On July 18, the Republican controlled Congress passed a bill that eliminates two years of previously approved federal-funding for Public Broadcasting. Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB) lost $5 million – nine percent of its budget. Meanwhile, President Trump has spent an estimated $56 million tax-payer dollars to play golf during the past six months.
This bill wasn’t a money saving measure. It wasn’t passed to root out fraud or stop wasteful spending. It was passed by the sycophants of a tyrant because he doesn’t approve of the content – his lies cannot stand in the light of truth. This bill was a blatant attack on freedom of the press – a First Amendment Right.
OPB provides news, information, entertainment, and community connection through radio, television, and the internet. It provides warnings in rural areas about natural disasters. Big Bird and friends have taught children how to read, count and get along for fifty years. Federal funding allowed OPB programming to reach remote rural areas. OPB is brought to Tillamook through KTMK FM.
Without a strong independent source of news and information, one-source news that flatters the present administration will allow it to continue its abuse of power. Misinformation will be accepted as truth. Democracy as we have known it, and for which so many over these past 250 years fought and died, will decline.
Oregon Public Broadcasting needs the public’s support now more than ever (opb.org). The public needs Oregon Public Broadcasting more than ever before.
Sincerely,
Ruth LaFrance