1. United States
2. Iowa
3. Letter

I am writing to express my outrage and deep disappointment over the decision to rescind funding for public media. This heartless move—driven by partisan politics and shortsighted cruelty—will have devastating consequences for millions of Americans, especially our children. You have chosen to shut off one of the few remaining sources of free, accessible, educational programming for families who can’t afford cable or internet streaming services. For many rural and low-income communities, PBS Kids is not just “TV”—it’s a lifeline. Public television has helped generations of children learn how to read, count, empathize, and dream. What kind of representative cuts off "Sesame Street" and "Arthur" from children in need? You are pulling the plug on their learning, imagination, and future. The NPR article from July 18, 2025, lays out in no uncertain terms that this funding rescission was fast-tracked by the Trump administration and quietly rubber-stamped by Congress. Local stations are already preparing to go dark. Thousands of journalists, educators, and technicians will lose their jobs. Rural Americans will be left without reliable access to emergency alerts or unbiased news. How is that “America First”? This is nothing less than an attack on public service. Moreover, your actions stand in direct contradiction to Christian values. Jesus taught us to care for the least among us—to feed the hungry, to teach the children, to serve our neighbors. Public media does that. It informs the public honestly, without profit motive. It provides educational tools to families regardless of income. It amplifies diverse voices and encourages civic dialogue. That’s not just “liberal media”—that’s Christ-like service. So why would any representative who claims to be guided by faith support such a cruel, selfish cut? If your goal is to silence truth, dismantle public education, and punish the poor, then congratulations—you’ve succeeded. But do not dare call yourself pro-family, pro-freedom, or pro-Christ while doing it. Your job is to serve the public good. Restoring full funding to NPR, PBS, and local affiliates is the bare minimum if you intend to represent the interests of decent, moral people in this country. I urge you to reverse course before more harm is done.