>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