The Federal Government (1785)set up the criteria for the division and exploration of Federal Lands (Northwest Territory)into what would become states and further divisions. It is contained in the Congressional Records and remains relatively unchanged to this day.
The money from the sale of the Federal Lands went into the Federal coffers as do present day rentals of federal timber, oil and mineral lands.
As an investment, we got our money back.
Lewis & Clark and their men got paid practically nothing for what they produced and endured. This was a scientific journey-"men trained in astronomy, botany and medicine". You're looking at it as some sort of field trip. Look at it as the beginning of mapping the lands for all the immigrants that would come to the United States to settle. You're grandparents are likely among them. So many benefactors on the exploratory work of "A FEW GOOD MEN".
On the contrary, I think you are.
These were FEDERAL LANDS owned by THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES and consequently, the preliminary exploration was paid for by the PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES.
Where is my part? I'm one of the people, if I own something I can dispose of it as I wish. That's how you know if something is truly yours. If it's owned by me, I want to sell my part.
As an investment, we got our money back.
Government spending is not an investment. The government should not be in the investing business.
You're looking at it as some sort of field trip.
Sorry, you misinterpret. I look at it as wrongful use of tax money.
You're grandparents are likely among them.
Continuing to bring up the idea of benefit to people is beside the point. I never claimed that the people who receive government largesse don't benefit from it. And personalizing it to my grandparents does nothing to make a point on this topic.