IMHO, it is justified simply by the fact that it was kept out of the greedy paws of the welfare state and climate change communists...
In addition, before we complain about $10 billion for science, we should focus on the 10-20 billion dollars (untaxed) being sent to Mexico and other shithole countries via Western union, etc. from the stinking MIVs...
2022: Why spend $10 billion on a “telescope”
90’s: Who needs a “cellphone” with more functions anyway
90’s: Who would ever need a computer that would fit in your pocket?
80’s: Why are they trying to make “integrated circuits” smaller anyway.
70’s: We don’t NEED to back to the moon, we should use that money for social programs
70’s: Transistors are just fine, why do we need these “integrated circuits” anyway
40’s: Why do we need these “transistors” anyway, vacuum tubes work just fine
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somewhere in prehistory: rock smash, who need “sharp rock”
There have always been and always will be those who just don’t “get it”. Sad.