The Minimum Drinking Age Should Be Legal - 1983 Words

The minimum age limit has been a topic of debate for years even though the choice is simple. Did you know that most parents living in Kansas nowadays grew up in a time in Kansas when they could drink a little alcohol when they were only 18 years old? Many people believe that if we allow drinking at younger ages such as 18 or 19 it would get rid of the â€Å"forbidden fruit† effect on alcohol. This is a way of thinking for fools about the problem of legal age of alcohol consumption. The reasons why we shouldn’t change the drinking age to 18 are it damages brain development and it causes more social problems. This problem came about soon after the Prohibition on alcohol was repealed in 1933, it was left up to the state to decide what†¦show more content†¦In order to prevent more deaths, 24 of the 29 states that had originally lowered their drinking age quickly raised the age back to 21 between 1976 and 1984. In 1984, there were still three states left that still allowed 18-year-olds to drink any and all types of alcoholic liquor. The other remaining states had adopted some sort of stair-step age requirement policy that was based on the type of liquor being consumed with higher levels of alcohol requiring higher ages to drink. Federal transportation authorities viewed this wide range of varying state laws as a real safety problem for all roads and traffic. Alcohol-related traffic injuries or deaths were increasing and many of these accidents were a result of kids traveling from their home states to neighboring states that had lower drinking ages and then becoming injured or killed as they returned to their home states drunk. These borders to states that had differing drinking ages and many accidents became known as â€Å"blood borders† for obvious reasons. Congress wanted a solution so they enacted the National Minimum Drinking Age Act which was recommended by President Reagan’s Commission on Drunk Driving in 1984. Sta tes were going to lose 10% of their federal highway funds unless they raised the minimum drinking age in their state to 21 for all alcoholic beverages. All the states had complied after a short time so that now all 50 states have a minimum drinking age of 21. There is

Essay on The Dhammapada - 1239 Words

The Dhammapada is a Pali version of one of the most popular text of the Buddhist canon. The Dhammapada, or â€Å"sayings of the Buddha†, is a collection of 423 verses that tell about the ideals and teachings of the Buddha. When taken together, these verses provide a structured form of teaching within the Buddhist religion. These verses are a kind of guiding voice to the path of true enlightenment. The Dhammapada is a religious work that is meant to provide a certain set of religious and ethical values, as well as a certain manner of perception of life and the problems that life brings along with the solutions. Although the verses may be looked at as trying to create good or bad people, the verses are actually trying to get people to†¦show more content†¦However one can not meditate without wisdom. This idea seems to say that the practices of the bhikkhu must include meditation and gaining wisdom. The Buddhist monks engage in these practices because it is the way of the Buddha. Within the text, it is very clear that the Buddha finds meditation of great importance. If not directly speaking about meditation, the Buddha speaks about having a disciplined mind. â€Å"It is good to restrain one’s mind, uncontrollable, fast moving, and following its own desires as it is. A disciplined mind leads to happiness† (V. 35). As well as having a disciplined mind, the me ntal state that the bhikkhu strives to cultivate is one that is at peace, developed, and guarded. â€Å"†¦the bhikkhu whose mind is at peace experiences a more than human joy...† (V. 373). Just the same, a mind should be guarded because a guarded mind brings happiness. â€Å"A wise man should guard his mind for it is very hard to keep track of, extremely subtle, and follows its own desires. A guarded mind brings happiness† (V. 36). Through cultivating the mind, the bhikkhu has certain effects on society and in turn society has certain obligations with respect to the bhikkhu. Because the bhikkhu leads a life without desire and hate, he becomes an example for society; showing what kusala is and what a person should strive to be. In return, it is up to society to make donations and offerings to keep the bhikkhu content. The qualities and attainmentsShow MoreRelatedDhammapada Essay1247 Words   |  5 PagesThe Dhammapada is a Pali version of one of the most popular text of the Buddhist canon. The Dhammapada, or sayings of the Buddha, is a collection of 423 verses that tell about the ideals and teachings of the Buddha. When taken together, these verses provide a structured form of teaching within the Buddhist religion. These verses are a kind of guiding voice to the path of true enlightenment. The Dhammapada is a religious work that is meant to provide a certain set of religious and ethicalRead MoreFour Noble Truths Of The Dhammapada815 Words   |  4 Pagespopular religious texts in the Buddhist world was and is the Dhammapada, which provides sayings and truths that shed light on this journey to nirvana. Out of the 423 Buddhist truths presented in the Dhammapada, numbers 20, 75, and 89 provide particular insight into the core teachings of the Buddhist religion and mindset. Each saying highlights a portion of the key principles present in the Buddhist belief system. Saying number 20 of the Dhammapada outlines the three unwholesome roots and how a man canRead MoreTeresa of Avila’s Way of Perfection and The Dhammapada1669 Words   |  7 PagesIn Teresa of Avila’s Way of Perfection and The Dhammapada there is a discussion of the conceptual metaphorical system and mysticism which is significant for â€Å"Metaphor, Mysticism and Spirituality.† The metaphorical concept of â€Å"path† is mentioned in both Teresa of Avila’s Way of Perfection and The Dhammapada. This metaphorical concept of â€Å"path† comes up in both texts but is mentioned in very similar but different ways and this is what makes it so interesting to look at. Although the conceptual metaphoricalRead MoreSiddhartha Gautama, Or The Buddha1045 Words   |  5 Pagesaround today. The Fourth Edict illustrates that AÅ›oka gave his officers and leaders of his empire the power to judge and to inflict punishment, but he only allowed them to do s o if they were fair, patient, and understanding. This reflects The Dhammapada, a collection of Buddha’s sayings in verse, one of the most recognizable pieces of Buddhist scripture. AÅ›oka wanted his people punished uniformly, but fairly. AÅ›oka has taken the concept of the middle path from Buddhism and applied it to hisRead MoreEssay about Comparison of Socrates and Siddhartha Guatama Buddha 880 Words   |  4 Pagesouter-worldly through mastering the worldly. Socrates relinquishes sensual desires in hopes of spiritual rebirth after death and achieving enlightenment in life. Buddha relinquishes the same ideas, but in hopes of living an enlightened life on earth. (The Dhammapada: Socrates Buddha Vs. Desire) My contention is to compare Philosopher Socrates from Plato and Siddhartha Guatama Buddha, and I will demonstrate their similarities and differences based on their practices and beliefs. Buddha Siddhartha GautamaRead More Dantes Inferno: Dantes Journey Toward Enlightenment Essay855 Words   |  4 Pagesspirit guides and those revered in Buddhism. Buddhists believe that every human being is a spiritual being as well as a physical being, and that by exploring the spiritual sphere of ourselves we can have a guiding hand in our own destiny. In The Dhammapada, one of the best loved of all Buddhist scriptures, Buddha proclaims in verses 116-119: Make haste in doing good; check your mind from evil; for the mind of him who is slow in doing meritorious actions delights in evil. Should a person commitRead MoreThe Main Elements Of The Doctrine Of Salvation1454 Words   |  6 Pagesto know, which leads to peace, to discernment, to enlightenment, to Nirvana.† As can be seen in the above paragraph, obtaining salvation in Buddhism is after all a matter of will and personal effort. It is in its essence salvation by works. The Dhammapada and Sutta Nipata, chapter 1, emphasizes the importance of disciplining our thoughts: â€Å"All that we are is the result of what we have thought: it is founded on our thoughts, it is made up of our thoughts. If a man speaks or acts with an evil thoughtRead MoreBuddhism Essay1537 Words   |  7 Pages Guide to the Tipitaka: â€Å"An outline of the Pali Buddhist Canonical Scriptures of the Theravada School. The is a unique work as it is probably the only material that deals in outline with the whole of the Pali Buddhist Tipitaka.† The Dhammapada: â€Å"The Dhammapada, or the Treasury of Truth, consist of 423 verses spoken by the Buddha on about 300 occasions in the course of his teaching ministry of forty-five years. The gems of truth embodied in these texts aptly illustrate the moral and philosophicalRead MoreThe Pali Canon and The Theravada Buddhism1086 Words   |  5 Pagessuffering follows as the wagon wheel follows the hoof of the ox. All experience is preceded by mind, led by mind, made by mind. Speak or act with a peaceful mind, and happiness follows Like a never-departing shadow. Source: Dhammapada 1.1-2 This piece of scripture shows us that we have the ability to choose the path we follow. Being aware of the reactions that our speech and actions create is an important aspect in being mindful and self aware. As we saw in the Buddhas firstRead MoreDevotion Is A Major Theme1608 Words   |  7 Pagesbegin, in Buddhism, they must devote themselves to bettering the self and releasing all worldly attachments. In this religion, the self is everything and it must be glorified. â€Å"If one knew oneself to be precious, one would guard oneself with care† (Dhammapada, pg. 42). In this line, it is saying that if a Buddhist devotes himself to becoming one with the self, a Buddhist must guard himself with care and good intent. Coupled with the devotion to the self, devotion to the eightfold path and the four noble

Comparing and contrasting Not My Best Side and Warning...

Comparing and contrasting Not My Best Side and Warning Not my Best and Warning are about stereotypes and how these poems go against that. In not my best side the stereotype is that the three characters are meant to go with their roles, good the knight... Comparing and contrasting Not My Best Side and Warning Not my Best and Warning are about stereotypes and how these poems go against that. In not my best side the stereotype is that the three characters are meant to go with their roles, good the knight, bad the dragon and helpless the princess but don’t. In Warning the old woman is going to go against society by wearing clothes, which do not go, and buying items, which are useless. Not my best side is about Uccellos†¦show more content†¦Then the knight comes along her first impression was â€Å"what was underneath the hardware?† she is saying about how you could see everything about the dragon but not the knight he was covered in armour. The knight could have acne, blackheads or even bad breath. She says but the dragon got beat by the knight and she got to think of her future. This means she fancied the dragon but now he is dead so she may as well have the knight as she might as well get something out of it. She has to choose the second best. The knight starts by saying how good he is â€Å"I have a diplomas in dragon† then he starts about how good his items are special like his custom-built spear and prototype armour still on the secret list. Even this horse is special it’s the latest model with automatic transmission and built- in obsolescence he treats his horse like a car. At the end he asks four rhetorical questions to emphasise his control they are â€Å"So why be so difficult?† â€Å"Don’t you want to be killed and/or rescued in the most contemporary way?† â€Å"That sociology and myth have designed for you?† â€Å"You are endangering job-prospects in the spear and horse building industries?† Unlike the dragon and the princess he is staying with his role and telling the other two to do as well. His tone is im the best and the princess should just love him at once and the dragon will die a painful death with him still looking cool and calm. â€Å"Warning† isSho w MoreRelatedNavigating Early1978 Words   |  8 Pagesstory about the character Pi with the numbers of Pi helped him remember the numbers of Pi. For this assignment you are asked to create your own story to remember the first 15 digits of Pi. 1. You should first brainstorm ideas for your story. The best way to do this is to create a web of ideas. Start with your character, Pi, in the middle of your web and clockwise write ideas for your plot. Make sure you include the numbers of Pi for each idea. You can use either single digits or multiple digitsRead MoreHero Archetypes and Epic Conventions in the Odyssey and Beowulf3110 Words   |  13 Pagesaffect the mood and outcome of stories written during the time period. Though these two epics are very separated by time period and culture, through careful analysis, one can note several key epic construction techniques similar to both. In comparing and contrasting the epics, The Odyssey and Beowulf, one must consider the significance of the epic conventions and hero archetypes displayed, such as: a hero of great strength, a good deal of combat with various creatures, and a great cultural influenceRead MoreAntigone: an Assessment of Antigone‚Äà ´s and Creon‚Ã⠀žÃƒ ´s Deeply Held Beliefs and Views on Familial and State Responsibilities2395 Words   |  10 Pagesand tragedy; further examining their place in society at the time the play was written by contrasting it to society today. Obstacles hindering my understanding of the play, including its time and setting, have been removed. After comparing so vividly the society of Ancient Greece and that of the one I live in, I can now empathize with Antigone and the rest of the characters in the play, consequently broadening my understanding of the hard times that they had to endure. Many of the issues regarding womenRead More War Protest Songs Essays4092 Words   |  17 Pageswhat is it good for? Some would say absolutely nothing. This is the recurring theme in protest songs from the 1960’s through present day. This essay will show by comparing and contrasting songs from the Viet Nam era with the present day songs protesting war and the senselessness of going to war. The end result inva riably is death for both sides. All of the songs, regardless of the setting and time focus on senseless death. The songs of the 60’s contained lyrics which described the horrors of a warRead MoreThe Home and the World5529 Words   |  23 Pagestraditional, obedient house wife who is faithful to her husband and even forces herself to be respectful towards her nagging sister-in-law. â€Å"I would cautiously and silently get up and take the dust of my husband’s feet without waking him, how at such moments I could feel the vermilion mark upon my forehead shining out like the morning star (11)†. However as she falls â€Å"in love† with Sandip, she slowly weens away from her traditional housewife role. She becomes more daring, more confidently brushesRead MoreUNIT 5 ASSIGNMENT RESEARCH PROJECT3849 Words   |  16 Pagesdata that is important, not always the number of respondents. HYPOTHESIS IS ORGANIC BETTER THAN INOA. I THINK SO ? ORGANIC LOREAL INOA COMPARE; WHICH IS BEST ! AIMS: The researcher will be conducting research in relation to Organic hair colours and L’Oreal INOA hair colours used within hairdressing salon’s comparing and contrasting both brands. The Researcher will collect information relating to this topic by using a primary source in the form of a questionnaire, thus acquiring qualitativeRead MoreComparison and Contrast Essay7914 Words   |  32 Pages The module will serve as a resourceful guideline to write effective comparison and contrast essays. The module includes a complete series of activities and exercises that will guide and help students, step by step, in the process of comparing and contrasting two elements in a standard format essay. It is highly recommended for the students to have at least some basic knowledge of essay structure and components before working with this module in order to understand the concepts better. TheRead More The Developments and Changes the Monster Undergoes in Frankenstein by Mary Shelley7570 Words   |  31 Pagesnarrative the story of the De Laceys, the family of exiles whom he unsuccessfully tries to make contact with. To synopsize, Frankenstein is one novel, but within it there are several narratives and consequently it contains several contrasting points of view. These points of view are stories told in the first person, initially starting with Walton, then Victor Frankenstein and finally that of the monster. Waltons narrative is the frame in which the other narratives areRead MoreCulture War By Morris Fiorina6419 Words   |  26 Pagesinterest group leaders, and if they are info-tainers, they may be competing for ratings. Fiorina poses the question, â€Å"Has the political class become even more polarized over the years?† (Fiorina, 17). Fiorina’s clear answer is that yes, it has. Contrasting the relatively centrist mid-century decades, Congress has without a doubt become more polarized in recent decades. Fiorina’s example to prove it was the differences between the 1961-62 House of Representatives with the 2001-02 House. PreviouslyRead MoreInterpretation of the Text13649 Words   |  55 Pagesflexible and loosely defined, often with subgroups. The most general genres in literature are (in a chronological order): epic, tragedy, comedy, novel, short story, and creative nonfiction. They can all be in the genres of prose or poetry, which shows best how loosely genres are defined. This correlation is show n in Fig. 1.1. Additionally, a genre such as satire, allegory or pastoral might appear in any of the above, not only as a sub-genre, but as a mixture of genres. Epic Tragedy Genres^ Comedy

Critical Evaluation Of Remix Culture - 1450 Words

Critical evaluation of remix culture brings us to the focus of who are benefited and privileged for accessing to remix culture and what are borrowed and arranged in creating the new. In postmodern eraï ¼Å'advance technology become a strong driving force for ‘remix culture’, whereby its widespread global information database enabled artist to easily access, manipulates and references other people’s work or artifacts into their own creative blends. A brief look at the art history reveals that remix culture is actually nothing innovative or new, but actually long existing with human culture. Especially for recent years ‘remix practice’ certify its familiarity with artist through prolific works from all different kinds of artistic fields. Such as Stella McCartney’s fashion work CHINATOWN PLAID (2013); a remix of Asian culture with high fashion, Yasutoshi Ezumi’s fashion work from Tokyo spring collection 2016; a deconstructed fashion work fr om architectural form and a digital appropriation portrait of Mona Lisa. Through out the 20th century the emerge of advance technology enabled a more globalised scope of art, prompting a shift in the creative practice in favor of a more and more passive â€Å"read-only† (RO) culture (Lessig, 2008). â€Å"The 20th century was the first time in the history of human culture when popular culture had become professionalized, and when the people were taught to defer to the professional,† (Lessig, 2008) Professor Lessig states. In other hand, widespread access toShow MoreRelatedConsumer Behavior Study Notes7882 Words   |  32 Pagesvalues, such as health, wisdom, or world peace Socialization Agents: institutions/people that teach us beliefs, like parents, teachers or friends Enculturation: process of learning beliefs and behaviors endorsed by ones own culture Acculturation: learning of anothers culture How Values Link to Consumer Behaviour * Cultural values (i.e. security or happiness) * Consumption-specific values (i.e. convenient shopping or prompt service) * Product-specfic values (i.e. ease of use or durability) Read MoreSocial Media Impact on Business10631 Words   |  43 Pagesmessages transmitted through these media. They have become a major factor in influencing various aspects of consumer behavior including awareness, information acquisition, opinions, attitudes, purchase behavior, and post-purchase communication and evaluation. Unfortunately, the popular business press and academic literature offers marketing managers very little guidance for incorporating social media into their IMC strategies. Integrated marketing communications (IMC) is the guiding principleRead MoreSocial Media Impact on Business10637 Words   |  43 Pagesmessages transmitted through these media. They have become a major factor in influencing various aspects of consumer behavior including awareness, information acquisition, opinions, attitudes, purchase behavior, and post-purchase communication and evaluation. Unfortunately, the popular business press and academic literature offers marketing managers very little guidance for incorporating social media into their IMC strategies. Integrated marketing communications (IMC) is the guiding principleRead MoreImpacts of Information Technology on Individuals, Organizations and Societies21097 Words   |  85 Pagesmarkets and individual employees. 17.6 Conclusion 17.7 Managerial Issues Discuss the impacts of information technology on the quality of life and interpersonal relationships. Recognize the legal, ethical, and moral issues that become particularly critical due to proliferation of information technology. Minicases: 1. Megachurches 2. RFID for Consumer Products Integrating IT ACC FIN MKT POM HRM IS SVC 663 MOVIE PIRACY The Problem Generations of moviegoers went to movie theaters to enjoy the

Plans After Graduating free essay sample

My secondary goal is to assure me of a long-term career in education as I am currently a college instructor in SIT College Santa Rosa. It is a prerequisite for any budding educator to always pile up on ones credentials to attain not just the knowledge but also an assurance of better opportunities both in the academic world but also in government agencies as well. Upon completion Of said degree see myself continuing in the academe and also go into research on government policies and possible ways of improving the countrys state in terms of governance.My background in sociological studies is a tool that can help me be effective in research and PM will enhance my skills and my knowledge in terms of public management. I also plan to take up my PHD inside the next 5 years depending on how long it would take to finish up my masters degree. We will write a custom essay sample on Plans After Graduating or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page I am also looking for. Award for a possible opportunity to work for my alma mater if not Open University perhaps LCP either a researcher or a professor.It is also my goal that through the program that I am applying for could impact the lives of my students by sharing with them what I have learned both from the program and also from whatever research materials are already available. If I would be able to do this, the impact will be tremendous both intellectually and also in the lives of my students. From their ranks are future leaders of this country or perhaps citizens that would help improve the lives of their countrymen their different contributions.

Unamimous okay for Alexander Essay Example For Students

Unamimous okay for Alexander Essay Explaining that she wishes to give something back in return for the rich life she has experienced in the arts, actress Jane Alexander made her congressional debut before the Senate Labor and Human Resources Committee on Sept. 22 and was swiftly and unanimously confirmed as chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts. Although unanimity is rare on the committee, the proceedings, which were chaired by Sen. Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.), went so smoothly that the committee waived the customary waiting period and forwarded Alexanders name the same day to the full Senate. That body approved her appointment by voice vote the following week. I came here this morning thinking I was going to participate in a confirmation process, but I think we are participating in a deification process, quipped Sen. Howard M. Metzenbaum (D-Ohio) in response to the flood of praise that greeted Alexanders appearance before the committee. We will write a custom essay on Unamimous okay for Alexander specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now If not a deification, a coronation at least, shot back Sen. Claiborne Pell (D-R.I.). Alexander was introduced by Sen. David L. Boren (D-Okla.), who praised her work teaching young people in his state, and Sen. Alfonse DAmato (R-N.Y.), who commended President Clinton for his wise and brilliant choice, and acknowledged the actress for her sacrifice in interrupting a successful theatre and film career to become a public servant. Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) echoed the praise, noting, Its about time we had someone from the arts in this position. He acknowledged that Alexander is uniquely qualified to help restore confidence in the NEA, but cautioned that the NEA has to face the fact that its constituency is not the arts community; its constituency is the American people. Conspicuously absent was Sen. Dan Coats (R-Ind.), a known opponent of the NEA, but even conservative Senator Strom Thurmond (R-S.C.) read a glowing statement of support. NEA nemesis Jesse Helms (R-N.C.), who is not on the committee, had already tipped his hand to the press, stating that he intended to support Alexanders nomination, noting that his daughters name is Jane Alexander Helms. Lurking in the hall outside the hearing room was Christian Action Network president Martin Mawyer, who complained that his organization had submitted a list of 20 questions, but the committee had failed to ask any of them. He expressed frustration that the hearings did not succeed in getting Alexander on the record in response to reforms he believes the agency needs. Alexander did address head-on the tension between the NEAs supporters and detractors in her statement before the committee. The arts, she said, should not be used as a political football by those on the far right or the far left. The arts are for everyone. She acknowledged that she could not promise that the arts would be free of controversy under her chairmanship, but assured the committee she will be accountable. She said she intends to let the American people know all the good the NEA has done, and to travel to as many states as possible, talking and listening to people. The arts are a community issue, she concluded. They bring together, they do not rend asunder. Press coverage of the hearings was mostly positive in the following days. Although the ultra-conservative Washington Times characterized Alexanders ringing endorsement by the arts community as like a pack of foxes endorsing a particular brand of chicken wire, the Washington Post heralded Alexanders selection and smooth reception as hints of a turning tide. Alexander was expected to be on the job early in October, marking a new era in the history of the NEA. Best for the Most Excerpts from Jane Alexanders Sept. 22 statement before the Senate Labor and Human Resources Committee: .ubca7ad98fc4bd7f7a0a97f01522290f2 , .ubca7ad98fc4bd7f7a0a97f01522290f2 .postImageUrl , .ubca7ad98fc4bd7f7a0a97f01522290f2 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .ubca7ad98fc4bd7f7a0a97f01522290f2 , .ubca7ad98fc4bd7f7a0a97f01522290f2:hover , .ubca7ad98fc4bd7f7a0a97f01522290f2:visited , .ubca7ad98fc4bd7f7a0a97f01522290f2:active { border:0!important; } .ubca7ad98fc4bd7f7a0a97f01522290f2 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .ubca7ad98fc4bd7f7a0a97f01522290f2 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .ubca7ad98fc4bd7f7a0a97f01522290f2:active , .ubca7ad98fc4bd7f7a0a97f01522290f2:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .ubca7ad98fc4bd7f7a0a97f01522290f2 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .ubca7ad98fc4bd7f7a0a97f01522290f2 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .ubca7ad98fc4bd7f7a0a97f01522290f2 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .ubca7ad98fc4bd7f7a0a97f01522290f2 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .ubca7ad98fc4bd7f7a0a97f01522290f2:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .ubca7ad98fc4bd7f7a0a97f01522290f2 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .ubca7ad98fc4bd7f7a0a97f01522290f2 .ubca7ad98fc4bd7f7a0a97f01522290f2-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .ubca7ad98fc4bd7f7a0a97f01522290f2:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Live performance theatre EssayThe life I have led in the theatre, in the world of art, has given so much to me personallyparticularly from Endowment-supported worksthat I wish to give something back. Perhaps I can make a real contribution at this difficult time. The Endowment has struggled these past few years to keep itself alive and valued in the public eye. In these 28 years, it has awarded 100,000 grants. It has been an unparalleled success, perhaps the most successful of any of the independent federal agencies. Directly and indirectly, it has affected most artists and arts organizations alive today and created an arts economy of about 6 percent of the Gross National Product, and over 2 1/2 percent of our work force. The Endowments budget is modest in comparison with other government agencies, but with its $175 million budget last year, it created a 20-fold return in jobs, services and contracts. In partnership with the private sector, it leveraged that $175 million to almost $1.4 billion. With all its accomplishments, how has the Endowment managed lately to be depicted as a villain? A handful of controversial grants had taken the focus from the thousands upon thousands of grants that have enhanced the lives of millions. I respect the right of people to be heardthe voices of those who are disturbed by art and the voices of the creative community. This, after all, is the greatness of our democratic system. But the arts should not be used as a political football by those on the far right or the far left. The arts are for everyone. The Endowment is too important to be misused by some who disseminate misinformation for their own ends or attack the Endowment as a campaign platform. I believe strongly that the sound and the fury of the past few years over that handful of controversial grants must end. When judging the National Arts Endowment, we must look at the complete picture. Lets give the arts a chance to help us heal and understand one another. I cannot promise that under my chairmanship the arts will be free of controversy. The very essence of art, after all, is to hold the mirror up to nature; the arts reflect the diversity and variety of human experience. We are, as Hamlet says, the abstracts and brief chroniclers of the time. and as such, the artist often taps into the very issues of society that are most sensitive. I can, however, assure Congress that I will follow the statutory guidelines on funding to the very best of my ability to insure that grants are given for the highest degree of artistic merit and excellence. I will be accountable and look forward to working with members of Congress. My goal for the arts is that the best reaches the most. I intend to let the American people know the truth about the Endowment and the value of the arts in each and every one of their lives. I am committed to making the Endowment a driving force for education. I also look forward to an enhanced partnership with the private sector. I want to work with state arts councils and local agencies to develop new and innovative ways to reach communities everywhere. I hope to travel all across this country to listen to the people about their needs with regard to the arts, from the most rural area to the inner city. I have a vision for the arts in this country. That vision is that every man, woman and child find the song in his or her heart. I see the arts as part of the solution to our problems and not, in any way, part of the problem. Through the arts, we release the very best that is in our imaginations, and it is through our imagination that we draw the map for our future. Through the arts we learn the discipline of a skill and the accomplishment that comes with collaboration, The arts are a community issue. They bring together, they do not rend asunder.