(六)

Some people say that the government should not put money on building theatres and sports stadiums. They should spend more money on medical care and education. Do you agree or disagree?

Much discussion concerning allocation of resources assumes that the government should spend money on medicine and education rather than on theatres and sports stadiums. In my opinion, this issue should be examined from the angle of whether the investment benefits the great majority of the population.

The institutions of medical care and education, undoubtedly, should receive priority in the allocation of a government’s expenditures, at the thought of millions of children from deprived backgrounds who now get a substandard education, and who would require a relatively high quality of education if they are to enjoy anything approaching equality of opportunity in later life. Another pressing need of society is improvement of medical care for the adult poor, for the aged, and so forth down the list.

Theatres and sports stadiums are institutions for promoting human culture. A successful theatrical event is an exciting and stimulating experience, whether it occurs in a grand theatre or a high school auditorium. Spectators as well as those involved in the production feel this excitement. Sports stadiums, on the other hand, attract millions of spectators to watch professionals play every year. Many more millions watch games on television, read about them in newspapers, and discuss them with their friends. Therefore, can we say that these are unnecessary public expenditures the government should ignore?

In conclusion, today man is becoming ever more aware of his spiritual needs. Medicine and education are needs that we recognize, but are contacts with theatrical or sports events also basic needs?(250 words)