CBC Orchestra - Why?

[bush_cheney2004]

So should the government sit and watch people foreclose on their homes in the U.S.? Do you realize that, once this process starts, other people's houses become worth less money, causing their banks to require them to back up their loans with more equity, causing these other people to foreclose...

What if, by propping something up, they save the overall economy? Are you still opposed?

(Not that the CBC orchestra was saving the economy.)

Right...the orchestra isn't saving anything, and this has nothing to do with the "U.S." government "sitting and watching" foreclosures as it always has in non-election years.

[August1991]

So should the government sit and watch people foreclose on their homes in the U.S.? Do you realize that, once this process starts, other people's houses become worth less money, causing their banks to require them to back up their loans with more equity, causing these other people to foreclose...

What if, by propping something up, they save the overall economy? Are you still opposed? (Not that the CBC orchestra was saving the economy.)

It has never ceased to amaze me how people, otherwise intelligent and practical in their affairs, can believe that it is good for the economy (stimulus package) to take money out of my pocket, send it to the government who then gives the money to someone else to perform a task of no useful purpose to anyone.

The US Fed recently offered to loan money to some financial institutions. How is that different? It's very different. Like it or not, we do most of our financial dealings through banks and banks rely critically on confidence and trust.

The life or death of the CBC orchestra will have no effect on anyone's trust in existence.

I imagine that the CBC Orchestra musicians don't get paid particularly well. And the expense to the government (via the CBC) is negligible compared to Hockey Night In Canada, or even the Beijing Olympic coverage. But whatever, the CBC can do what it wants and disband the Orchestra, thinking it's out of date and unimportant. Personally I say keep the Orchestra, if only for my benefit. I get tired of listening to Nickleback, 50 Cent, and Britney all day.

If you want live classical music, pay for your own damn orchestra. I fail to see exactly why you should have to right to use my money to pursue your hobby.

BTW, when the CBC orchestra was first formed, it was difficult to move sound recording equipment around the country. Nowadays, portable studios are common and inexpensive. Meanwhile, Canada has many regional orchestras (subsidized by local taxpayers) who would be happy to play for a country-wide audience.

[oreodontist]

It's amusing how Italian Opera, German classical music and Russian ballet are deemed essential to promote the arts in CANADA.

I enjoy some classical music. My wife and I enjoy an annual outing. But...why should my $40 ticket be subsidized to attend a philharmonic presentation when our 18-year-old nephew doesn't have his ticket subsidized to go see 'Rush'? When I look around the concert hall the thousand or so people don't appear 'poor'...certainly no poorer than teens wanting to go to their rock concert.

The government shouldn't be subsidizing a philharmonic with CBC tax dollars any more than a rock band.

[August1991]

It's amusing how Italian Opera, German classical music and Russian ballet are deemed essential to promote the arts in CANADA.

I first discovered opera (Mozart) in Vienna. Then I really learned about it (Puccini and Verdi) when I lived in Moscow.

Opera is better than jazz, and far better than hockey. Opera is the classic pop/beat/techno/rap music.

Mozart, a genius, invented pop music and changed the way we do things. Such is life.

In this modern world, I don't receive my paycheck in cash from a bank teller and I no longer listen to music in a concert hall. In 2008, Canada does not need a "radio orchestra".

[jdobbin]

In 2008, Canada does not need a "radio orchestra".

Many in the right wing would say it doesn't need orchestras at all. At least none that the state pays for.

Ditto that for theatre, film, television, writers, artists or any other of those lefty endeavours.

Edited April 12, 2008 by jdobbin