The article from the Economist on the new revolution that is upon us with "3D printing" and other forms of people-free manufacturing was breezy and somewhat misleading ("An industrial revolution is upon us," April 20).

When only small quantities are needed for making things like models, human kidneys, tools and dies, then 3D printing is great. In any case, the industrial revolution happening now, including things like nanotechnology, is not a discrete, sensational event, it is the continuance of our advances in science and engineering.

These advances are based primarily on the support of an enlightened government. The fun idea of entrepreneurs making magic in their garages can happen only after hard work by many people.

A great number of practical discoveries have been made in the labs of private corporations, but many new enterprises get started when government-funded researchers at universities take their discoveries and techniques with them and go private.

Basic research is funded by government. This is not picking winners. It is investing in the best way that humans have for securing a better future.

It involves some carefully considered trial-and-error processes, resulting in some winners and some losers. Private concerns cannot afford to pursue so many dead ends.

If this takes a big government, then let there be big government, notwithstanding the Economist's tiresome sermons on the virtues of libertarianism.


BURKE HILDEN, MAPLEWOOD