As a citizen, as voter, and as a taxpayer, I write to oppose the current White House efforts to defund the Public Broadcasting System (PBS) and National Public Radio (NPR).  

I have come to depend upon NPR daily to keep me abreast of local, national, and international events, pique my curiosity, settle my mind, stretch my thinking, and bring me the up-to-date information I need to make wise decisions. I also find its approach to be listen-worthy.

There are no loud and condescending commercials. In addition, I tune in to WPBS in Watertown or Mountain Lake Public Radio for a variety of educational and entertaining programs.

These media are made available to me through my tax dollars and with my donations. They are services I seek, need, support, and want. 

 Our public television stations continue to offer a unique variety of local programs such as  Whiz Quiz, Roadside Adventures, and Veterans Coming Home. 

Besides delivering emergency alerts, North Country Public Radio is award-winning and has served our communities with balanced, in-depth coverage of area issues. During the Ice Storm of 1998, people tuned in to get updates and emergency information.

Many also tuned in for the call-ins from people trapped at home without electricity and other services. Such emergency programming sets public radio apart from all the others.

I urge all who have political/legal power to support PBS and NPR and keep both operating. Oppose all efforts to defund them!  

Carol Ann Kissam, Colton