1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

The recent efforts to eliminate funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and PBS are short-sighted and misguided. PBS serves as an invaluable resource, especially for rural communities where it may be the only accessible channel. It provides crucial programming like children's education, continuing education for adults, homeland security information, crop reports, and emergency weather alerts. Cutting this funding would deprive many Americans of access to these essential services. Moreover, PBS allows documentary filmmakers like Ken Burns the time and resources to produce in-depth, high-quality work that mainstream networks would not support. His iconic films on American history and culture have educated and inspired millions. Losing PBS would be a tremendous loss for educational media and cultural preservation. PBS represents the best of American values - providing universal access to information and enlightenment from the ground up, reminiscent of the ideals expressed in the Declaration of Independence. It is a public good that serves all citizens regardless of location or economic status. Defunding this invaluable institution would be an inexcusable mistake that undermines core democratic principles. I urge you to protect funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and ensure PBS can continue its vital mission.