I have noticed many people (here and elsewhere) resent the money the ISS gets. I am curious...why?

It seems from their arguments that they feel it takes money from more ambitious projects... I feel it is a neccessary first step for more ambitios projects... I consider myself pretty educated on the matter but I know we have people here more "in the know" than me on this issue so I am asking your opinions...

Is the ISS a good idea?

My personal feeling is heck yes! But I would like to see it extended... I personally think that NASA should say to the various countries and companies that if they build a module to add to the space station that we will pay for its launch.... Of course each taker would have to pay its share to cover the increased demands on life support and other related costs such as power generation and waste, and design to be compatible with the station...

does anyone agree?