Here is a piece authored by Neal Lane, former director of the National Science Foundation, that appeared in the New York Times on October 28, 2012. Dr. Lane’s point is that the economic future of the U.S. depends on vigorous and creative scientific research, which in turn depends on robust funding for basic research from the federal government.
 

The direct connection between fundamental research and national economic competitiveness has not been lost on other countries. They are racing to compete—and compete hard—with the U.S. in this critical area of achievement. It’s not a traditional arms race, but rather a creativity and entrepreneurship race that is every bit as important. We ignore reality at our national peril. Science matters. Research matters. Brains matter.
 

www.nytimes.com/2012/10/29/opinion/want-to-boost-the-economy-invest-in-science.html