Sewer Art Has Become "The Art of Law" by: K M

Truthfully, art (and what some refer to as art) lies within the eye of the beholder. From time to time, we all have scratched our heads at what is termed art, whether it has been a lump of clay, a twist of metal, a bottle full of urine with a cross-placed inside, or an artist’s rendition of how they despise our country. All have been considered art by someone’s tastes and all people are guaranteed their rights to express their points of view by the United States Constitution.

Constitutionally speaking- we are all allowed to depict our own views. We are free to use an artist’s palette, the stroke of a pen, or the notes of song, but are we as taxpayers required to support the display of all forms of art?

Recently in the state of California, an exhibit of “art” constructed by lawyers was presented to the public. Being very reluctant to give this anymore credibility than it deserves, I am finding there is a need to speak out against those who batter the freedoms we all so richly enjoy.

No one would deny lawyer Stephen S. Pearcy’s work of “art” called T’anks To Mr. Bush his constitutional rights to espouse disdain for the Bush Administration, the Republican Party, Cops, the “fanatical patriotism” felt by Americans post 9/11, SUV’s, the conservative monopoly of the media and the list goes on. But why, when we are in fanatical upheaval over the displaying of the Ten Commandments at our local court houses, did California Attorney General Bill Lockyer (an official sponsor of the display of anti-American, anti-military and anti-Semitic “art,”) give his blessing according to a press release issued on July 12, 2005 by the California Arts Council? The display was set up within a taxpayer-funded entity; do the taxpayers have any say as to how they want public funded units decorated?

The news release quoted Lockyer stating, “It is an honor to co-host this powerful exhibit and display the talent of our legal community. Creative expression stimulates freedom of thought, appreciation for diversity and opens new windows onto the world in which we live. The collected works of these fine artists – and lawyers – achieve these worthwhile objectives with style and beauty.”

Art with “style and beauty,” -now that is subjective.

We must ask ourselves, as California taxpayers are being coerced into sponsoring said art, that if an artist had depicted the Gay Pride Flag being flushed down the toilet, or a banner depicting African American Pride being sucked down the euphemism would that have been called “worthwhile objectives with style and beauty?” Somehow, I doubt it. The call and outrage of racially antagonistic artwork would be denounced, as it should be, so why then is it okay to denigrate our country, military and the Jewish people?

Throughout the ages, the medium of art has been used to protest, praise, raise questions, and move us to feel, that is what art is about. However, in our outward display of dissatisfaction with our homeland, or in our differing opinions over religious viewpoints, or our disdain for a certain sect of people- should it be sustained without consent of the taxpayer and funded at the taxpayer’s expense?

Unequivocally, the answer is a resounding- NO! The laws written by our forefathers would validate and justify the premise that the American taxpayer should not be coerced into funding something they have not given voice to.

Mr. Pearcy can paint as many canvases’ he desires with disdain for his country, his military, his police force, his environment, and his disregard for those who appreciate this country and show daily our patriotism for her. He is free to display them at any privately owned land or privately funded function. California Attorney General Lockyer can ogle and espouse his insight of appreciation for what he terms artwork that is “worthwhile” and filled with “objective style and beauty” until he has ecstatically filled his senses, but he cannot take the taxpayers hard earned monies and oblige them into the support of a taxpayer funded structure.

It is time Americans that we speak up for our rights. This country is supposed to have representative government… a government for the people by the people. It is time we stand up and say no more to the hypocrisy and double speak. If we in this country, which was founded by our forefathers on Biblical principals, cannot even display one of the greatest works of arts inside or within the surrounding grounds (The Ten Commandments) of publicly, funded institutions then keep all of it separated unless the taxpayers get to vote upon it.

Enough of the “Sewer Art,” keep your waste of what you call “art” off our tax-funded establishments. Just like most artists do, find other venues that will carry your criticisms of disgust or accolades of praise for the things you either loathe or adore. The American taxpayers are done supporting what we do not agree with, we are stating unequivocally that we have our rights too, and California’s public display of “The Art of Law” has rallied those who say no more to treading upon our constitutional rights. There is an art of law, and it is time we started following it.