This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
I was a little confused when I read John Hasson's letter, which called for an end to government funding of the Public Broadcasting Service ("Stop funding PBS," Forum, Feb. 23). Hasson wrote that he didn't want his tax dollars funding a news source on the "political left."
I wonder whether Hasson ever watches public television. After all, those late-night KBYU reruns of "Perry Mason," "I Love Lucy" and "My Three Sons" are mighty subversive. On the other hand, perhaps Hasson is concerned about KUED's lineup, which includes left-leaning shows like "Nova," "Antiques Road Show," and "Great Performances at the Met." Dangerous stuff, for sure.
Like Hasson, I'm troubled by how the government spends money. I'm miffed that churches — which have a long history of anti-intellectualism, discrimination, sexism and homophobia — don't have to pay taxes. Furthermore, my tax burden is larger because those who contribute to churches are allowed to deduct their donations. Talk about subsidy. Enough is enough!
We could easily afford PBS if we didn't give religion a free pass.
Ken Roach
Salt Lake City