I think it is a fundamental flaw in our system of elections that causes long-term projects to be in danger. Every eight years, no matter what, the bully pulpit has a different preacher.
"What are we spending money up there for when we have all these problems here?"
That investment choice is paying off with interest alright!
Yeah, constructive and productive long term projects are very difficult because of the democratic aspects of our system- they don't take money from a few and give it to many, just the opposite. The cooption of the educational system into the welfare industry removed a traditional influence upon the populace to invest in and wait for scientific research.