NPR - slippery slope

Support NPR – but after my vent. A quarter of a century ago the conservative right took over and redefined the word “liberal” which to many meant (and still means) having compassion, acting fairly, promoting equality and defending against bigotry. And the left let them. It’s been a slippery slope since then. NPR is one of the last public voices of reason that doesn’t purport to be right or left, despite accusations from Fox and alike that they are “liberal” (said with a gnarly sneer). NPR actually is out to present facts and inform beyond 30-second sound bites. And also to survive. But during the past year, it has disheartened me to hear interviews during which extreme positions are voiced, particularly those on the far right, and are met by NPR interviewers with absolutely no challenge. The interviewer ignores them and moves on to some preset text – the next question on the list. I, the listener, stand mouth agape. I know this kid-glove treatment is designed to avoid antagonizing the right lest Congress cut the last few grains of NPR funding (a very small portion of the NPR budget). But here’s the thing. NPR will NEVER convince the republicans in Congress that it is fair and unbiased. Trying to do so will only jeopardize NPR's integrity and mission. NPR is the sole voice out there for many of us. I continue to support NPR despite my concerns. In the end, I am inclined to agree with Schiller that maybe we would be better off without federal funds if that’s what it takes to get NPR to stand up and have guts. As to NPR firing (‘letting resign’) Schiller, it would have been better to keep her on and let her present facts that supported her statements against the Tea Party made in that set-up interview. Has anyone criticized the people who perpetrate such setups?