I do see your point about politicians more likely to vote for the short term reward to themselves to get votes in their next election.
In current years, I'm watching the BRAIN initiative and the "Moonshot" war on cancer. I imagine there could be discussion on if the tax payer's money is being well spent or not, but in general, I'm glad time is being spent on these initiatives.
I'm glad to see engagement in the comments! It's another sign of a quality steemit article!
Definitely; I haven't heard of those initiatives; however two things strike me; one is that I'd bet that a lot of long-term programs like that (if not those actual ones) are started off independently of government.
Secondly, anything to do with cancer, Alzheimer and heart disease, will always be popular, because most people know somebody who has been effected by at least one of those things.
It is the long-term problems that seem abstract in people's mind; like for instance, meaningful policies to tackle climate change. These are so unquantifiable in the minds of the public, that major long-term spending happens in drips and drabs, when it's politically convenient.
Please feel free to make another comment tree if we run out and you have more to say :-)
Cg