several times higher than what it would cost to run everything on private money.