🚀 go-pugleaf

In article <22528@dog.ee.lbl.gov> sichase@csa1.lbl.gov writes:
 
>The reason that we don't [delay SSC to wait for improved
technology] is that the particle physicists are in a race against
>time.  You don't do good physics by verifying someone elses result.  This
>competative incentive to move fast is a strong driving force in the advancement
>of science.  For the most part it is a very good thing.  However, in this case
>I wonder if we are leaping just a little to soon, without looking quite enough.

Exactly the sort of thing which makes me doubt the wisdom of
building SSC now.  While the competitive nature of science has
driven many new discoveries I find it hard to justify spending $10G
of taxpayers money so one researcher can reach the goal ahead of
another.  I think we need to remember that this money comes from the
guy trying to put his kids through college, the single mother trying
to keep up with her job and family, and others with equally pressing
needs.  These people have little choice whether they are going to
subsidize our toys, the government takes their money anyway.

So what if somebody in Germany or Japan discovers the Higgs first, 
what is damaged other than our pride?  It is highly unlikely that 
such a discovery would allow any country to either dominate the
semiconductor market or gain any military advantage.  

Maybe we should back off in this particular rat race.