I find it astounding and illuminating how those in power in society, be they in media or politics, can purport a particular view yet fund or behave in a diametrically different manner.
The most obvious case in point is the emerging science of the importance of play and creativity in a child's development -- a critical factor to success in life, university and career. (Mulitiple articles in the Washington Post, Wall Street Journal and New York Times demonstrate these facts.) The most creative pursuits in our immediate society are found within the arts -- theatre, dance, visual art, music, and writing. Yes -- our society and our families MUST develop a creative core.
AND, at the same time, we must put at risk the only national sign of support for such creativity: the National Endowment for the Arts -- deemed perhaps problemmatic and definitely discretionary within a budgetary perspective. Yet over 40% of NEA funding goes to local governments who directly fund the arts in each individual's community. So the message becomes "Go Team Creativity! We support you! Just not with our national dollars".
At the same time, there are billions of dollars in profits in negotiation within our National Football League. At times the message is sad but clear, at least from the average US citizen and corporation's perspectives.
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