COUNTERPUNCH LETTERS : Long Summer for NEA

I agree completely with all points specified and stated by Joseph Papp in his July 2 Counterpunch article (“NEA: Once More Unto the Breach”). Again we are faced with a “long, hot summer” politically speaking and our lawmakers don’t know what to do with themselves. Instead of seeking effective legislation (their appointed task!), they are expending vast amounts of energy on such media-hot issues as abortion, flag-burning and, of course, censorship.

The recent National Endowment for the Arts debacle is just one more example of a string of events triggered by the persistent efforts of a small fraction of our population whose aim is to mold our society in order to fit their specifications.

The most discouraging thing about all of this is that it seems to be working. As a young adult, it is very disheartening to witness such a waste of legislative resources when there are a number of more pressing issues that demand immediate action. So much for the saying that “youth is a time for idealism.” The reality of the day makes such thoughts impossible.

I believe in our system; but I don’t have any faith in the ability of the average American voter to see past all of the “garbage issues” that pollute American politics.

DARREN S. DOLLABAUN

Northridge