Infuriating.

Stephen Harper in Saskatoon today:

You know, I think when ordinary working people come home, turn on the tv and see a gala of a bunch of people, you know, at a rich gala, all subsidized by the taxpayers, claiming their subsidies aren’t high enough when they know the subsidies have actually gone up, I’m not sure that’s something that resonates with ordinary people. Ordinary people understand we have to live within a budget. We have increased culture. We haven’t increased anybody’s budget without limit, so we’re not going to do this. I think this is a niche issue for some, but that’s my view...

"Rich galas"... Jesus H. I hate this kind of politics, pitting groups against each other. Making artists out to be spoiled brats when in fact cultural workers earn less than the rest of the work force.

If the Conservatives want to cut arts programs because they have other priorities, fine. But to do it out of spite, out of ideological hatred, and to insult artists while they do it, that's low. Actors, musicians, directors are "ordinary working people"; I know, I was raised in part by one, who bought powdered milk to save money. Most of the galas most artists attend are the ones they're hired to perform at... often in front of politicians.