Eric Schaeffer: Dear President Trump

By Eric Schaeffer
January 20, 2017

Dear President Trump,

Over the course of decades in America, the one thing that has brought a divided country together has been the arts.

Eric Schaeffer – File Photo by Todd Franson

The arts are a vessel that brings ideas to life, introducing each of us to different, and sometimes challenging, points of view. They help us begin conversations and understanding about different people, different ideas and different ways of thinking altogether. They provide a safe place where no one is judged while thoughts and ideas are exchanged. Songs can move us, words can change us and music notes can stir our soul.

I hope the next four years we can use art to heal, accept different points of view and grow as a country that continues to be a melting pot of immigrants founded with the principle of free speech.

As President Kennedy said, “I see little of more importance to the future of our country and of civilization than full recognition of the place of the artist. If art is to nourish the roots of our culture, society must set the artist free to follow his vision wherever it takes him.”

Eric Schaeffer

Artistic Director/Co-Founder
Signature Theatre

Read more Letters to Trump:

A. Cornelius Baker, Citizen
Aisha C. Moodie-Mills, Gay & Lesbian Victory Institute
Alexa Rodriguez, The Trans-Latina Coalition DMV
Alicia Garza, Co-creator of the Black Lives Matter network
André Hereford, Writer
Ba’Naka, Duchess of Protocol
Bernie Delia, Capital Pride Alliance, Inc.
Cathy Renna, LGBTQ Activist
Chris Allen, DC Log Cabin Republicans
Clarence J. Fluker, Former Obama Appointee
Dana Beyer, M.D., Gender Rights Maryland
Danielle Moodie-Mills, Advocate, Writer and Strategist
David Mariner, The DC Center
David von Storch, President, UA Companies
Emil de Cou, Pacific Northwest Ballet
Gil Steinlauf, Adas Israel Congregation
Holly Goldmann, Capital Trans Pride
Jeff Manabat, The Kinsey Sicks
John Guggenmos, Small Business Owner
Jose Carrasquillo, Freelance Theatre Director and Educator
June Crenshaw, The Wanda Alston Foundation
Kate Kendell, National Center for Lesbian Rights
Mark Pocan, U.S. Representative, Wisconsin
Mike Daisey, Author and Working Artist
Mitchell Gold, Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams Home Furnishings
Nicholas F. Benton, The Falls Church News Press
Rayceen Pendarvis, Emcee, Entertainer, Activist
Rea Carey, National LGBTQ Task Force
Schuyler Bailar, First Men’s NCAA D1 Transgender Athlete
Serge Seiden, Theater Maker
Sterling Washington, Consultant, Musician

The opinions expressed in these letters are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of their organizations and this magazine, its staff and contributors.

[ninja-inline id=73197]

Support Metro Weekly’s Journalism

These are challenging times for news organizations. And yet it’s crucial we stay active and provide vital resources and information to both our local readers and the world. So won’t you please take a moment and consider supporting Metro Weekly with a membership? For as little as $5 a month, you can help ensure Metro Weekly magazine and MetroWeekly.com remain free, viable resources as we provide the best, most diverse, culturally-resonant LGBTQ coverage in both the D.C. region and around the world. Memberships come with exclusive perks and discounts, your own personal digital delivery of each week’s magazine (and an archive), access to our Member's Lounge when it launches this fall, and exclusive members-only items like Metro Weekly Membership Mugs and Tote Bags! Check out all our membership levels here and please join us today!