Donating a Million to a PBS Station Called 'Patriotic Philanthropy'

February 8th, 2014 6:58 AM

Billionaire David Rubenstein recently announced he was donating $1 million to PBS superstation WETA (based in Arlington, Virginia). WETA is telling its members that this should be considered "Patriotic Philanthropy."  Rubinstein is a lifelong Democrat who served four years as a domestic policy adviser to President Jimmy Carter. 

"I think all philanthropy in many ways is to be thought of as patriotic because generally when you're helping your fellow man, you're helping your country," Rubenstein said. No one considered what a dramatic clash that is with leftist bilge on PBS, like Bill Moyers asserting in 2003 that wearing U.S. flag pins reminds him of communist China: 

Moyers proclaimed:  "The flag's been hijacked and turned into a logo -- the trademark of a monopoly on patriotism. On those Sunday morning talk shows, official chests appear adorned with the flag as if it is the good housekeeping seal of approval. And during the State of the Union, did you notice Bush and Cheney wearing the flag? How come? No administration's patriotism is ever in doubt, only its policies. When I see flags sprouting on official lapels, I think of the time in China when I saw Mao's little Red Book on every official's desk, omnipresent and unread."

Rubinstein's statement for the station touted the unique "power of public media" to offer "intelligent content" that educates the citizenry (as opposed to producing liberal propaganda that keeps the federal money flowing):


"I believe in the power of public media to be a force for education, fostering an informed citizenry and sharing the vibrant culture and rich history of this country. Under Sharon Rockefeller's leadership, WETA has operated at the highest standards and with ambitious goals. [Sharon Rockefeller, the longtime president of WETA, is the wife of Democratic Sen. Jay Rockefeller.]

I hope that my gift will serve as a beacon to others, recognizing the unique role public media plays in our society and supporting the creation of intelligent content in service to the American people.

"I think all philanthropy in many ways is to be thought of as patriotic because generally when you're helping your fellow man, you're helping your country," Rubenstein said. - See more at: http://www.weta.org/support/david-m-rubenstein-fund#sthash.VVFTavDR.dpuf