Yesterday the Huffington Post posted a story about some of the federal budget cuts proposed by the Republicans. The story complained about the cuts to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and Americorps. I am still trying to figure out why the government funds the Corporation for Public Broadcasting in the first place. Most of my grandchildren have "Tickle Me Elmo" Dolls. Doesn't the sale of licensed products raise money for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting? If a television or radio show is worth airing, won't it be able to find sponsors?
The article states:
""They probably think that no one will notice these cuts in the midst of so many others. But the millions of listeners and viewers who rely on public broadcasting for Sesame Street, All Things Considered, and independent journalism will notice," said MoveOn.org in an urgent E-mail just sent out. "We need to tell Republicans that cutting off funding was unacceptable last time they were in charge, and it's unacceptable now," said MoveOn."
Why is MoveOn.org so concerned about funding for public broadcasting?
The aricle quotes a New York Times report:
"It blocks the spending of about $2 billion in unused economic stimulus money and seeks to prevent the Internal Revenue Service from enforcing the new health care law. The measure also cuts financing directly from the office of the president."
The economic stimulus fund was not meant to be a slush fund to be used for political purposes. Unfortunately, that is what it has become. It needs to be stopped before any more political cronyism takes place.
I support the idea of a $61 billion savings in the budget. Our government is spending too much and is currently out of control.
The following chart is from the Heritage.org website. It shows how much the rate of growth of spending has increased in the past five years.
To freeze spending at this point is to lock the barn after the horse has run away. Hopefully the Republican budget cuts will go through. If they don't, we can expect higher taxes, a struggling economy and unemployment rates above 9 per cent. We need the budget cuts.
Leave a comment