So where might this morally deficient artist find instruction in how to think the right thoughts and behave correctly in society? From religion? Not when there appears to be another one of those pitched and bloody battles unfolding worldwide to determine whom God loves the most. Not when there are few saints among the clergy, whose credibility is crippled by the misdeeds of mammon-addicted ministers, revengeful rabbis, murderous mullahs and pederastic priests--not to mention howling mobs of faithful, screaming for blood.

Shall I find moral instruction among our doctors and scientists? Not when many a decision hinges on red tape authored by those whose primary motive has little to do with saving lives or facilitating progress.

How about our public officials? Glorified telemarketers with lousy products, disguised as senior policy makers and legislators, prowling the corridors of power, looking for ways to loot the Treasury and shake down donors and taxpayers alike--what fine role models!

Our captains of industry? Shall I glean ethical edification from dog-eat-dog business executives who'll do anything for that extra bonus, that extra million in the offshore bank account, including the sacrifice of lives and livelihoods of others not blessed with a CEO's perks and connections?

Lawyers? Yeah, right! Athletes? Many of them are bigger druggies than their most messed-up counterparts in the arts. What about journalists and opinion makers--those Safiric nattering nabobs? Left or Right, we're talking about a bunch with all the scruples of Soviet-era Pravda hacks, eager to examine the motes of others while visually impared by their own personal 2x4s.

So everyone's a sinner. No one is above reproach, not me, not you. So for you to single out artists above all others as being morally incompetent is just plain wrong.

Best,

Colin Hussey
San Francisco
PS: I almost never listen to radio unless it's a ballgame.--CH