[kamakazizuru]

yes but that makes a large assumption that those smart people would rather work on something else. there isnt much stopping them from going elsewhere and working on space programs - if thats what they'd rather do. this way the country is atleast keeping those folks around - and making sure the money stays within the economy.

[anopows]

I will link to mikeash comment: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=6692694

Money is not equal wealth. You can spend money in a circle of two people a thousand times, that doesn't make the two richer. Or you can add 0's at the end of all bills, that doesn't make anyone more rich either.

I think it's more reasonable if we focus on wealth and not on money in this discussion.