I'm a firm believer in the value of the arts.  Any time that I hear about schools cutting funding to art and music programs, opting instead to channel those funds to science and math programs, I cringe.  I think math and science are important, but schools should not make a choice between them.  The argument seems to be centered around innovation and invention - and while I see the role that science and math often play in both of those areas - I don't believe that they can exist without creativity.

Art fosters creativity.  It encourages innovation.  It makes life more enjoyable.  And it communicates.

Take, for example, this mailing that I received in the mail last week.  Here's the cover:


My first thought when I saw the cover of the mailer and read the words VOTER ALERT was "DANGER! JOHN MCCAIN IS DANGEROUS!".  Then, after seeing that it was PAID for by John McCain, my second thought was "Shouldn't have cut so much art education, eh.  Looks like that message didn't come through as intended." 

Support the arts - you never know when you might call on an artist to carry your message.