Vannevar Bush was the wartime director of the U.S. Office of Scientific Research and Development. In an open letter to FDR titled, “Science, the Endless Frontier”, Bush advocated for government-funded science that went beyond war-time investments. He recognized the societal importance of science and its role in transforming every aspect of American life. While the Vannevar Group stands by his promotion of American investments in science, we do not share his view that scientific research should solely be fueled by scientific inquiry without an avenue for public accountability, while simultaneously recognizing the impossibility of predicting what advances may stem from discoveries made through basic science research based solely on the spirit of inquiry. Distancing scientific research from the public raises ethical questions about the utility of such research, including endeavors that pose the potential to transform human life. We at the Vannevar Group believe in the importance of defending national science policy and engaging with the public to find common ground and address solutions to pressing problems.