This is an election campaign, right?

I would think that during an election campaign, a party leader wouldn't be eager to defend a funding cut to a potentially vocal community, but that's exactly what has happened. Although the ruling minority Conservative government made the announcement of cutting $45 million to culture funding back in August, before the election was called, the Prime Minister just recently defended the cuts, saying "I think when ordinary working people come home, turn on the TV and see … a bunch of people … at a rich gala all subsidized by taxpayers claiming their subsidies aren't high enough when they know those subsidies have actually gone up, I'm not sure that's something that resonates with ordinary people."

I think that really hit a wrong nerve with some folks. Artists across the country have mobilized to condemn this stereotypical attitude. Time will tell..... For the record, I consider myself an ordinary Canadian and I do not feel that the arts community get their fair share of funding. In fact, I find arts funding to be deplorable. [sarcasm filter on] But that's just me. I'm sure the majority don't agree... [sarcasm filter off]

Gee...... between Bill C-61 and now these funding cuts, artists and those that support them the most are really getting a kick in the crotch from this government.

[update] I changed out the post picture after stumbling across this lovely specimen courtesy a friend in the arts. Thanks R.N. (Now with link to picture source)