>>that the three companies has benefited from subsidies. More to the point, America has benefited tremendously from subsidizing these companies. Elon Musk was

>>that the three companies has benefited from subsidies. More to the point, America has benefited tremendously from subsidizing these companies. Elon Musk was a South African born Canadian (before he took American citizenship). He could have probably based these companies in any country of his choosing. Now America has at least 2 more private companies that are breaking new ground in their respective fields, and adding to America's GDP (and befitting the world in the process). Even if govt. funding played only a small part in the success of these companies, I would say this makes a strong argument for govt. subsidies.