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 [log in to unmask]