Subsidies for Bear DNA?

Orac is annoyed at John McCain's criticisms of earmarks for studies of bear DNA. I'm really dubious about subsidies in general, partly because subsidies can be used as an excuse for regulations.

The recipients of subsidies tend to favor it (at least before the regulations start showing up), and have done so for millennia (Genesis 41:33):

Now therefore let Pharaoh look out a man discreet and wise, and set him over the land of Egypt.

but they're probably biased.

On the other hand, some intellectuals reject subsidies.

In my opinion, subsidies should be limited to extreme emergencies and should always be regarded as temporary.