ABC and NBC Resort to Using ‘Bert and Ernie’ and ‘Big Bird’ to Undermine Effort to De-Fund NPR
Demonstrating how the mainstream media are an obstacle to any efforts to make any cuts to any federal spending, NBC and ABC on Wednesday night resorted to citing Sesame Street characters as potential “casualties in a war over culture and spending cuts,” without any regard for how the Children’s Television Workshop is a huge generator of revenue from corporate donations and product sales, as NBC’s Lisa Myers went so far as to exploit the kids of the nation:
With American children already falling behind, public broadcasting supporters fear Bert and Ernie could become a casualty of the political wars.
With House conservatives hoping to eliminate funding to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which funds PBS and NPR stations and production projects, Myers warned: “Officials say some stations would go under. Also at risk, programming like Sesame Street.”
On ABC’s World News, Jake Tapper had invoked “Big Bird and Elmo,” asserting:
The CEO of NPR submitted her resignation today. Their chief fundraiser was also shown the door. They're casualties in a war over culture and spending cuts that threatens the very existence of public broadcasting, including Big Bird and Elmo. The rain clouds gathering over Sesame Street today are due in no small part to this man, NPR now former senior vice president for fundraising, Ron Schiller...
The end of a story on the March 9 NBC Nightly News, as transcribed by the MRC’s Brad Wilmouth:
LISA MYERS: NPR says it gets only two percent of its budget from taxpayers. Most of the federal money -- 71 percent -- goes to local public TV and radio stations. Losing that would hurt.
RALPH JENNINGS, WFUV RADIO GENERAL MANAGER: I think we would survive without the money. Would we do as good a job as we do now? Absolutely not.
MYERS: Officials say some stations would go under. Also at risk, programming like Sesame Street.
PATRICIA DE STACY, CORPORATION FOR PUBLIC BROADCASTING CEO: We have studies that prove our programs get these children ready for school, ready to learn.
MYERS: With American children already falling behind, public broadcasting supporters fear Bert and Ernie could become a casualty of the political wars.
February 15: “ABC News Frets Over PBS Cuts: 'Big Bird on the Chopping Block?'”
— Brent Baker is Vice President for Research and Publications at the Media Research Center. Click here to follow him on Twitter.
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Comments
If American children are
Submitted by kareling on Thu, 03/10/2011 - 10:19am.
If American children are already falling behind, then obviously Bert and Ernie and the rest of the PBS crowd aren't doing them any good, anyway. All the more reason to defund.Bingo
Submitted by Red Jeep on Thu, 03/10/2011 - 10:52am.
Of course in Liberal land if something doesn't work then there wasn't enough money spent or the right people weren't doing it. Maybe Bert and Ernie need more funding, or the right people aren't manipulating them, or...Big Bird, Bernie and Ernie....
Submitted by adamsmith on Thu, 03/10/2011 - 10:20am.
Burt and Ernie and Big Bird can go suck it. Two percent is two percent. I don't want to fund this crap. Kids are more uneducated today than ever. I blame teachers unions as much as Bert and Ernie...I wonder if Big Bird is mostly white meat??????As Steny Hoyer says....
Submitted by Blonde on Thu, 03/10/2011 - 10:23am.
...."it's only pennies".
Tell you what. We'll keep our pennies. Because as I used to say, "if you take care of the pennies, the dollars will take care of themselves".
Handy Reference Guide to Obama's Gaffes and Goofs ~ Currently Numbering 200 (and Counting)
NPR this AM defend O & Gas, Muslims & Border agents
Submitted by MaximusBraveheart on Thu, 03/10/2011 - 10:43am.
When I got up this AM in 2 back to back stories, two stories of total BIAS and NO balance!
At about 7am CST (KVTT 91.7 FM Dallas) was a HUGE SPIN story defending Obama on gas prices (it went on & on for minutes!). Someone needs to research this "news story" and do a thread on it!!! To NPR The REP side was just accusations but then NPR comes back with all these "facts" supporting Obama. I kid you not. (Opened up drilling to many, many places, production up, no way our drilling would help as we only have 3% of the oil) No wonder Libs think he is doing great when they hear this c&ap!
This needs to be researched and countered! There were NO quotes of O saying gas prices need to rise. No balance at all! Congress do something! This is PURE politics and we are paying for such "objectivity!"
At about 7:10AM CST NPR had a real sympathy story for US Muslims crossing the border back into the USA.The horror of them being asked QUESTIONS! And they set up border agents going across just to get the story and then gave the reason as being tourist I think. Is that legal to lie? Then they had a recorder running & put it on the air. Is there a sign saying no recording? I thought there was...
Someone please post sound clips of these as they are classic NPR & from this very day. Even after the removal of the shills... Brent was right that is makes no difference with them gone.
Please post ALL NPR bias in an NPR bias thread! This should be a 24/7 job & with updated thread till NPR is gone.
-- Maximusbraveheart -- Is TRUTH knowable? Moral Relativism is the abandonment of Truth. Truth is knowable. Truth conforms to Reality. Reality is observable by evidence & witness in this day & from history. Relativism is Sesame Street play land.
If the "news" networks won't cover it
Submitted by gwalt on Thu, 03/10/2011 - 11:09am.
Someone needs to get some ads placed or some stickers made----Obama Wants You To Pay $4 a Gallon. Or: Like Your $4 a Gallon Gas? Thank Obama. It's His Fault. Bam! This needs to be hung around his neck. Also: Isn't Sesame Street a private corp? I thought I had read that. My kids used to watch it on Sprout, a Comcast owned station. So we don't need PBS to see it."A lot of briefing for a 2 hr. special with Dan Rather. Saw the show & wonder why we bothered". Ronald Reagan
Blonde..
Submitted by adamsmith on Thu, 03/10/2011 - 10:27am.
That's one of my favorite sayings...Thank you....Adam
Submitted by Blonde on Thu, 03/10/2011 - 11:40am.
With a name like that, why am I not surprised? :)Handy Reference Guide to Obama's Gaffes and Goofs ~ Currently Numbering 200 (and Counting)
The claims by the MSM don't
Submitted by Beukeboom on Thu, 03/10/2011 - 10:31am.
The claims by the MSM don't hold water for even in the worst-case scenario and ALL PBS stations go dark, there are several cable networks that would pick up Sesame Street for airing. Furthermore, all PBS shows are effectively duplicated in style and content either on cable or in syndication (or both). When PBS was initially funded by federal dollars (e.g. -- taxpayers' money) the overwhelming majority of homes that had television received programming via television antennas thereby limiting the amount of choices for viewing. Cable television's explosion of the number of cable channels as well as satellite television has made PBS obsolete and undeserving of federal funding.that would be a problem
Submitted by MissMinPhx on Thu, 03/10/2011 - 1:33pm.
For those of us who refuse to pay even a dime to the cable or satellite companies, that would be a problem ... I would hate to lose the good quality programs that PBS puts out and see them commercialized (here's an example - did you know that SpongeBob was originally written as an educational program about sea life? Look what happened when Nicolodeon got hold of it and commercialized it - it lost any educational value it once had). What PBS does for children's programming is a good thing - it is different from their biased news programming. On the other hand, I don't think it is likely that PBS will "go dark." They can easily survive without federal funding by increasing advertising or changing their format and selling ad space for shows like every other channel. PBS is not obsolete, there are many people who can not afford cable or simply chose not to have it (then there are countless others who cannot afford cable yet have it anyway). We cut off our cable years ago and never looked back and our family is far healthier without it.Quality programming funds itself
Submitted by Slyrr on Thu, 03/10/2011 - 10:38am.
If the shows on PBS and NPR are as 'quality' as boasted, they can fund themselves. Popular is popular. If the shows suck (and they DO), then no one will watch them and they'll die out. Do liberals say any show that gets cancelled should get federal tax funding so the handful of fans who support them won't 'suffer casualties'? Of course not. Shows live and die and get cancelled all the time. As was proved with religion, you can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink (unless you're a Demorat). Even if they fund S. Street forever with a permanent blank check from taxpayers, it won't be any more watched than it was before. Democrats are admitting that they're using tax money so perpetuate failure. If the shows can't survive on their own, they're failures. Shiller said they don't NEED the money. For once, we agree. Cut off their funding. In this time of crisis, debt and reckless Obama policy, the country can't afford to waste any money of cowboy poetry or Big Bird.It is pretty clear to me they
Submitted by MaximusBraveheart on Thu, 03/10/2011 - 11:52am.
It is pretty clear to me they can fund themselves no problem. They just need to CHARGE more for the ads they already run. Can't you just charge what you want, just like Progressives tax just like they want? High is not high enough! There is always more need (generated).-- Maximusbraveheart -- Is TRUTH knowable? Moral Relativism is the abandonment of Truth. Truth is knowable. Truth conforms to Reality. Reality is observable by evidence & witness in this day & from history. Relativism is Sesame Street play land.
All these MSM outlets wish...
Submitted by P. Aaron on Thu, 03/10/2011 - 11:07am.
...they had the earning power of Sesame Street characters.Crying over spilled milk and cookies?
Submitted by Tomorama on Thu, 03/10/2011 - 11:21am.
Maybe Bert and Ernie an Big Bird can use some of 221 million they make on sales? I detest libtards for using the typical "it's all about the children" lies. Maybe they are just the children themselves?Good point! THEY are the
Submitted by MaximusBraveheart on Thu, 03/10/2011 - 11:54am.
Good point! THEY are the children! LOL. So true. Just like the teachers protesting "for the children." What a JOKE!-- Maximusbraveheart -- Is TRUTH knowable? Moral Relativism is the abandonment of Truth. Truth is knowable. Truth conforms to Reality. Reality is observable by evidence & witness in this day & from history. Relativism is Sesame Street play land.
Bullshyt!!!
Submitted by Patriot II on Thu, 03/10/2011 - 11:41am.
Bert and Ernie can move out of their foreclosed home just like the rest of America!!!They live in a rent control
Submitted by Beukeboom on Thu, 03/10/2011 - 1:33pm.
They live in a rent control apartment in lower Manhattan. Both collect disability which explains why they have no jobs.When the TAXPAYERS get a 75%
Submitted by Willis_Leon_Johnson on Thu, 03/10/2011 - 12:06pm.
When the TAXPAYERS get a 75% cut of the profits from all pbs shows, THEN I might consider there position as 'valid'.End 'gun violence in America' - Require training and MANDATORY "Shall Carry" by every Citizen.
If harry reid is the best person to lead the senate, what does that say about the other 99 senators?
Well,
Submitted by almostacowboy on Thu, 03/10/2011 - 12:11pm.
ABC and NBC are run like a "children's television workshop".Can you say "Conflict of Interest"
Submitted by nkviking75 on Thu, 03/10/2011 - 12:59pm.
ABC is owned by Disney. The Muppets are owned by Disney. Can you say "Conflict of Interest"? I wonder what the producers of Sesame Street pay Disney for the use of Muppets? I wonder what both organizations make off Elmo alone?“Always love your country — but never trust your government!" -- Bob Novak (1931-2009)
When you put the clowns in charge, don't be surprised when a circus breaks out.
Where does the money go?
Submitted by Peter-in-NYC on Thu, 03/10/2011 - 1:20pm.
Here is the problem with PBS and Sesame Street... they don't manage their money well. This is from the Sesame Workshop Website:
*******************
Does Sesame Workshop Make Sesame Street Toys, Videos and Other Products?
No. Sesame Workshop grants licenses to a variety of trusted manufacturers who create toys, apparel and other products featuring our characters. Sesame Street books, videos and educational toys enable us to extend the learning beyond the television viewing experience. Other products, such as diapers, pajamas and party supplies, offer a fun way for children and their caregivers to interact with their favorite Sesame Street characters. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of these items comes back to the Workshop and is used to support our programs and initiatives around the world.
Doesn't Sesame Workshop Get All the Money it Needs from Sesame Street Merchandise?
Sesame Workshop receives a portion of the proceeds from licensed manufacturers' sales of Sesame Street toys and other merchandise. While this income does constitute a significant and crucial share of our overall funding, it fluctuates based on the the retail market's demands and the economy's overall health. Even in the best of times, this income only partically covers the cost we incur with our domestic and international work. In addition to Sesame Street, the Workshop has developed and implemented programs that help children learn and grow in countries as widespread as South Africa, Egypt, Mexico, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh. And as we continually expand our efforts to help educate children around the globe, the Workshop seeks to broaden its base of support through individual donors, philanthropic support, and corporate underwriting.
***************************
OK, so they grant licenses... well, raise the license fees. Charles Schultz made a zillion dollars from Snoopy and Charlie Brown stuff. Clearly Sesame Street is doing something wrong.
But then it shows, the money goes to South Africa, Egypt, Mexico, etc.
Maybe if they didn't send the money overseas they wouldn't need to beg for dollars in the USA. If that doesn't prove they are liberals, I don't know what will. Let's recap.
They need money from tax dollars so they can support programs in other countries, yet have a cash cow and can't get enough cash from it. Do we even want these people to teach our children... ANYTHING?
Notice they didn't give any
Submitted by Beukeboom on Thu, 03/10/2011 - 1:36pm.
Notice they didn't give any hard numbers or percentages on what that "portion" actually is. Could be 10% but then again it could be 85% as well. The omission of any hard facts in their self-published Q&A and the vagueness in the wording is most likely intentional to make it sound like they are a humble little company barely making it by.My kids grew up with PBS
Submitted by MissMinPhx on Thu, 03/10/2011 - 1:22pm.
I love PBS programs for children .... "Word Girl," "SuperWhy," "The Electric Company," and even "Sesame Street" are great shows that DO a lot of good for kids. Watching these programs helped my kids better comprehend the lessons they were learning in school - like sounding out letters, etc. I support PBS with monthly donations, and this is the way it should be. Federal money should play little or no part in funding, aside from grants, which the Children's Television Network can apply for just like any other group or organization. What they do IS good for kids. What PBS does in the name of news, is not good. But to answer the question raised by CBS and ABC, "is now a good time to cut funding for these programs when American schoolkids are failing," .... television, much as the networks hate to admit, is not the answer to our failing school system. The problem is much, much deeper than that.Could you please provide an
Submitted by Willis_Leon_Johnson on Thu, 03/10/2011 - 1:33pm.
Could you please provide an example of a Constitutionally ENUMERATED "grant" of TAXPAYER monies?End 'gun violence in America' - Require training and MANDATORY "Shall Carry" by every Citizen.
If harry reid is the best person to lead the senate, what does that say about the other 99 senators?
I am no expert
Submitted by MissMinPhx on Thu, 03/10/2011 - 1:39pm.
but www.grants.gov lists all the grants that are available from various taxpayer-funded agencies, including the National Endowment of the Arts grants. When we put an end to earmarks, what did you think would happen? Organizations that normally receive earmarks will simply apply to various federal agencies for grants, and grants will increase. That said, federal grants have always been around, but they are less controversial than earmarks because agencies apply for them through a process that is open to scrutiny.And the Constitution
Submitted by Willis_Leon_Johnson on Thu, 03/10/2011 - 1:51pm.
And the Constitution ENUMERATES those powers to the federal government that are not denied to the federal government. What that means is, IF any program is not specifically ENUMERATED (spelled out) to the federal government, the federal government does not have the power to fund it, regulate it, control it, or legislate it. So, nearly all "grants' from federal agencies are UNCONSTITUTIONAL. The money does not 'belong' to the federal government, it belongs to the PEOPLE and it is the responsibility and duty of the federal government to spend the PEOPLES MONEY in a Constitutionally Authorized manner.End 'gun violence in America' - Require training and MANDATORY "Shall Carry" by every Citizen.
If harry reid is the best person to lead the senate, what does that say about the other 99 senators?
100% correct Willis. Grants
Submitted by bassndude on Thu, 03/10/2011 - 2:04pm.
100% correct Willis. Grants are a purview of the States, not the Federal Government. Education is also a State power. The EPA, is also not legally able to control the environment of individual states. There is a lot of Federal regulations governing things that are a question for the States to regulate.
Save a SeAL, club a liberal/troll!!
Uh, OK, but regardless ....
Submitted by MissMinPhx on Thu, 03/10/2011 - 2:17pm.
the federal government issued about $5 billion in grants through about 1,000 agencies last year alone (these figures are not even hidden from the public). This is nothing new ... it's been going on for decades. I'm not arguing whether it is constitutional or not ... but personally, I'd rather a state, nonprofit agency or other organization apply for federal money through an open grant process than receive a back-door earmark.I would rather the agencies
Submitted by bassndude on Thu, 03/10/2011 - 3:34pm.
I would rather the agencies you mention do like other nonprofits do. Ask the public and cut the feds out of the picture here. Every time the feds issue a grant, taxes go up. Lets do away with that. The states better know what areas need a grant within their own borders. The feds give it to anyone for any reason and ask for no accountability.
Save a SeAL, club a liberal/troll!!
that's an issue
Submitted by MissMinPhx on Thu, 03/10/2011 - 4:15pm.
you need to take up with your congressman/woman, not with me. I didn't create the federal grant process and have no control over it. Yes, I prefer it over earmarks - if the money is going to be spent, let the process be open and transparent and not political. Like it or not, the grant process has been with us for a very long time. Most nonprofits and even some state agencies know that the federal government is the biggest issuer of grant monies. And yes, I agree, nonprofits need to raise their own money - and most do a great job at it - but federal grants have always been there as an option and more nonprofits (and states, municipalities ... sheriff's departments, etc.) do a lot of good with that grant money. You might want to look at what the Pinal County Sheriff's Department here in Arizona is doing with its federal grant money (or other law enforcement agencies) before you knock the system.So? Any violation of the
Submitted by Willis_Leon_Johnson on Thu, 03/10/2011 - 4:47pm.
So? Any violation of the Constitution is perfectly fine with you as long as you agree with the outcome? What happens if somebody else gets the feds to violate the Constitution in their favor and you and your family end up dead? It happened at Ruby Ridge and Waco. The restrictions are placed on governments by the Sovereigns that hold power over the governments. If you do not understand that particular little concept, then perhaps you should invest in a private tutor and learn the values and principles that this nation was founded on. It's a real eye opener.End 'gun violence in America' - Require training and MANDATORY "Shall Carry" by every Citizen.
If harry reid is the best person to lead the senate, what does that say about the other 99 senators?
What are you talking about?
Submitted by MissMinPhx on Fri, 03/11/2011 - 12:52am.
I am not a constitutional scholar nor do I pretend to be one. My comment pertains to PBS producers applying for grants in accordance with this country's rich history of providing grant funds to organizations, states, municipalities, agencies and people (such as Pell Grants, Arts Grants, etc.). I am not advocating violating the constituion nor am I taking the word of an anonymous blogger that this longstanding tradition is in anyway a violation of the constitution.In other words, you approve
Submitted by Willis_Leon_Johnson on Fri, 03/11/2011 - 1:40am.
In other words, you approve of the 'grants' simply because congress has thrown the Constitution out the window quite some time ago? As I said earlier, EDUCATE YOURSELF. I do not want you to take my word for anything. I provided enough details for YOU to make the effort to LEARN on your own. I, or any of a number of other users here can quote chapter and verse but until YOU MAKE THE EFFORT, you will not learn it. As far as being a "Constitutional scholar", the Constitution was specifically written so that even the poorest educated among us could understand their RIGHTS and the limits placed upon the various governments, including very strict limited powers to the federal government It's an easy read, takes less then an hour. And again, it's a real eye opener when you realize that the 'rights' claimed by some people are nothing more than bunched up panties.End 'gun violence in America' - Require training and MANDATORY "Shall Carry" by every Citizen.
If harry reid is the best person to lead the senate, what does that say about the other 99 senators?
Nor should you MissMinPhx.
Submitted by The Vet on Fri, 03/11/2011 - 7:43am.
MissMinPhx: ...nor am I taking the word of an anonymous blogger that this longstanding tradition is in anyway a violation of the constitution
Willis_Leon_Johnson is a misogynistic idiot. The United States Constitution is a founding document that lays the framework of our government, lists the guiding principles, and enumerates* the personal rights of the citizens in the Bill of Rights. It is not a document that we can roll up and use to beat another poster just because she happens to think Sesame Street is good for her kids.
There is nothing in the Constitution that prohibits smacking an idiot like Willis_Leon_Johnson upside the head with a Stupid Stick. That power is left to the states. However, if you ever should catch him in Washington DC BAM. Right in the brain pan. It is why the constitutional cultist cretin won't visit the actual document he likes to beat people with here. Washington DC is not a state. He did try and visit Washington DC 14 years ago. He got beat so often and so hard with the Stupid Stick, he still bears the indentations in his skull to this day.
Enjoy your time here MissMinPhx.
Sincerely,
A Veteran of a 1000 Psychic Wars.
* I used that word just to poke the idiot. enumerate is a word not a hallowed principle.
Awww, now ain't that
Submitted by Willis_Leon_Johnson on Fri, 03/11/2011 - 1:28pm.
Awww, now ain't that sweet? veteran on a 1000 psychic wars, and loser of 1001 of them. The Bill Of Rights are better known as THE FIRST TEN AMENDMENTS to the Constitution. The Constitution is THE CONTRACT among ALL the States that "enumerate" the powers, all other powers are denied to the federal government and "RESERVED TO THE STATES, OR TO THE PEOPLE, RESPECTIVELY". It comes from knowing the subject matter little feller.End 'gun violence in America' - Require training and MANDATORY "Shall Carry" by every Citizen.
If harry reid is the best person to lead the senate, what does that say about the other 99 senators?
Willis---
Submitted by matthewdean on Fri, 03/11/2011 - 7:00pm.
IIRC, didn't your boat loaded with "Constitutional expertise" get blown out of the water last year? Not the actual words; just your interpretation of some of them?Whatever. Prove me right.
Submitted by The Vet on Fri, 03/11/2011 - 10:22pm.
I say he is a turd that uses the constitution to harass other users. He then acts like a turd and harasses me with the constitution. Whatever turd.
At least you aren't picking on a woman that just came here to say her children like Big Bird and she thinks that is good because they learn from Big Bird.
Typical of nearly all your
Submitted by Willis_Leon_Johnson on Fri, 03/11/2011 - 10:31pm.
Typical of nearly all your posts lately non-vet. You have nothing of value to add to any conversation, just personal attacks because you think it makes you feel important. Go play with J.Frank for a while, he is your intellectual equal.End 'gun violence in America' - Require training and MANDATORY "Shall Carry" by every Citizen.
If harry reid is the best person to lead the senate, what does that say about the other 99 senators?
At last fwankie don't pick on women.
Submitted by The Vet on Fri, 03/11/2011 - 10:35pm.
I already said whatever. Sheesh.Calling The Vet a non-vet---
Submitted by matthewdean on Fri, 03/11/2011 - 10:52pm.
is a personal attack, there, bozo.
Compared to The Vet, you contribute absolutely nothing to these threads; so I wouldn't get too high on that horse.
Now I remember why you disappeared for so long; other posters caught on to your BS.
MD
Whoops. Missed this one.
Submitted by The Vet on Sat, 03/12/2011 - 9:54am.
Someone has a copy of the Troll Bible, New Testament.
16. Whine that others' posts aren't relevant. Nevermind that you have never had anything of interest to say evah. Dead Zippers: ...do you have something relevant to post? Willis_Leon_Johnson: You have nothing of value to add to any conversation....
Vet
Submitted by Radical1979 on Fri, 03/11/2011 - 10:35pm.
Yep, willis just wanted to smack someone, I guess he figured a new woman would be an easy target. I certainly don't see he running after the trolls we frequently have outbreaks of. Nope, just after another conservative. This is for you Vet http://www.historic-uk.com/HistoryUK/Kenilworth-NormanLife2006/Knight-wh...Bert and Ernie might be better off on their own....
Submitted by redright88 on Thu, 03/10/2011 - 2:28pm.
.....they've been sleeping in those same goddamn beds for 40 years.You bet. Burt, Ernie, Elmo
Submitted by forest on Thu, 03/10/2011 - 3:24pm.
You bet. Burt, Ernie, Elmo and the rest must be tiring of being used as Bill Moyers meal ticket. Children's Workshop would be profitable on it's own. "Tickle me Elmo" still sells. "Tickle me Bill Moyers" not so much. How must it feel to be a serious super-smart intellectual journalist and have to mooch off the proceeds of a children's program. Pathetic.Ironic juxtaposition
Submitted by Model850 on Thu, 03/10/2011 - 4:42pm.
If the actual on-air conversation flowed as presented in the transcript then it resulted in a laughable, ironic juxtaposition of contradictory points:
PATRICIA DE STACY, CORPORATION FOR PUBLIC BROADCASTING CEO: We have studies that prove our programs get these children ready for school, ready to learn.
MYERS: With American children already falling behind, public broadcasting supporters fear Bert and Ernie could become a casualty of the political wars.
Patricia claims their programs "get these children ready to learn." Myers contradicts that idea and states "American children [are] already falling behind...." I guess Patricia's programs aren't doing all that great a job after all.