An interpretation of a piece of art varies from viewer to viewer. Unfortunately for some House members, art appreciation registers quite low on their scale of importance.

Recently, the House approved legislation that would seriously hinder the National Endowments for the Arts’ ability to serve a number of creative outlets such as museums, workshops and dance academies.

By cutting the NEA’s funding by 40 percent, House members are inadvertently squelching support to a diversity of artistic voices. These are the voices that struggle to achieve creativity and stimulate public interest in the arts.

Moreover, they provide an important cultural counterweight to the often narrow confines of commercial art.

Sadly, it has even been suggested that the NEA could no longer exist within two years, at least if Ohio Rep. Ralph Regula gets his way.

Since cuts in the NEA won’t even scratch the surface of the national budget deficit, attacks on it can be seen as nothing more than political opportunism. Unfortunately, this self-serving move will only serve to undermine America’s artistic and cultural diversity.