Sen. Boxer on PBS cuts: 'Republicans have a vendetta against Elmo'

The Hill ^ | 03/01/11 11:08 AM ET | Josiah Ryan

[BradtotheBone]

Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) said Tuesday that House Republicans want to strip government funding of PBS because they have a "vendetta against Elmo."

Boxer made the comments during a floor speech where she made the case for her bill that would ensure that the president and lawmakers are not paid if a government shutdown occurs.

Boxer said that the cost of four hours of the Iraq war would be enough to keep PBS funded — and the popular fire-red children's character on the air.

Boxer believes that the GOP has more than just a vendetta against Elmo. She added that Republicans hold a "vendetta against healthcare" and a "vendetta against clean energy."

House Republicans last month passed a bill that would strip government funding for both National Public Radio and PBS.

[tanknetter]

Just how much does Sesame Street merchandise make every year???

Enough to pay for itself, CTS (or whatever they call it these days) and a good portion of the cr*p that's out on PBS.

Sesame Street is a PROFIT CENTER for PBS. I really wish that someone would point that out to demagogues like Boxer in the setting of a public hearing.

[Twinkie]

Rosie O’Donnell was on with Elmo one time. She made some sort of a semi-sex joke. Elmo, to his credit, didn’t miss a beat - said, “ROSIE! I’m ONLY four years old!!” - I suppose he’s still four, so that’s not realistic.