The Arts, as a single entity, defines society. From Architecture to Music (and all points in between), all nations are easily identified by their artistic styles and their modes of expression. The Arts are quite simply those things that define WHO WE ARE as human beings.
Indeed, there was a time where freedom of expression was a primary focus of what the United States fought for, not just for ourselves, but for other nations suffering from oppression. Think about it: If we are not fighting for our right to express ourselves freely, what are we fighting for?
Spending for the National Endowment for the Arts comprised approximately .012% of the federal budget in 2016. Trump’s plan to eliminate the National Endowment for the Arts is not about the reduction of federal spending. It is about silencing artistic voices who may provoke thought and inspire free discussion, which may at times, bring critical and opposing viewpoints to the attention of the Government.
Through writing and performance, sound and structure, the expression of the American perspective has always begun and ended with the Arts, which is why the United States of America must continue to support her artists and their work. Without the Arts, the United States of America lose focus and perspective. And our society will lose definition. And there will be little left to fight for.
Without support for the Arts, America will no longer be Great.
