We need to seriously contemplate the economic effects of our current crisis on the arts and sciences.  We need strong arts and sciences programs to thrive, if we are to thrive as a country.  An educated country that has strong backing for its arts programs and the sciences is a key to our future prosperity.  We must strongly get behind our local, regional and national institutions who are suffering in this economic downturn.  We should keep boosting their efforts while keeping them accountable.  We can do this folks, we just need to remember what makes us strong, ignorance does not.  We learned that from 8 years of neglect at the national level.