Seeking funding for an expensive Science Thing

Or, one of the funniest Onion articles I've read in quite some time.

It reflects the type of discourse that goes on surrounding government funding of scientific research:

"Frankly, I don't understand why they don't just gather up all the leftover atoms in their test tubes and Bunsen burners. I think the scientists should have to use those up before getting new ones."

It skewers the communicative methods of politicians who support science:

"I have always said that science is more important than it is unimportant."

And best of all, it makes the long-needed case for not framing science in terms of candy.

One consisted of colored dots resembling Skittles banging into one another. ... "These scientists could trim $10 million if they would just cut out some of the purple and blue spheres," said Rep. Roscoe Bartlett (R-MD), explaining that he understood the need for an abundance of reds and greens.

Read it here.