The Massachusetts What Council!?!
Massachusetts State Auditor slams abuse of $1 million state grant by the Massachusetts Cultural Council. I’m sorry, did he just say we still have a Massachusetts Cultural Council? Boston Herald:
The state auditor has slammed the Massachusetts Cultural Council for allegedly keeping nearly $1 million of taxpayer cash that he says should have been returned to state coffers.
Auditor Joseph DeNucci said the council received $1.5 million to provide loans and grants to nonprofit cultural groups, but spent nearly $500,000 for other uses, including improving software and creating an online cultural marketplace.
“This was a clear example of a legislative earmark being used for purposes unrelated to the original appropriation,” said DeNucci in a statement.
“Especially in these very difficult fiscal times, state agencies must make sure that every dollar is spent legally, wisely and only for the purposes intended.”
Hang on. In these very difficult times, after Gov. Deval Patrick just got finished announcing $9 million in cuts to cops, $30 million in cuts to courts, $24 million in cuts to state universities, $5 million in cust to the mentally ill and mentally retarded, etc., we still have a Massachusetts Cultural Council?
OK, we all have to tighten our belts. Here’s my advice to any incoming United States president in these difficult economic times.
If it has the word “culture” or “cultural” in it and it’s not about studying Islamic extremism, cut it.
If it has a sign that says “Visitors’ Center,” burn it. If it has a sign that says “Interpretive Center,” blow it up. If it has within its walls any nifty exhibits that are “interactive,” rip them out and see if you can get any money for them. I guarantee you won’t. Even kids are bored by that crap.
McCain wants to freeze all spending. I’d suggest specific immediate cryogenics on all grant programs. Then unfreeze the ones that deal with military technology, medicine and energy technology. Also, any of them that have to do with Islamic extremism. Any that have anything to do with cultural this, multi-cultural that, sociological, educational, arts, bio-diversity and global warming whatever … glaciate ‘em. Big moneybags are keenly interested in these issues. Such as Al Gore and Scarlett Johansson. Let them pay for it.
Topics: everything
Posted by Jules Crittenden at 12:59 pm Comments (2) on Wednesday, October 22, 2008
2 Responses to “The Massachusetts What Council!?!”
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October 22nd, 2008 at 1:45 pm
I have a sinking feeling that Diane Wilkerson will have a seat on the Massachusetts Cultural Counsel.
October 22nd, 2008 at 6:15 pm
As we said in the 60s (I think the late and unlamented Marvin Garson coined it)
“When I hear the word ‘culture’ I reach for my gun.”