I also recieved the AAM mailing.  I haven't opened it yet, bu somehow
     I knew immediately what it was about.
 
     I have very mixed feelings about the subject.  I believe that the arts
     and museums are important to American culture and quality of life.  At
     the same time, I am dismayed at my being put in a position of
     defending indefensable actions by the "Arts Establishment."  I am
     sometime angered by the poorly disguised contempt of the average
     American citizen held by some members of the so-called cultural elite
     and can understand why many don't want to fund the NEA.  I believe
     that virtually everyone agrees that artists have the right to express
     themselves, that right does not entitle them to a government subsidy.
 
     I believe that museums are very important in putting people in touch
     with their (and our) history.  If I didn't, I wouldn't be working in
     one.  However, I am dismayed by the shoddy quality of history in some
     exhibits put out by museums in the name of being provacative.
 
     If we want to justify ourselves before the wider American poulation,
     we need to show that we produce a quality product.  There is nothing
     wrong with challenging preconcieved notions of our visitors, but it
     must be handled in a manner that is fair and, above all, accurate.
 
     Lastly, if we want to be funded by the American people, we need to
     treat them, their culture, their values and ideas with respect.
 
 
     (The views expressed herin are solely the views of the author and not
     necessarily the views of the National Museum of Health and Medicine or
     the Department of Defense.)
 
                                Alan Hawk
                                National Museum of Health and Medicine
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