Joseph Epstein gives eloquent testimony to the failings of the NEA. But he neglects to state the logical conclusion: Federal “arts policy” has failed because the NEA bureaucracy’s decisions conflict with the genuine artistic needs and desires of the American people.
The NEA recently awarded $ 35,000 to the Phoenix Art Museum soon after it opened a show featuring various forms of flag desecration — including a flag made out of strips of human flesh and hair. JeffJacoby noted the message in his Boswn Globe column: “If you stuff an American flag in the toilet and invite people to look at it, Uncle Sam will send you money. Do we have an enlightened government, or what?” Those who truly care about improving the quality of American art should insist upon the abolition of the NEA.
LAURENCE JARVIK, WASHINGTON, DC
