Ludwig van Beethoven was apparently struggling with the notion of who is the ultimate authority over art. The arts are a strong part of my personal life - admittedly not at the same level as Beethoven. I frequent the symphony, enjoy photography and art exhibits, and attend the theater and opera as often as I can. However, artistic creativity must be able to flourish in our communities.
Society can be the most effective force in stifling imagination and expression.
We must not allow this to happen. And all of us have a responsibility to make sure it doesn't - you at the local level, and I at the national level. My commitment is to continue my support for the arts at a national level. Every year, a heated and emotional debate erupts on the floor of the United State House of Representatives regarding federal funding for the arts. Members of the House engage in a discussion over whether the National Endowment of the Arts is funding art projects or works of questionable artistic value.