We have been down this road before…the potential death of Big Bird.
During the 2012 presidential election, former Massachusetts Governor and Republican nominee Mitt Romney was knocked for wanting to end funding for PBS, and thus ending the career of Big Bird. Romney, who was on a roll in the first head-to-head matchup with then-President Barack Obama, was mocked and criticized for wanting to get rid of the tax-free millionaire.
With the budget blueprint released by the Trump White House, it looks like Big Bird is on the chopping block again. And the world is coming to an end, according to the hysterical left.
Here is what The Hollywood Reporter writes:
“Other arts organizations like The Sundance Institute and The Recording Academy also raised objections to the budget plan Trump proposed that — in addition to eliminating the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which provides funding for PBS and National Public Radio stations — also proposed doing away with funding for the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities.
“The Hollywood unions that represent actors, directors, writers and other crew and craftsmen also all joined together to issue a joint statement urging lawmakers to preserve funding for PBS, NEA and NEH. The Directors Guild of America, SAG-AFTRA, the Writers Guild of America West and East and IATSE said that they ‘urge our nation’s leaders to preserve funding for the National Endowment for the Arts and Humanities and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. As a source of inspiration, action and economic growth our country’s arts are integral to our culture, our American identity and our democracy. Access to the arts has fueled generations of great Americans, uplifted communities and helped heal our nation’s great divides. Cutting federal support of these programs will not only hurt artists and those who benefit from their work. It will also send a damaging message to future generations about the power of art and its place in our culture.’
“In response to the proposed PBS cut, PBS president and CEO Paula Kerger argued that the cost of public broadcasting is small, especially compared with its benefits. The cost of public broadcasting amounts to $1.35 per citizen, per year, which is ‘less than a cup of coffee,’ Kerger told The Hollywood Reporter.”
If it represents just a cup of coffee per year then why can’t these government-funded entities get the willing public to pay for “Sesame Street,” PBS and, yes, Big Bird.
Even if the United States government stops handing out money to Big Bird, the profitable item will survive.
A private media company can buy the rights to the iconic character and a private organization can sell Big Bird products – Big Bird dolls, USB flash drives, Halloween costumes, Christmas ornaments, cameras, books and more – that can fly off the shelves at Toys ‘R’ Us stores across the country.
Indeed, ending funding for Big Bird will not result in a balanced budget, but it is a step in the right direction. The government should not be in the business of funding characters, entertainment shows or television networks.
Republican politicians have been threatening to chop off the bird’s head since Newt Gingrich was Speaker of the House. Perhaps it’s finally time to do it and be done with it! Let’s also cut military spending, entitlement programs and politicians’ salaries.
Leave a Comment