Why not? "Getting carried away" is the fun part :)
The nonsense that looms in this story's wake is sickening. I couldn't even finish the article. It's nothing more than an attention-grabber. Funding comes from public support, so as long as astronomers and writers capture the imagination and attention/awareness of the public, i.e. looking up, the more relevant and important the `dry` research underneath will appear in Congress, or to those overseeing grants, etc.
What fraction of the science funding goes to SETI?
Exactly 0. Nevada Senator Richard Bryan killed federal funding for SETI (which used to be under NASA) in 1993. Now it is funded entirely by donations. http://www.seti.org/faq#obs6