““Painters and poets,” you say, “have always had an equal license in bold invention.” We know; we claim the liberty for ourselves and in turn we give it to others.”

Thanks to all the poets and artists that have dared to envision and express their own ideas.

The opposite is also true; those that would deny freedom to others also deny liberty to themselves. Notice that the Naziesk (liberals/consevatives) would have bibles and other books thrown out of schools and now are trying to legalize torture as an information extraction tool. Said well Archer, thanks to all the poets and artists.

Bold invention is, in itself, neither good nor bad. Each person will be happy and fulfilled, not alone by having freedom, but when freedom is accompanied by people doing what people were meant to do.

This is an interesting comment considering the year in which it was penned. The freedom of expression that characterizes modern and contemporary art was not always the perceived role of the artist when art was commissioned and patronized well into the late 19th century. I also love the sentiment that the artist transfers the liberty inherent in self expression to those who partake in their works. It speaks to the living and transformative force of art.

Also thanks to all of the poets and artists who realize that just because one is free to offend, it is not always wise to do so. Much of 20th century art, poetry, and prose morphed from media that intended to bring beauty to the world to one whose only intent was to offend: provocation and belittlement of one group or another.

Unfortunately, in turn is a rare occurrence.....