Should taxpayers support PBS?

By Tom Quiner

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wt5YRexag1o]

I am writing this as I watch the 25th anniversary concert of Les Miserables.  I’m a huge fan of this musical. I am enthralled by the magnitude of the production. I am grateful to PBS for broadcasting this magnificent concert.

They are running this show as the centerpiece of their fund drive. I hope they raise a ton of money to keep this kind of programming coming.

PBS broadcasts a number of shows I love and regularly watch, like Masterpiece Theater and M1-5.

In light of this endorsement of PBS, do I advocate taxpayer support? No, I don’t for two reasons.

For one, by my understanding of the Constitution, it is not a proper role for the federal government.

Even more, some programming on PBS has a political slant I don’t like.

PBS has used a slogan in years past that says: “if we don’t do it, who will?”  The answer is: the private sector would. I like the idea of fans of PBS donating money to support the wonderful artistic programming carried on PBS. Let’s keep tax dollars out of the picture.

Now, sit back and enjoy the classic song from Les Miz: Bring Him Home.