SpaceX is at least as "private" as Boeing, Lockheed-Martin, General Dynamics or any other government contractor.
As to "boondoggle", SpaceX is the only private entity to resupply the Space Station, as well as retrieve cargo. They've achieved robotic docking, which is impressive. They're also well on their way to having a manned vehicle, which will supply an alternative to the Russian Soyuz.
SpaceX's flight manifest has a high percentage of orders from private entities, including quite a few international orders. That's due to SpaceX having a high success rate, while providing by far the lowest cost per pound to orbit.
SpaceX is doing great, and making the old guard aerospace companies look like the hidebound dinosaurs they are. That kind of innovation is to be applauded.
Agreed. That's comparing apples to apples. Spacex is a tremendous entrepreneurial and technological success.
On another note, it's ironic how many small government FReepers want to go back to Uncle Sam's blank check space program of the 1960's.
Why bother to restock? The Space Station is worthless, pointless, useless except as a potential hotel for the rich and self-indulgent. Let's give it to the Russians and forget the whole thing. Right now we're paying to fly American *cosmonaut* passengers to the SSI to do--what? Repair the Space Sation? For what, more repairs? The Space Station was always pointless, useless, worthless. It is in low orbit, and has not gotten men one inch farther into the solar system.
We have private rockets to manage satellites, which do provide an essential service and product.
We do not need manned space travel. You may need it, may long for it, but I don't want to pay for it.