I do not know very much about museums specifically. What I do know about is the dynamics of the budgetary process. Anyone else can also know what I know (or at least most of it) by reading and digesting the writings of the legendary Aaron Wildavsky. Speaking of legendary, the National Park Park Service attained that status once upon a time by its perfection of the "Washington Monument" gambit. In each budget cycle its people would solemnly testify in the reauthorization hearings that, unless it got its request (base+increment) it would be forced - would have no choice, no alternative - to shut down the Washington Monument. Its people knew full well that right down there at the other end of the Mall were the House and Senate office buildings where every Honorable's constituents, visiting the Nation's Capitol from Podunk and outraged at finding their vacation spoiled, could express their opinion if not to the very Honorable him/herself, at least as close as an outer office. By their heroic and well-intentioned efforts the Washington museums have made a very big mistake. They have blown the only strategic advantage or leverage they had. What- do they expect to benefit from some sort residual "good will?" Remembered warm and fuzzies on the part of the patrons? Get real. **USUAL DISCLAIMERS**