Taking their cue from talk-show hosts, politicians try to topple their opponents by unleashing discontent. It's not easy to argue against such energy. The value of art is not always instantly apparent - and at the same time the difficulties art brings with it are much more likely to be perceived at a glance. Rather than arguing for art that is familiar, obedient and at best ornamental, I think art is valuable to the community precisely because it's not perfectly predictable or obedient. That doesn't mean that unruly art is automatically wonderful.
Art is one of the testing grounds between individuals and the community.
Members of the community need to make up their minds about it. That's one of the basic values of art. It can't be approached dogmatically. The military spends more on marching bands. To eliminate the NEA would save each American exactly 65 cents a year - the cost of a can of soda.