Supporting Another Public Radio Fund Drive

Why should I once again dig into my pockets for my local public radio station - WAMC - as it conducts its spring fund drive? The last one seems just a few short weeks ago.

Well, in the interim the Republican-controlled Congress attacked public support of public television and public radio as a wasteful use of tax monies. This at the same time funding for public education was cut to the bone and mainstream media further consolidated into a few wealthy, super powerful corporations that specialize in mind-numbing reality shows and pseudo-news coverage. My Democratic-controlled state government's budget cuts included cuts in funding for public tv and radio and public education.Public libraries also are being squeezed in the spending cuts.

The result is a rapidly shrinking supply of free educational material. Public television and public radio still provide excellent programming and quality news coverage. As long as they do, and I have the resources, I will continue to support them.

I have a special affection for my local public radio station. It gives me the opportunity to listen to and participate in listener discussions that ARE NOT shouting matches and that DO present differing viewpoints.

Time to step up to the plate.