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Maybe I'm wrong about it, but don't you think folks want to hear a clear message along the lines of:

"In good times, everyone spends money a little bit liberally and America certainly has tried to do that with the idea of a public radio system that brought unbiased news to all Americans. It was a good idea then and it has served us well.

Unfortunately, today, too many Americans are worried about their jobs and financial futures. Everyone, including government needs to reappraise their spending and cut fat where it needs to be cut. Today, NPR/PBS has grown into adulthood and with digital technology beyond the capabilities of many corporate media outlets, they are able to solicit donations and trust money from a wider range of willing donors than was ever possible at their inception.

With such marvelous abilities, the time has come to send a favorite child out of the house and into the world to make it on its own. Every American understands this concept and, indeed, practices this as we prepare our children for responsible adulthood. Today is the day that we mark the graduation of the NPR/PBS experiment of thirty years ago.

As Americans tighten their economic belts and hunker down for the war against terrorism, they also look to their government to lead the way by practicing the leadership of example. Observing this principle, we salute the good work of PBS/NPR and wish them the best in their independant role. Thank you and good night."