As an artist and a teacher, I'm wondering what we could do to reverse what I agree is a sad commentary on our priorities. I just don't know, but one thing that is becoming obvious; Just as every society gets the government they deserve, ours is about to get the education system it deserves. Teachers are quitting, retiring, or choosing other careers, sometimes without ever entering a classroom, in record numbers. Our little school district started the school year short 100 teachers. Next year shows all signs of being twice as bad. It will inevitably get to the point where there are not even remotely enough teachers to put one in every classroom, and most people seem to think it has nothing to do with the lack of respect the public has for the profession and the resultant low pay that comes with it. That along with the frustrations of trying to make up for a lifetime of little or no parenting is going to have the effect that the public seems comfortable with. As for the arts, how are you going to influence people to do the study and self-examination that it takes to appreciate good art, be it a famous painting or an unknown woodcarver. That one has no solution that I can imagine.

Chet