The Republican party's leadership has, on numerous occasions, scaled back federal spending since its ascension to power in 1994. They specifically targeted the Public Broadcasting System, National Public Radio and the NEA. The Republican Congress claimed a better government was a smaller government. But denying funding for programs that enhance the public's understanding of current events, facilitate national discussions and provide quality entertainment is not a good way to improve the government's budget. Additionally, some conservatives' reasons for these cuts are narrow-minded reactions to controversial works of art that received money from the NEA.
A debate over what the nation should consider art fueled this Republican endeavor. But only the creator of art may determine how to communicate an expression - politicians have no place denying funding to possibly controversial art forms.
The government should support cultural and intellectual development. With this proposal, Clinton shows his support for the arts and his understanding that they are critical. His proposal, while asking for just a slight increase in military spending, shifts away from the Cold War mentality toward the new challenges that confront the nation.
One of these challenges is to the nation's unity, which depends on a sense of community and lively discussion for support. By guaranteeing funding for the arts, the proposed budget would counter tendencies toward social stratification and division. Technological developments of the last century have almost eliminated a sense of local community and belonging. Although these changes certainly improve the standard of living in the United States, the nation urgently needs supplementary means of communication, expression and social contact.
The National Endowment for the Arts addresses this need. Additionally, the University community would considerably benefit from increased federal spending on the arts, as the endowment often grants money for creative projects across campus and in the Ann Arbor community. The funding increase will improve the quality of life for individual citizens nationwide, Congress should jump at the chance to support this worthy proposal.