A Discussion of PBS Funding From A Man You ALL Should Listen To

Yes, PBS funding is important. But you don't have to listen to me. Listen to this guy:



Mister Rogers' PBS show was one of the most important formative experiences for a generation of children. If not generations of children. He wasn't alone in it, either; PBS is also the home of Sesame Street, for G--s sake. It is an absolutely vital part of American culture.

(Yes, G-d. Mr. Rogers wouldn't like it if someone swore on his behalf.)

House Republicans are planning to cut the funding of PBS and NPR. Entirely. Republican mouthpieces everywhere are defending it by whining about how NPR/PBS "suck on the public teat". No. What they do is exactly what government is SUPPOSED to do: use the public resources they are granted to provide a service to the public. That's exactly what they do, and they do a VERY good job of it—probably better than any of their conglomerated private-sector counterparts.

In fact, that's probably the reason why the Republicans and conservatives are so desperate to shut them down. They're living proof that the idea of well-provisioned public services at the heart of liberalism is TRUE, that it always HAS been true, and it always will be true where there is the will and honesty to serve your country and your fellow man.

That's what Mr. Rogers did, more than anything else. He served his country. He did a fantastic job of it. He was a parent to millions. He was universally recognized as one of the greatest of Americans. So let me be very clear: if you care at all about his work and his legacy, you will make d--ned sure you do everything you can to ensure that these deceptive, destructive ideologues do not have their way. Tell your Congressman and Senator not to betray his legacy. NOW.

He always believed in you. Start justifying it.