The Bush administration’s assault on the arts is not only barbaric; it is undeniably short-sighted. Put aside the arguments for a well-educated and well-informed public, and the fact remains that the arts are an engine of economic growth. Bush does not seem to comprehend this. Democratic presidential contenders Barrack Obama and Hillary Clinton do, and have arts proposals to match. Republican front-runner John McCain does not, proving he shares with Bush more than a penchant for endless war. (Curiously, the Darwin-denying Mike Huckabee is quite strong on the role that the arts should play in education.)
“Study the science of art,” Leonardo da Vinci advised. “Study the art of science. Develop your senses — especially learn how to see. Realize that everything connects to everything else.”
Connecting the dots is a political challenge.
Click here to contact your senators and representatives and urge them to reject President Bush’s proposed art cuts.
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