Cabinet, stand up for culture

letter of the day

The cultural sector has adhered to the rules in an exemplary manner in recent years. Apart from a single silent protest in Haarlem (where Theater De Liefde was fined for the performances by Theo Maassen in a full hall), it thus sets an example for the rest of society, which is currently drawing conclusions based on its own judgments. .

Time and again comedians, singers, cabaret artists, musicians and many others have twisted themselves so that they could stand up for the cultural needs and desires of the people. Open air theatres, live streams, all while it has never been proven that theaters, stages and also museums are part of the problem.

On the contrary, the Fieldlab experiments from April last year were even ‘encouraging’. Culture is always included in the package of measures, against the scientific evidence and therefore only to create social support. The government underestimates the fundamental cultural needs and dignity of people and of society, and therefore also the benefits of culture as a convergence in a society that is becoming increasingly polarized.

It’s time to change that view.

Merlin van Leerzem, Breda

Press conference

Wouldn’t it have been more useful if journalists had asked our prime minister during the half-hearted and despondent press conference last Friday: ‘Mr Rutte, are you concerned and should we not gradually worry about the current situation? Ukraine?’

Henk Sikkema, shafts

Press conference (2)

From an information point of view, the press conference held last Friday will not go down in the history books as a model of professionalism: a motley collection of disparate facts, figures and assumptions, with only the occasional imperfect explanation or explanation.

According to recent statements, the ministries collectively have 125 communication advisors, spokespersons and public information officers. Surely there must be someone hiding among them who knows that things can not only be done differently, but also better?

Hans van den Heuvel, former director of information Ministry of Defence, Zoetermeer

To play sports

I didn’t understand, I don’t understand and I will never understand that the museums have to stay closed longer than the gyms.

What are you supposed to do with all the violence in a gym? Ernst and Mark find it important that people’s bodies remain healthy. Well: run a few laps around the church, go cycling, take the stairs or a horse, dig your garden three spades deep and then those of your old neighbors, walk if necessary.

Why is sport necessary to stay healthy? You mean the canteen. On Saturday, VK-Magazine talks about ‘tipsy gymnastics’ and that you become passionate about it. A museum is just as beneficial for a person, are we not just muscles?

Elly van den Boom the Hague

Don’t look up

Hi hi hi we can go again. Buy, buy, buy. Bags, baskets, shoes, dresses, blouses, jackets, shirts. And everything to brighten up the day. Because we didn’t have enough yet. Fortunately, the thrift shops are also opening again and the recycling centers are too. We are going to replace because we are so bored. We have to give away, spend, not save because that is not good for our economy. We have to drink drink drink and fill the plate again. Forget corona, forget the rules, forget the healthcare staff. Don’t look up. And if you do, don’t forget your blindfold.

Letya the Good, Dragons

file letter

Poor State Secretary Hans Vijlbrief. Hardly in office and already it seems clear: he must hang, because he is politically responsible for the wounds of years of mismanagement in Groningen. The forthcoming parliamentary inquiry does not bode well.

I would suggest to Vijlbrief to do it radically differently: move to Groningen, take five or six top civil servants with you, claim a wing of the provincial government, hold office hours, make decisions, mobilize whoever you need to deal with the problems in Groningen and sidelined the ministry in The Hague for the rest of this year.

You have a chance of success if you work from the Groningen clay, at least more chance than if you linger in the Hague swamp.

Jan Adrian, holly