Capitalism and Its Ills

In our incessant self-congratulation over the ability of Capitalism to solve all ills, we occasionally overlook one or two priorities. One of these is clearly long-term, basic research, of the kind that produce enormous benefits but will not boost quarterly reports or produce patents. As we contemplate defunding our schools and universities, let us remember that the days of Menlo Park, Bell Labs, and Xerox PARC are long behind us.