WASHINGTON POST: ARTLESS IDEAS IN TOUGH TIMES

Let’s take the suggestion of David Wonderling [letters, Feb. 1] and stop funding the arts until “the nation is once again flush with cash.” Beginning now, let all government agencies stop funding the arts: no teachers of music or art at any educational level; no drama organizations; no orchestras; no art museums.

As good citizens, we should emulate the initiative and stop wasting our own money on the arts. Don’t attend any performance that costs money. Stop hiring music directors, soloists and music groups at churches, synagogues, even clubs and restaurants—not even for a wedding or anniversary! Don’t buy elaborate photographs or commercial art for advertising. Dance to canned music. And forget about publishing novels or nonfiction in these perilous times.

Exile the cartoonists. Squelch the comedians and humorists. Halt the talk-show hosts. Even Jon Stewart and Rush Limbaugh are leeches on our economy. Those whose skills in the arts brought them jobs can go home, live off their past earnings and hibernate until someone wants to hire them again. (The phrase “starving artist” may need revision.) Read More.