On the recordOctober 3, 2011
For two decades documentary filmmaker Ken Burns has been helping America understand who we are. Tonight, in the Visitors Center, there is a 5 o'clock reception and a 5:30 special screening of his new documentary on prohibition. He's had amazing productions dealing with the Civil War, baseball, jazz, the national parks, but this, I think, is going to be perhaps his best. Based on what I saw last night, nothing is more timely, more profound for the challenges that we face today. And I can't wait for the next two episodes that will be aired tonight at 8 p.m. and again tomorrow. Thank you, Mr. Burns. Thank you, PBS. Thanks to previous Congresses for support and the ``pre-funding'' that allows long-term projects like this. Here is another example of the unique and critical role played by public broadcasting, and Congress should make sure that it continues. ____________________
