NPR

Of all the things on which I am uncertain in today's international landscape, I am certain that Americans are becoming less competitive comparative to the citizens developing countries. For every American college student without a lot of vision for his career, there are at least a dozen programmers, engineers, and other technical personnel from India, China, or the Philippines. Our population is moving regrettably toward complacency. Not that there isn't hope - America is still at the top of the pile and rules the world for creativity - but the next couple of decades need to see the resurrection of motivated work ethics and intelligence. Education reform would help.

It is for precisely this reason that I appreciate the existence of NPR - National Public Radio. I am a faithful listener - not because I agree with the (obviously and horribly liberal) bias, but because it is a broadcast center that favors and cultivates two vital aspects of culture: intellectual criticism and appreciation for the fine arts. If enough doctors, lawyers, businessmen and students make a practice of listening to their local NPR stations, America will have a better chance at competing with the rising stars of the third world in generations to come.

The key reason for this good word is that the content of the programs is so well selected. It is difficult to find a program that is not rich in old classical music, complete with the nomina opi and a brief history of the composer.

So I am a conservative in staunch favor of well-selected public broadcasting.