Michelle Obama and the Arts

I celebrate the fact that Michelle Obama is taking a stand for the arts recently (Harpers Interview), together with the President's declaration earlier this month.  You can show your support for their position by sending a message here.  Some excerpts from recent press reports:

Michelle Obama recently said, "The arts aren't somehow an 'extra' part of a community's life but instead, they are the heart of a community's life. It is through music, literature, art, drama and dance that we tell the story of the past and we express hopes for the future."

She wants to bring that same consciousness to American youth. "We want to lift young people up," she said. "The country needs to be mindful that we have all these diamonds out there, and it would be a shame not to invest in those talents." 

 

The first lady is also aware of the international reach of the arts. "That's the beauty of arts and culture, music and dance," she said. "It's a universal voice. 

 

Shine on, you crazy diamond....

Remember when you were young, you shone like the sun.
Shine on you crazy diamond.
Now there's a look in your eyes, like black holes in the sky.
Shine on you crazy diamond.
You were caught on the crossfire of childhood and stardom,
blown on the steel breeze.
Come on you target for faraway laughter,
come on you stranger, you legend, you martyr, and shine!
You reached for the secret too soon, you cried for the moon.
Shine on you crazy diamond.
Threatened by shadows at night, and exposed in the light.
Shine on you crazy diamond.
Well you wore out your welcome with random precision,
rode on the steel breeze.
Come on you raver, you seer of visions,
come on you painter, you piper, you prisoner, and shine!

 

— Pink Floyd