ywalker

Happy to be quoted in this interesting @KansasCityStar column by @ywalker about govt funding for the arts: 'Not everyone believes the arts should be publicly funded. Nick Gillespie, editor at large of the libertarian magazine Reason, says no to the question. Gillespie describes himself as someone who loves the arts, culture and humanities, but believes there is a harm to government funding. “Few people would agree funding the arts with tax dollars is a core function of government, on a par with providing a legal system and basic infrastructure,” he said. With public funding comes division and “political strings attached, thus restricting the creative expression of the recipients,” he said. “As a fan of punk music and experimental theater that is generally disliked even by my closest friends and loved ones, I would never dream of asking the taxpayers to chip in to help cover my aesthetic interests.” He goes on to posit that relying on ticket sales, donations and patrons means that no one is forced to subsidize art or expression they dislike.' kansascity.com/opinion/opn-c…