space exploration versus manned space non-exploration
I agree that scientific space exploration needs governmental funding, and I support that. I disagree with arguments that manned space exploration makes funding possible for unmanned space flight. Manned flight hasn't been exciting since Apollo (which was also the last manned "exploration"), but umanned flight has proceeded reasonably well, except when manned spaceflight and Reagan deficits were busting Nasa's budgets in the 80s.
Private manned spaceflight has gone a little way, and it has much further to go before it becomes meaningful. That's okay - it'll happen when it happens, depending on the energy and money of the people interested in it.