Political Quotes

“if we eliminate the Federal commitment to the arts by eliminating or severely reducing the National Endowment for the Arts, I believe we do a great disservice to the American people. Likewise, if we eliminate our commitment to the Humanities, we do a great disservice to our entire democracy. Investments in our cultural institutions, like the NEA and NEH, are investments in the livability of our communities. For just 38 cents per year per American, NEA-supported programs help enhance the quality of life for Americans in every community in this country. For just 68 cents per year per American, NEH-supported programs to preserve our heritage by keeping our historical records intact and building citizenship by providing citizens to study and understand principles and practices of American democracy. In fact, Congress established the NEH because 'Democracy demands wisdom and vision in its citizens.' But the NEA and NEH do not perform this important function alone--the Nation's cultural support system is a complex structure pieced together from many different sources, including earned income, private donations, corporate donations, and government grants. The cultural heritage of our communities rely upon all those sources to remain whole--including the Federal commitment. It's the partnership formed by all these entities, from private investors, to cities, States, and the Federal Government, that makes the system work.”