Sigh

[Vondauster@aol.com]

Hi Folks,

Robert Mapplethorp was not the photographer of "Piss Christ." I forget the
name of that person, and for obvious reasons could care less. The
congressional slamming of Mapplethorp  by grandstanding right-wing
politicians was due to the unambiguous homoerotic content of a number of his
photographs. There is no doubt that Mapplethorp was a very competent and
creative photographer. De gusibus non disputandum est (I'm sure I misspelled
a word or two, but the proverb is thousands of years old and stands).

As to the appropriate equipment for fine art photography, there are those
using miserable plastic Holgas who produce interesting work, and those using
Leicas that turn out snapshots. It still comes down to the artist more than
the equipment.

I believe one B-2 "stealth" bomber costs more than the US has spent on art
through the NEA since its founding. And much of the art sponsored by the NEA
is actually waterproof, unlike the $22 billion airplane. As Eric said in so
many words, it comes down to priorities, doesn't it?

Finally, I fail to see what is gained by slamming those of us who use AOL as
our ISP. A number of us are more than computer literate. I use T1 lines at
work, but like some of the advantages AOL offers now that it has its act more
together. Come to think of it, I fail to see what is gained by slamming
anyone on this excellent list.

Thanks for your patience and continued civility.

Will von Dauster