I think it would be interesting if most of the other recipients of tax payer funds had to apply for them via a competative, peer-reviewed process such as that employed by the art/humanities/museum & library agencies! I can think of lots of pork-barrel projects and federal agencies that might fall by the way side! Yes, the government is the tool of the people, and right now (and continuing on into the future if I have any say in how the tool is shaped and used), the government will keep on funding cultural programs. Three cheers for democrasy. -- Richard M. Chute Director of Development Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden 1500 N. College Avenue Phone: (909) 625-8767 Claremont, CA 91711 FAX: (909) 626-7670 [log in to unmask] http://cgsweb.cgs.edu/inst/rsa/