One one hand I agree that PBS could be self-funded, but then so could a lot of things that are aimed at providing even-handed children's education. Reality is, when commercial interests come into play -- think Nestlé for example -- the important stuff is lost amongst the fluffy money-grabbing shallowness. Kids are easily brainwashed at this age.
I am thankful that I did grow up with PBS and Sesame Street, but I do think the preservation is a kind of nostalgia. New(ish) programmes like Dora the Explorer and Bob the Builder do have an even hand between education and entertainment, I find. My niece and nephew are now too old for those shows, so I can't relate to today's toddlers. Which I am immensely thankful!
The money the US government gives to PBS and other such "old school" things (like auto manufacturer General Motors) is minuscule compared to the amount for the US military funding. Sure, you could say the military funding also funds interesting medical research on telemedicine, remote monitoring, and robust field diagnostic equipment but creating problems (i.e. conflicts) just so you can test equipment is so so very horrible and the worst kind of human experimentation. The young men and women "volunteer" for this. I say it's brainwashing to a whole different level.
Ah, those in power abusing those not. That's what it's all about. What about fighting for those who can't fight for themselves? Why aren't we protecting the disadvantaged/ disenfranchised, the minorities, the children and the elderly? What happened to liberty and justice for all?
I've been thinking a lot about the messages behind "A Few Good Men", the 1992 movie about two Marines who did something that was so "anti-Marine" because that is what their commanding officer ordered, the so-called "Code Red". Is this attitude of Col. Jessop still prevalent in the US military psyche today? I think so.
Love this part: "You can't handle the truth!"
Jack Nicholson and Oscar the Grouch in one post, eh? Quite a miracle.
"You're goddamn right I did!"
