Canadian Musicians Employment Status Archive LETTERS TO THE EDITOR London Free Press. Friday February 25/2000
Orchestra an anachronism in an electronic world Despite public outcry against waste of tax money, city politicians still think tax money is there to do with as they alone see fit. Hard-earned taxes should be spent wisely and judiciously. Certainly, it should never be given to private ventures or spent on whims. If Orchestra London, Theatre London, Uncle Tom's Bakery, a cinema or a small shoe shop can't run their business as a result of supply and demand, why should taxpayers be gouged? The public made a fuss over the NHL bailout package. Few people supported this totally inappropriate initiative. Undeterred, we have city politicians bailing out Orchestra London. What is the difference? Fund-raisers and the box office must be the main source of revenue for such ventures. I know the argument for assisting art is that it be made available to the masses. Hogwash. Even if this was once legitimate, today there is no justification. Modern electronics enable virtually everyone to listen to world-class music played in world-class surroundings - in their own homes. With respect, Orchestra London pales in comparison. I fear it, and others, are now anachronisms. I very much enjoy both classical music and hockey I just don't think others should subsidize my delight. When will this madness stop?
ROY ANDERSON Mount Brydges This site is best viewed at a resolution of 800 X 600 CMESA Website © Paul Sharpe 1999, 2000 |