Dance and Politics? How the 2008 Presidential Election May Affect YOU!

Lindsay Live | Feb 06, 2008 | there are 6 comments

Super Tuesday Front Runners (photo from MSN.com)

Dancer Readers,

I would like to preface this post by saying that my intent is to remain purely objective. I want only to bring to light issues that are important to me, then let readers draw their own conclusions. Thanks for reading!

-Lindsay

The race for the White House in 2008 has proven that Americans, especially the youth, are not nearly as apathetic about politics as we once thought. On Super Tuesday, voters came out to the polls by the thousands, excited to take advantage of their Constitutional right to decide who will lead our nation and command our troops. While this is undeniably wonderful, my fear remains that many young voters are not doing enough research to make truly informed decisions. As CNN put it, the issues are not the issue for many voters this year, especially the young ones. While leadership qualities such as charisma and likeability are definitely important, I believe it is in our best interests as a people to read up on where each candidate stands in regards to the issues that will affect our lives. I doubt many dancers, performers, choreographers, and company owners know that political elections are of paramount importance to their careers and livelihoods as artists.

In 1965, Congress created a public, Federal agency known as the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). The NEA is country's largest arts funding contributor, bringing both new and traditional works, including dance, to all 50 states and even military bases. According to their website, the NEA has awarded over 124,000 grants totaling about $3.9 million during its 40-year history.

Every year, the NEA awards grants ranging from $5,000 to $150,000 to dance companies and presenters, and projects of all sizes. The kinds of projects funded vary from hip-hop and contemporary, to folk and cultural dance. The National Endowment for the Arts has helped dance flourish not only in large cities, but also in rural places where dance may otherwise not be seen. For over 40 years, the NEA has been a champion for dance and dance education, helping art get the national recognition and respect it deserves.

So, how does all this relate to Presidential politics? Not only do some of our elected officials dislike the NEA, some have made it their lifelong goal to abolish it completely. Usually, the NEA becomes entangled in partisan debates; the Republicans generally argue that funding the arts is both unnecessary and a gross waste of Federal spending whereas the Democrats are more inclined to support more Federal funding for such social programs that may benefit the greater good. (Keep in mind that this is a HUGE simplification of the topic). With a huge national debt, I believe that wise and judicious spending is imperative, but does that justify abolishing the agency that brings art, including a plethora of dance, to people, towns, cities, and states throughout our country? It's a difficult question to answer, but if you're a struggling artist, it's a no-brainer.

After Super Tuesday, it seems as though there are 3 solid front runners vying for the title of Commander in Chief. On the Democratic side, Senator Barack Obama (IL) and Senator Hillary Clinton (NY), and on the Republican side, Senator John McCain (AZ). The voting records and positions of these candidates can be found online on their Senate websites. Voting records are important to look at because they reveal where each candidate has stood on certain issues such as abortion, gun control, the war in Iraq, and the economy. Their voting records also reveal their past positions on federal funding and public support for the arts.

So let's go through and see where each candidate stands on public funding and support for the arts:

Barack Obama:
-Supports increasing funding for the NEA from $125 million to $175 million annually
-Wants to expand both public and private partnerships between schools and arts organizations
-Supports the creation of an "Artists Corp" to work in low-income communities
-Promotes cultural diplomacy (send performance artists abroad)
-Welcomes international artists into the US
-Wants to provide health care to artists and their family members
-Supports ensuring tax fairness for artists
-As Senator, co-sponsored and passed legislation to honor the legacy of Katherine Dunham
-Supports the Artists-Museum Partnership Act, which allows artists to deduct the fair market value of their work when making charitable contributions

Hillary Clinton:
-Supports the NEA's mission and increasing Federal funding for the NEA
-Wants to reform No Child Left Behind to strengthen funding for arts education in public schools
-Believes in international cultural exchange as a form of diplomacy
-Supporter of Public Broadcasting
-Created the Finger Lakes Trading Cooperative, an initiative that links local businesses with artisans in upstate NY
-Helped to develop affordable living/work space for artists in Buffalo
-Entered a statement to the Senate Congressional Record in support of creative arts therapies
-As First Lady, was the honorary chair of the President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities

John McCain:
-In 1999, voted NO on funding for the National Endowment of the Arts
-Does not support abolishing the NEA
-Voted in favor of the Helms Amendment to withdraw Federal funding grants to art considered "obscene"
-An honorary member of the National Hispanic Foundation for the Arts, 1997-present
-2007, proposed a bill to protect Indian arts and crafts

Finding information on Obama's and Clinton's positions on the arts was relatively easy. Both candidates support Federal funding for the arts and art education, and both have shown a lifelong commitment to preserving and strengthening the arts in America. John McCain, on the other hand, seems to have much less involvement in the arts. Although he does not suggest abolishing the NEA, he has voted against Federal funding for the NEA numerous times.

Hopefully this information will help you decide which candidate to support in the primary and the general election in November. Many people think that politics doesn't affect them, but now you know that as dancers, choreographers, studio owners, company directors, and performers, elected officials have the power to directly impact your lives for better or for worse. Unfortunately, the arts are always in jeopardy, which means your jobs and your livelihoods could be as well. So, why not do a few minutes of research and get involved. You owe it to yourself and your fellow dancers.

Happy voting!