[RadioAstronomer]

but I'm equally disheartened that some people don't recognize there's a role for the private sector as well, or that a free economy is necessary for a healthy research environment, especially since some of these voices come from those within the scientific community frightened by the "corporatization" of research.

Ouch. Did I come across that way? If so, it was not intended. I agree that there neeeds to be a blend of both.

[RightWingAtheist]

Not at all! I share the same sentiments; I was just try to further build on them, and express the need for a complete openeness in science funding. It is in the best interests of the private sector as well as the public sector to support basic research; the problem is that private funding by itself can't support massive research programs where the trade-off is indirect or not immediate, and that's when the public sector becomes absolutely necessary. Funding of basic research is the best welfare-to-work program we got, IMHO. Just ask Newt :)