Government scientific ignorance and greed

But It Worked in the Computer Simulation!:

There are many reasons that theoretical mathematical calculations or computer simulations may fail, especially in frontier science and engineering where many unknowns abound. The major reasons include:

• simple error (almost certain to occur on large, complex projects)
• most theoretical mathematical calculations and simulations are approximations
• symbolic math and computers cannot reason conceptually and may not detect conceptual errors
• the math may be intractable
• new physics.

In the history of invention and discovery, it is rare to find theoretical mathematical calculations or computer simulations working right the first time .. Even after many full system tests or trials, theoretical mathematical calculations or simulations may still have significant flaws, known or unknown.

In these difficult economic times, almost everyone would like to see more immediate tangible benefits from our vast ongoing investments in research and development .. With increasing economic problems and several bitter wars, it is easy to succumb to fear or greed. Yet it is in these difficult times that we need to think most clearly and calmly about what we are doing to achieve success.