It’s amazing how time-consuming contributing for different shows can be. In the long run it is worth it! I’m sure like other people on this site, television has touched each of us in one way or another. I can still remember episodes of cartoons that I watched as a kid and fond thoughts of PBS children’s programming also come to mind. Today I found myself contacting my legislators, once again, trying to fight for PBS. Washington wants to cut funding for PBS in such a way that would affect the broadcasting of early educational children’s programming. I consider PBS every bit as important as our public library system. It is an equalizer, available to anyone, regardless of socio-economic background. I would hate to see the chasm widen of the children who are ready for preschool and the ones who are not. Though many experts on early childhood development discourage little ones from even setting an eyeball on the TV, for most people it is just not realistic. My own nephew loves to watch Sesame Street, and we’ve both had a laugh at my Winnie The Pooh, “Think, think, think” antics while I’m reading to him. Something he identifies with when he watches “Winnie” on DVD. I would much rather have this positive programming available for children then to subject them to watching soap operas or Jerry Springer. My mom was a regular “Days” fanatic while I was growing up. I shake my head as I realize twenty-some years later and Bo and Hope still can’t get it together. Where did the time go? If you have some time this week get in contact with your elected officials and remind them that early childhood programming on PBS is still important. For some children it may be the only positive and educational influence they are subjected to in their early life before school starts. "It's such a good feeling to know you're alive. It's such a happy feeling: You're growing inside. And when you wake up ready to say, "I think I'll make a snappy new day." It's such a good feeling, a very good feeling, A feeling, you know that I’ll be back When the day is new And I’ll have more Ideas for you And you’ll have things you’ll want to talk about I will too." -Ending song to Mr. Roger’s neighborhood I can’t imagine how different my childhood perspective would have been if PBS had not been there…