To what extent do you agree or disagree with the opinion expressed above? Develop your position by giving specific reasons and/or examples from your own experience, observations, or reading. （国家和艺术的关系）
The speaker argues that government must support the arts but at the same time impose no control over what art is produced. The implicit3 rationale for government intervention4 in the arts is that, without it, cultural decline and erosion of our social fabric5 will result. However, I find no empirical evidence to support this argument, which in any event is unconvincing in light of more persuasive6 arguments that government should play no part in either supporting or restricting the arts.
First, subsidizing the arts is neither a proper nor necessary job for government. Although public health is generally viewed as critical to a society's very survival and therefore an appropriate concern of government, this concern should not extend tenuously7 to our cultural health or well-being8. A lack of private funding might justify9 an exception: in my observation; however, philanthropy is alive and well today, especially among the new technology and media moguls.
Second, government cannot possibly play an evenhanded role as arts patron. Inadequate10 resources call for restrictions; priorities, and choices, it is unconscionable to relegate11 normative decisions as to which art has value to a few legislators and jurists, who may be unenlightened in their notions about art. Also, legislators are all too likely to make choices in favor of the cultural agendas of those lobbyists with the most money and influence. Third, restricting artistic12 expression may in some cases encroach upon the constitutional right of free expression. In any case, governmental restriction1 may chill creativity, thereby13 defeating the very purpose of subsidizing the arts.
In the final analysis, government cannot philosophically14 or economically justify its involvement in the arts, either by subsidy15 or sanction. Responsibility lies with inpiduals to determine what art has value and to support that art。
