"$50 million in funding for the National Endowment for the Arts - all of us are for the arts," McCain said. "Tell me how that creates any significant number of jobs? After-school snack program is probably a good idea. Do we really want to spend $726 million on it?"
These were McCain's words in response to Obama's new stimulus plan that he talked about last night during a press conference. If you are reading this blog, you are either involved in the arts in some way or an adoring fan. So, McCain's words aren't probably the kind of thing you would like to hear.
It's this great Facebook group called Dear John... where members write letters to former presidential nominee John McCain to let him know that the arts is not only a significant part of the world, of life, of the universe, etc. etc...but the arts provides a significant amount of work to those who are artistically inclined...
It's important that those of us who are working artists continue to proclaim very loudly that the arts is a very viable way to live. You CAN make a difference and a living as an artist. Like everything, it is all relative. With the organic nature of creating art (whether a song, a portrait, a piece of jewlery, etc.), being an artist relies on the initiative and drive of the person. There is probably no other occupation that delivers more blood, sweat and tears when it comes to seeking recognition or income, but, it is a lifestyle that is viable and should be respected.
If you missed his press conference, peep what you missed.
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