[HHFi]

I'm torn on this. On the one hand, I don't know why the government should dun taxpayers to fund the arts, and I agree with those who say that if there are enough people who want to watch ballet or operas or plays, then they should be able to pay their own way in the free market (and I put my money where my mouth is: I just bought season tickets to Theater Three's next season here in Dallas).

On the other hand, these very same people are the ones who have stuck me with huge tax bills to build several local gigantic sports arenas that I have never visited and will never visit, all so that sports fans can have a place to enjoy their preferred entertainment. That $20 million boost for the NEA wouldn't even make a down payment on some of these luxurious sports arenas.

I like theater and real music, and am bored out of my mind by sports, yet I'm told that taxes shouldn't support struggling arts companies, but they should support billionaire sports team owners and their millionaire players. How about a little intellectual consistency?

[secret garden]

You're comparing federal tax money with state tax money. State tax dollars often are guided by referendums, voted on by the people.

[from occupied ga]

I like theater and real music, and am bored out of my mind by sports, yet I'm told that taxes shouldn't support struggling arts companies, but they should support billionaire sports team owners and their millionaire players. How about a little intellectual consistency?

Good point, how about NEITHER ONE being supported by taxpayers?

[Wurlitzer]

"I like theater and real music, and am bored out of my mind by sports, yet I'm told that taxes shouldn't support struggling arts companies, but they should support billionaire sports team owners and their millionaire players. How about a little intellectual consistency? "

ABSOLUTLY!

I am an engineer (EE) and why the hell should I be pounding the pavement to find work while money is stolen from me to give to a bunch of drug sucking low lives who would turn this country over to the communists in a heart beat?

As I cannot take up arms against these people the only thing I can do is hide as much of my income as possible.

Damn the nerve of the government deciding which professions get a free ride.

[jeremiah]

STATE govts can and do support the arts without violating the constitutional restrictions of same. The FEDGOV does not need to open the spigot for this use. Just wait until Hillary becomes president in '08, or Kerry in '04 for that matter.