What is our Sputnik?

When I read this article it forced me to really evaluate the need for a national promotion of science that filters all the way into our local and state governments.  My parents generation was pushed forward into the space race and eventually many of the technologies we use today stemmed from that era.  We need to promote the building of new technology at all levels of government by providing the students of today opportunities to take part in real life research using government grants.  Lets inspire a nation of students who ask why instead of why not, lets not allow partisanship to hinder scientific development.  It is time to get behind another cause, whether it be medical technology or something else to allow all students to become excited about the scientific fields again.  Lets offer scholarships for students who chose to spend at least five years in the clean energy field developing new ways to save our planet, but most importantly lets stop saying we can't and begin with a dream.  After all, isn't that what the moon landing was, a dream that came true through many years of constant perseverance.  It's time that we in America found a new dream, one that propels this decades students into STEM careers.