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Sure thing. Basically, I believe US scientific research benefited from nationalism during the Cold War, and for a short time after. I think that it has lost that association, and has since been partnered with 'big government' and taxes. Every week I read articles that lambaste a misguided study on human behavior (e.g. "Researchers find eating chocolate makes you fat"). Despite the slice of research these studies represent, public sentiment for science funding overall is well-aligned with the feelings they evoke.
What I meant specifically was that science (non-profit basic science) needs to become the champion of a (perceived) noble cause if it is to be welcomed again to the table. The advancement of human knowledge and understanding unlocks our potential, and at its root, science is human. But like all things that depend upon a general consensus and shared value, scientists could do much to publicly pursue and share knowledge about that which inspires us most. Personally, I'd prefer the shared discovery of space to nationalistic fervor.