“Opposing the arts – then reversing one’s position after recognizing the huge outcry against such a move is (especially for GOP candidates) often a win-win situation. They appease the base then placate the opposition. They look tough, then moderate. And in the process the arts yet again spend valuable time, energy, money and soul defending their very existence and consider their survival a real victory. Meanwhile as Richard suggested, they move the arts towards the private sector version of creativity, and valuable only as an economic stimulator.”