Doro, and others, I've really got to wonder what you mean by the Vue gallary being a place devoid of "hurray patriotism." And I'd really like to know what you mean by patriotism being a "slap on the face of peace-loving artist." Are you saying that a patriotic artist is not allowed to post here? Or just artists that you disagree with? Political messages are no long valid forms of art? Heaven forbid, who knew Dr. Suess wasn't an artist? And I don't know what gallery you're looking at, but I'd hardly call the Vue gallery full of anything. There are plenty of pictures in the Vue gallery I find offensive, don't get me wrong, the vast majority of them are great. Even the one's that are offensive have artistic value, claiming otherwise would just be me being a snob. Propoganda art has a place. It is a valid art form, on that has been around far longer than just about any type of art concievable. From the cave man painting propaganda about the success of his hunt, art has served as a means to express messages and ideas. If you managed to get the feeling of "Hurray patriotism" from the images, then they gave you a message and, by definition, were "inspired" as well as inspiring. The fact that you disagreed with the message is irrelevant. Looking down your nose at other artist and pacing judgement on the PERSON instead of the ART is wrong. Questioning the validity of any art lessens all art. Yes, there are things about an art piece that should be judged. Composition, quality, color, tone. But content? Political message? Ideology? No. These are not to be judged by a true artist. If an artist feels moved to compose a piece on war, then it is his right. Lord knows it's at least more realistic than the "half-naked poser woman in temple" art that is easy to find in just about every gallery, including the Vue gallery, here at renderosity. This doesn't mean that Girl in Temple art is invalid, shouldn't be created or exist. It means that I've seen enough to know that as a rule, I don't care for it. I'm glad some people like it, and even more excited that others create for that desire. As for me, I'll pass. I consider myself a patriotic person. As an American, I feel a sense of pride in my country and my countrymen. I view our way of life as a wonderful source of inspiration. This doesn't mean I blindly accept whatever the powers that be tell me is the proper thing to do. I've already posted one piece of anti-war art on this site, but many took it as offensive and warmongering. That means my message failed, so I suppose my art failed. Then again, the message of all art is often in the mind of the beholder, and at least a message was created, shall I dare say inspired, into the beholders mind, so I guess it wasn't a complete failure, just a failure of motive. I guess I've gotten off the point, and to get back on it I would caution you against letting your personal views blind you to the art that is around you. If you don't like it, move on. But suggesting it has no value opens the door to others suggesting other kinds of art, perhaps art you create and/or enjoy be done away with as well. The freedom of expression is the artists greatest friend and something we should all be fighting for. It is enshrined in the American constitution, and is what allows the likes of Rush Limbaugh and Michael Moore to exist and thrive in the same country. It is a concept that is young in this world, and we should be nurturing it, not ignoring it.