It is difficult for most Americans to see immediate and direct benefits of basic R&D since it is typically a long term investment. As transparency of federal go

It is difficult for most Americans to see immediate and direct benefits of basic R&D since it is typically a long term investment. As transparency of federal government activities improves, it might make sense for most Americans to oppose using their tax dollars to fund activities that they may not immediately benefit from or understand. Perhaps this is something that could be outsourced to other countries much like manufacturing?