Erik P. Mansoor wrote:
>
> >AAM Government Affairs is sending the following bulletin to members of
> >the Museum Advocacy Team.
> >
> >*URGENT MESSAGE TO MUSEUM ADVOCACY TEAM*
> >
> >From:  Ed Able, President & CEO
> >        April 11, 1997
> >
> >Things are heating up as the NEA and NEH are coming under heavy fire from
> >opponents in Congress.  In a barrage of letters to their colleagues, they
> >are circulating the same old tired charges: that the agencies are
> >un-American and unconstitutional, that they mainly fund filth, that
> >government corrupts art, etc.
>
> Its too bad that these are the predominant reasons used to argue against the
> NEA and NEH. The fact that some questionable exhibits were funded may add
> fuel to the fire, however, these agencies shouldn't exist for simpler
> reasons. Why should the government make any decision whatsoever concerning
> what culture should be? Even if all of us could agree that everything the
> government funded is good, wholesome, educational, constructive, etc., why
> should the government fund any of it at all. If museums, art, etc. are
> something truly desireable, then funds will come from private sources. If
> these agencies were eliminated, then, IN THEORY, the money used to fund them
> could be returned to taxpayers who could spend the money as they see fit.
> Sadly, of course, it doesn't work this way. If these agencies were
> eliminated another government agency would find a way to aquire their
funding.
>
> Erik Mansoor

Dear Erik:

You are touching a very sensitive issue here.

It is very unfortunate that you are so right;

And also, how timely of you -today being April 15- to remind us where
all that money comes from?

The Tax Foundation estimates that the average American will see his
entire paycheck spent in taxes through May 9, the 128th day of the year.
That's put us all in the 35% tax bracket.

Don't forget to mail your income taxes? Just wanted to make you feel
better.

Best regards,



Gerard Perez
http://www.artcom.com