this post was submitted on 14 Jun 2025
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Why should the world benefit from our taxpayer funded research? I want my taxes spent on training Americans so as to let the world watch (for free) fast running and swimming.
Am still waiting for a skipping event in the Olympics.
The world isn't benefitting from your research, you benefit from the world's research based off your own research, on and on it goes and we all get smarter and know more and strive towards bettering our condition, curing our ills and minimizing suffering and maximizing happiness for all.
At least in my opinion it's why scientific research while a truly neutral morally activity and generally done as an end unto itself - from a broadly humanist standpoint - is worth pursuing, even when the immediate benefits aren't seen by the shortsighted.
Even if we were the only country researching...
I have heard GOP politicians saying something like "why should we fund a cure for a disease and everyone else benefits without spending a cent?"
Why doesn't their national pride on the world stage extend beyond sport?
Because that wouldn't make as much money.
Olympic gold medals don't make money. It is for national pride. Even hosting the games does not always make money.
Actually I am Aussie. 12 years ago it was calculated that each gold medal costs us AU$12m (so about US$11m in today's money). It embarrasses me.
https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/they-kill-us-for-their-sport-williamson-laments-arts-funding-cuts-20121115-29ejt.html
I am no fan of Eurovision but it is good value for national pride:
Eurovision is funded by participating broadcasters and this contribution is a total of €6.2 million (£5.2 million), combined.
https://www.dailystar.co.uk/tv/who-funds-eurovision-song-contest-24173525
Only 6M €? For an event of that size that feels a lot cheaper than I would have thought.
Don't forget that there is also income from advertising and ticket sales.