It remains to be seen if critics of the military band buildup can torpedo Mr. Reagan’s plans to raise funding. But arts lobbyists say the sniping has at least helped protect the arts endowment from the full 50 percent cut pushed by the While House. The Senate last Tuesday backed a 25 percent cut, and the House approved a token 1 percent reduction.
The critics aren’t denying that a good military band plays a rousing tune. It does, says Representative Richmond. But “it’s sure as heck not the National Symphony.”