Kendra S. Horn: “whenever a measure that affects a broad spectrum of America comes before the House, our offices are inundated with…”

“whenever a measure that affects a broad spectrum of America comes before the House, our offices are inundated with calls, letters, and telegrams. The proposed budget cuts to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting [CPB], National Public Radio [NPR], and the Public Broadcasting System [PBS] have sparked just such an outpouring. While we are all familiar with the various letter-writing campaigns that produce mail bags full of mass-produced--usually computerized here in Washington--letters and cards, this has not been my experience with those who write to tell of their support for funding public television and public radio. What I have received is letter after letter--personally conceived and written--each telling how the proposed budget cuts would affect them. As we all know, these are the ones that touch our heart and our conscience. What these letters demonstrate is that public broadcasting opens the world to its listeners and viewers in a way that commercial radio and television have never been able to do. The letters show that funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting is not an arts issue, nor one of entertainment or communications. It is far broader. The letters I have received tell me that funding for public television and radio is a seniors issue--an education issue--a children's issue--a community issue. Most important, these letters are the voices of public broadcasting's viewers and listeners. They are the voices of America.”