At 21:43 4/15/97 -0700, you wrote:
>Keep in mind that the NEA has helped support many of those small, local
>arts agencies staffed by volunteers and showing local artists. I grew up in
>a mid-sized town in the Midwest, and the local museums, symphonies and
>theater groups were an essential part of my childhood - and federal
>support, direct or indirect, helped keep those organizations going.
>
>Margaret Pezalla

I have no doubt that the government has supported many wonderful programs
and institutions in addition to some questionable ones as well. My argument
isn't that the government is incapable of supporting the arts, but rather
that they are not the best organization for the job. I truly believe that if
taxpayers had more disposable income, more money would be freely given to
legitimate arts organizations and any changes observed wold be positive ones.


Erik Mansoor
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