Ken Burns: A CPB Cut is 'Purely a Show Trial, and We Don't Do That In America'
AP reports something that's not very shocking: hallowed liberal PBS filmmaker Ken Burns (in between his Kennedy tribute films for Democrat conventions and the tens of thousands in donations to Barack Obama and other Democrats) is decrying Republicans for a "show trial" atmosphere in proposing cuts to public broadcasting subsidies:
"I just don't think they have fully thought through what they're doing," Burns said of House Republicans who want to eliminate or significantly reduce funding for the arts, humanities and public media. Such cuts would devastate film producers, he said.
Burns said Americans should know funding for public media is an "infinitesimal percentage" of the federal budget — less than the cost of a fighter jet each year. Such cuts won't reduce the nation's deficit or balance the budget, he said.
"Anyone going after that is just exercising political expediency," he said. "This is purely a show trial, and we don't do that in America."
If Burns were on trial for expediency, we might wonder why this man with a deep love for Ted Kennedy ("the little engine that could") would base his wealth-making (oops, film-making) operations in Walpole, New Hampshire instead of Massachusetts. Could it be....New Hampshire has no state income tax? This is how the AP story began:
Ken Burns has a slew of documentary film projects planned for the next six years — from a history of the Dust Bowl to a series on the Vietnam War — and he says they depend on funds from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Funding for the humanities and for public broadcasting has been targeted for deep cuts in Congress. Burns was scheduled to testify at a House hearing Wednesday, but it was abruptly canceled amid stalled budget talks.
More than a third of the budgets for Burns' acclaimed PBS projects come from grants through the humanities endowment or public broadcasting funds, he said. He has made documentaries on baseball, the National Parks and World War II. A $1.3 million grant helped him make "The Civil War" series in the 1980s, and that money was repaid within two years through sales of his work.
I would place great emphasis on the millions Burns makes "through sales of his work" -- and be skeptical of the idea that he "repaid" a federal grant. When I testified alongside Burns at a House hearing in 1999, he emphasized how his money mostly came from corporations like General Motors.
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Comments
Here's My Two Cents On Mr. Burns
Submitted by Bourbeau on Sun, 04/10/2011 - 9:22am.
Show me the numbers; all of the numbers, regarding your income from projects supported by the US taxpayer; your charitable contributions, and your income taxes for the past ten years. That's it!!! Before I shed a tear for any of these people, i want to see real numbers about how they make their living, what they give back, and why they can't seem to look beyond their own back yard when it comes to decreased goverment funding. They're always ready to preach what others have to do, but it seems they are never included in that scenario, it's always someone else's problem.
A little bit here and there...
Submitted by okiehawk44 on Sun, 04/10/2011 - 9:31am.
Ken Burns it may be a trivial amount of money to you but when combined with other trivial amounts it adds up to trillions upon trillions. You really sound like a child demanding more allowance from parents who are unemployed and facing eviction.
America is broke Ken Burns -- maybe you can do a program about that and let the program about the Dust Bowl wait for awhile -- oh and it would be a nice gesture if not an absolute necessity that you pay for this yourself. We don't have any money out here to give you anymore.
Once again libs are caught up
Submitted by eaglewingz08 on Sun, 04/10/2011 - 9:44am.
Once again libs are caught up in their lies and contradictions. Burns says that the cuts to CPB would devastate filmmakers, while at the same time liberals from CPB and NPR claim that the feds support is minimal. So if the support is minimal they could not be devastating. So we have a bunch of babies whining that the government teat will no longer be available to them. And why should the government teat be available, if these projects are so worthy, they would be funded.
Did little kenny get
Submitted by Willis_Leon_Johnson on Sun, 04/10/2011 - 9:49am.
Did little kenny get government support when he wuz bein' edjukated in maken films?
Did he pay it back with interest?
OR, did he considur the tens of thousands of OUR DOLLARS as a gift to him becuz he iz so spayshull?
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?
Wonder why Ken doesn't learn anything from his documentaries.
Submitted by Red Jeep on Sun, 04/10/2011 - 9:50am.
I guess nothing new gets into a liberal's mind once their world view is established.
Ken was boasting this week on Morning Joe that he is a new grandfather and father too! Strutting peacock.
Public broadcasting may have
Submitted by sublight68 on Sun, 04/10/2011 - 9:54am.
Public broadcasting may have served a purpose when the only other options were the three networks, but not today.
PBS used to have a tagline along the lines of, "if we don't do it, who will?" Well, dozens -- hundreds -- of cable outlets, that's who.
If the programming is commercially viable, which Sesame Street, Ken Burns documentaries and others no doubt would be, then sell them to Discovery, Nickelodeon, TLC, etc. If not, don't make me pay for them.
we might wonder why this man
Submitted by motherbelt on Sun, 04/10/2011 - 10:01am.
we might wonder why this man with a deep love for Ted Kennedy ("the little engine that could") would base his wealth-making (oops, film-making) operations in Walpole, New Hampshire instead of Massachusetts. Could it be....New Hampshire has no state income tax?
Well, Tim, you have to remember that the income tax that he would have to pay in Massachusetts is an "infinitesimal percentage" of that state's revenue, so they have no need of it.
I always love how liberals talk out both sides of their mouths, calling for all of us to not grouse about taxes while they do all they can to reduce their own burden. For the rest of us who don't have that option....tough.
Why this man by motherbelt
Submitted by NVRAT on Sun, 04/10/2011 - 10:22am.
BINGO! Love it motherbelt, you have a great way with the truth. Kind of reminds one of Senator Keary and his big beautiful boat.
motherbelt has radar
Submitted by Blonde on Sun, 04/10/2011 - 10:33am.
That works better than that which is on our fighter jets.
She always hones in on exactly THE big lie or THE idiocy of a piece.
I'd love to see her debate one of these idiots like Bill Maher. He'd melt into the little puddle of goo that he is.
Handy Reference Guide to Obama's Gaffes and Goofs ~ Currently Numbering 200 (and Counting)
GOO?
Submitted by ricklail on Sun, 04/10/2011 - 10:46am.
I know you wanted to say a steaming pile of Kiffen
Yes....Kiffen
Submitted by Blonde on Sun, 04/10/2011 - 12:11pm.
Quite so.
Handy Reference Guide to Obama's Gaffes and Goofs ~ Currently Numbering 200 (and Counting)
Great point, MB
Submitted by Galvanic on Sun, 04/10/2011 - 8:51pm.
The rich liberals are masters at taking advantage of every tax-avoidance they can.
John Stossel's recent special on "Freeloaders" highlighted a few celebrities who use legal tax-subsidies and tax-write offs minimize the property tax on their mansions, including working-man's champion like Bruce Springsteen and Far Left wingding Ted Turner.
We need to defund all of this tiny line item stuff
Submitted by Blonde on Sun, 04/10/2011 - 10:04am.
Like Harry Reid's Cowboy Poets and whatnot.
Where is the "national interest" in a Nevada event? Or one in Florida, for that matter. I think we should go as far as to charge for our military's participation in Air Shows...after all, they expend huge amounts on jet fuel for these events. I understand they use them as a recruiting tool and training events, but since these are for-profit events for the organizers, the government ought to receive some reimbursement for fuel costs.
I would go so far as to say that we ought to charge admission at the Smithsonian Museums for non-Americans, as they do in Costa Rica at the museums. We're taxpayers, we fund these museums, so we should have free admission to our "National Treasures", but charge the foreign tourists. National Parks charge, which is as it should be. Raise the rates, those who use the parks should pay for them.
We need to destroy this "gimme" mentality. Starting with the professional political class and Hollywood celbutrash.
Handy Reference Guide to Obama's Gaffes and Goofs ~ Currently Numbering 200 (and Counting)
Ken Burns... overrated
Submitted by Cactus Kurt on Sun, 04/10/2011 - 10:05am.
I've never understood all the hoopla surrounding Ken Burns. His long-winded, publicly funded "documentaries" are mediocre at best. His National Park series was atrocious. Ken, we get it, John Muir wandered around Yosemite... he's not God (although, ironically, he believed in God).
I wonder...
Submitted by MidAmerica on Sun, 04/10/2011 - 10:11am.
How would the Liberals feel if congress authorized funding for a series of specials produced by Glenn Beck?
Heh, heh...
Submitted by Red Jeep on Sun, 04/10/2011 - 10:19am.
Bingo....That is a terrific and to the point question.
Glenn Beck? Are you serious? That fool? Have you lost your mind? The blackboard guy? etc., etc....
Yeah, double bingo on that
Submitted by SickofLibs on Sun, 04/10/2011 - 10:26am.
.
I love these types of comments,
Submitted by Radical1979 on Sun, 04/10/2011 - 10:16am.
Burns said Americans should know funding for public media is an "infinitesimal percentage" of the federal budget — less than the cost of a fighter jet each year. Such cuts won't reduce the nation's deficit or balance the budget, he said.
How can any cut in spending not reduce the deficit? Is Burns that stupid or does he believe the American people are that stupid?
And if they don't think we can afford to cut PBS and NPR there is nothing we can afford to cut. These are two of these least "necessary" programs we have.
I'd imagine
Submitted by Tugboat Phil on Sun, 04/10/2011 - 2:32pm.
that he has no comment on the money made by selling DVDs of PBS programs. Any guesses as to the percentage of that sales profit that is returned to taxpayers?
My guess would be
Submitted by Radical1979 on Sun, 04/10/2011 - 3:48pm.
The same amount of money returned to PBS through the sale of Tickle Me Elmo dolls. Which is the same amount of money I get back when I loan my teenager money.
Ken is a great documentarian, but,,
Submitted by brutony1 on Sun, 04/10/2011 - 10:23am.
Hes a friggin LIB! His docs on The Civil War and Baseball, as compelling as they may have been, were filled with liberal talking points, and by the time he got to The War, he would do whole segments of his left winged diatribes that pretty much blamed American for WW2! Esp when he'd get on his rants about segregation, our treatment of American Indians, the imprisonment of Japanese-Americans, blah blah blah! Stick to the subject, Kenny, and leave your personal politics out of it! And from now on, USE YOUR OWN MONEY!
When will liberals WAKE UP AND SMELL THE COFFEE! -Me
You contradicted yourself
Submitted by dreamsincolor on Sun, 04/10/2011 - 11:14am.
He can not be a great documentarian if he is biased.
He is completely biased.
He produces propaganda, not documentaries.
Excuse me,,
Submitted by brutony1 on Sun, 04/10/2011 - 3:38pm.
I meant as far as a documentarian is concerned, NOT as a fact-checker, impartial autuer, and historian. Michael Moore at one time could be considered that, but y\ou wont get me to admit hes full of facts and impartiality, would you? Theres a difference. Burns can be entertaining, and present his stories in a smooth-flowing, informative manner. BUT, while most of what he does can be compelling viewing, theres always those shots and as of lately, long-winded rants disguised as "facts" against anything pro-American! Thats NOT great storytelling, but they rest of it can be construed as great documentary.
When will liberals WAKE UP AND SMELL THE COFFEE! -Me
A demand for the impossible
Submitted by Unsane on Sun, 04/10/2011 - 9:45pm.
Looking for an unbiased documentarian?
Wow. Good luck....
"CONSUMED DEMOCRACY RETURNS A SOCIALIST REGIME" - Slayer, "Fictional Reality", from Divine Intervention (1994)
I agree, brutony 1
Submitted by Galvanic on Sun, 04/10/2011 - 9:16pm.
Burns' Civil War series rejuvenated the documentary genre with compelling story-telling and a deep respect for the subject. The Baseball series was also outstanding.
But perhaps Ken Burns has fallen into the trap that many successful creators have fallen into: With success comes more focus on personal viewpoint. None of his work since CW and Baseball rises to the high standards he had established.
The Civil War series was good, but...
Submitted by Unsane on Sun, 04/10/2011 - 9:47pm.
The Baseball series was disappointing. I say that because if one watches it, one will come away with the attitude that you shouldn't even bother attending or watching baseball today, for its glory days are LONG past.
"CONSUMED DEMOCRACY RETURNS A SOCIALIST REGIME" - Slayer, "Fictional Reality", from Divine Intervention (1994)
Movie producers devastated?
Submitted by Patriot II on Sun, 04/10/2011 - 10:33am.
Not half as devastated as those of us that have seen the absolute garbage put out of recent years! These embeciles couldn't make a good, clean , decent movie if their lives depended on it! The same goes for 99% of the trash on TV!!!
Show Trials Mr Burns?
Submitted by Comrade Jim on Sun, 04/10/2011 - 11:02am.
If "exercising political expediency," is a "show trial" to Ken Burns then he should acknowledge that we do have show trials in America. The Democrats and the MSM are practically in a constant mode of "political expediency." That is what all their staged events in front of the cameras are about. Furthermore, cutting an item from the budget hardly bears a resemblance to anything that can be called a show trial.
new subject for Mr. Burns....
Submitted by MidAmerica on Sun, 04/10/2011 - 11:34am.
It looks like the US and it allies are headed for defeat in Libya. I'm sure this would make a great documentary on the the arrogance and international bullying that has caused the rest of the world to hate us. The bungling of the obama Whitehouse needs to be exposed by a wide ranging serious look at the misuse of American power. With some glossy classroom handouts it will make a terrific educational experience for our school children.
no!
Submitted by jaywl on Sun, 04/10/2011 - 11:52am.
If MooMoo wins he either will be "reformed" and invited to a state dinner or the line served up will be "if those Europeans had only continued the winning policies of the Obama administration..." We will be AMAZED!
The Basic Problem
Submitted by jaywl on Sun, 04/10/2011 - 11:46am.
The first Burn's quote exemplifies the basis of liberal reasoning and why they will never change. He said "I just don't think they have fully thought through what they're doing..." In other words "they" don't think correctly or enough. If we did redouble our efforts at thinking, we would no doubt begin to believe as the liberals believe. I believe this: Had Wm Buckley heard that statement we would have seen his eyebrows rise and a (right) side half-smile form in anticipation of a delicious rejoinder. But, of course, today' MSM journalists let such balderdash slide by as if it were just common knowledge. As long as liberals think an opposing viewpoint can not be valid, at all, they will never change or compromise.
This morning on NPR
Submitted by StarAZ on Sun, 04/10/2011 - 1:07pm.
They were talking about what loser issues the "Republican" social issues were in the last go-round. I think they might have left out no public funding for CPR--yes, they did leave it out! Just stuck with how Republicans obviously hate women bec they don't want to pay for PP birth control and breast exams. But NPR is not slanted at all--no sir!
Why?
Submitted by Model850 on Sun, 04/10/2011 - 5:25pm.
Ken Burns has a slew of documentary film projects planned for the next six years — from a history of the Dust Bowl to a series on the Vietnam War — and he says they depend on funds from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Why do his planned projects depend on public funding?
Hundreds of films are produced every year in Hollywood without one red cent of taxpayer money funding them. Let him raise money like other producers do, from studios, private investors and maybe corporations.
For that matter let him self-finance his projects.
He Is Right That Union Productions Would Take a Powrful Hit
Submitted by Avitar on Mon, 04/11/2011 - 3:43am.
We are trying to promote "Indy" productions. Cheap video making without the central planing.