If you haven't read it yet, take a look at "Don't Mess with Big Bird," which is a op-ed piece in the New York Times. (the link is here) In many ways it highlights and underscores some of the themes of the class. You see two competing social welfare functions. The election is a choice between them. I like the Big Bird world myself Others don't. But without Big Bird and some level of communal output, would we have a cohesive society where economic mobility is still possible?
I found this article very interesting, and I agree with a lot of what the writer is saying; the PBS is a big part of America and provides entertainment for those even less fortunate. I used to watch Sesame Street as a kid, and of course I loved it and learned so much from the show. I think that Romney, especially with the video leaking out about the poor, is poking again at the poor with this comment and suggesting to stop the subsidy to PBS. I can see why people are offended by this, and frankly it upsets me too, but I feel like there are a lot more deeper issues that we need to figure out first. Maybe this could be a temporary thing until the economy starts back up again, but I think the comment was unnecessary all together. I don't really even understand why he brought it up. Can anyone help me out here?
ReplyDeleteI agree with Maureen. There was no reason for Romney to make this comment. PBS has been part of the American culture for many years. We all grew up watching many of the shows in that channel and it is understandable why so many people are upset. Taking PBS out will not solve everything. There are more important things to focus on and Romney should think about that first.
ReplyDeleteI liked this article very much. PBS and Sesame Street are American staples that help to build a strong foundation of knowledge and character in this country. I think Mr. Romney missed out on the building good character part of growing up. I think PBS is one of the last things that the government should cut. The return on investment is incalculable, I have even watched PBS shows this quarter for college class; they are important.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Beth and everyone else’s comments. PBS is part of many children’s education. I also agree with the author of the article; Big Bird and the characters also taught me the alphabet and other basics. In the argument of social welfare, PBS is a learning channel for children all over America. Consider the child with parents who need to work instead of have the time to spend all day with their kid. The child is not able to received tutoring from his parents and rather watches TV during the day. If this kid were not watching an educational channel like PBS he or she would be watch TV less educationally based. I think some spending cuts need to be made, but Americans should be entitled to PBS.
ReplyDeleteBeyond the fact that PBS/NPR is a great source of cultural cohesiveness etc etc. The contribution to the two media outlets comprise 0.012% of the entire federal budget. This survey:
ReplyDelete(http://thenewcivilrightsmovement.com/one-in-ten-americans-think-pbs-gets-a-third-or-more-of-the-entire-federal-budget/politics/2012/10/06/50504)
is a little frightening in regards to public belief. And could possibly explain why Romney would make such a comment. 40% of Americans believe that PBS gets 1-5% of the federal budget, and a disturbing 7% think it makes up more than 50%...talk about misinformed. Romney was simply appealing to this misinformation in order to get poll numbers. At least this is what I hope, as the alternative, a disconnect with 81% of Americans age 2-8 is more disturbing....
What if we raised taxes on for profit television in order to pay for public television? Having a public option in the marketplace forces all of the other options to step up their game. The public deserves informational and relatively unbiased information, and if the networks do not provide these programs, we should be prepared to apply a sin tax to mindless dribble on television in order to subsidize education and to some extent art.
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