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| Re: “Why Give to the Arts When People Are Starving in the Gutter?”
Posted by RicK   on 7/15/2011, 8:10 am, in reply to "“Why Give to the Arts When People Are Starving in the Gutter?”"
VIP Poster
Tony,
Excellent topic, thank you! As a Progressive, I have always felt that health and human services should best be funded, by "government" under the Constitutional objective of promoting "the general welfare", rather than through private philanthropy, which could serve the arts.
Most American presidents in the 20th century, with a few exceptions, believed that, even Republican presidents Dwight Eisenhower, "Should any political party attempt to abolish social security, unemployment insurance, and eliminate labor laws and farm programs, you would not hear of that party again in our political history. There is a tiny splinter group, of course, that believes that you can do these things. Among them are a few Texas oil millionaires (referring to the Hunt brothers), and an occasional politician or businessman from other areas. Their number is negligible and they are stupid."
And Richard Nixon upon signing the National Cancer Act in 1971 with Federal research funding, "I hope in the years ahead we will look back on this action today as the most significant action taken during my Administration."
Tony, there is no question that municipalities have a role in maintaining the buildings of the great museums, because those venues attract visitors and revenue to area businesses, but the attractions within should be purchased with private contributions.
As Abraham Maslow taught us, before self-actualization can occur, sustenance and security needs must be met, private funding and patronage of the Arts will grow with the health and well-being of the citizens of a compassionate government.
Again, great topic! 
Rick
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