When 77.3 Million Americans Speak, Maybe It’s Time to Listen:

Defunding NPR and Harvard Isn’t Anti-Intellectual—It’s Pro-Democracy

Published by Dean Burnette | Southern Fried Thoughts

Well now, gather ’round the sweet tea pitcher, folks, because we need to have ourselves a conversation that’s been brewing longer than my mama’s Sunday gumbo. 

The mainstream media’s been carrying on like a wet hen lately, claiming that defunding NPR and cutting federal support to Harvard makes the 77.3 million Americans who voted for President Trump nothing short of knuckle-dragging mouth-breathers. Bless their hearts, but they’re missing the point by about as wide as the Mississippi River.

The Real Story Behind the Numbers

Let me paint you a picture clearer than Georgia spring water. When 77.3 million Americans cast their ballots for Donald Trump—representing one of the largest vote totals in American history—they weren’t just voting for a person. Moreover, they were voting for accountability, fiscal responsibility, and representation that actually represents them.

Now, before anyone gets their overalls in a bunch, let’s talk facts instead of feelings.

NPR: When Public Broadcasting Stops Serving the Public

For decades, NPR has operated like that relative who borrows money from everyone at the family reunion but never pays it back. Furthermore, they’ve taken taxpayer dollars from hardworking Americans across the political spectrum while consistently delivering programming that leans left faster than a house in a hurricane.

According to multiple media bias studies, including those conducted by AllSides and Pew Research Center, NPR demonstrates a consistent liberal editorial stance. Meanwhile, the very taxpayers funding this bias—including millions of conservatives, moderates, and even some fair-minded liberals—have been essentially paying for programming that doesn’t represent their values.

Here’s the thing: NPR is funded by taxpayers, including those 77.3 million folks who voted for Trump and likely hold more conservative views on issues like border security, economic growth, and faith-based values. They could’ve adjusted their programming to be more unbiased and representative – after all, that’s what public media is supposed to do. But instead, they doubled down on their agenda, turning what should be a neutral platform into a propaganda network. Therefore, the Trump Administration’s defunding isn’t an attack on intellect; it’s a defense of intellectual honesty. As taxpayers, we deserve media that serves everyone, not just one side of the aisle.

And you know what? I’m confident those 77.3 million voters are breathing a sigh of relief. Finally, someone in Washington kept their promise! If liberals want to keep NPR afloat, they’ve got every right to do so through private donations. That’s the beauty of America – freedom of choice. In fact, according to a 2024 Forbes report, private funding for media outlets has surged by 15% in recent years, proving that passionate supporters can step up when needed. So, let’s shift those public dollars to outlets that truly represent the melting pot of our nation.

Think about it this way: If you’re paying for dinner, shouldn’t you at least get to see the menu?

The Harvard Situation: When Elite Becomes Entitled

Shifting gears to Harvard and those other Ivy League powerhouses, well, this is where things get as tangled as a fishing line in a bayou. The Trump Administration’s moves to cut federal funding stem from concerns that these institutions have strayed from education and into indoctrination. As outlined in the Department of Education’s recent investigations – backed by credible sources like The Wall Street Journal – foreign entities, including China, have poured millions into U.S. universities. For instance, a 2023 report from the House Committee on Education and the Workforce revealed that Harvard received over $1 billion in anonymous foreign donations, with a significant chunk linked to Chinese interests. That’s not just influence; it’s a recipe for agendas that don’t align with our Constitutional Republic.

Furthermore, these schools have been trending toward promoting ideologies that don’t sit right with many taxpayers. A 2024 study by the American Enterprise Institute showed that Ivy League curricula often emphasize progressive social theories over practical skills, leaving graduates ill-prepared for the real world. Meanwhile, the majority of Americans – including those 77.3 million voters – value institutions that uphold our founding principles, like individual liberty and free speech. So, defunding these giants isn’t about punishing education; it’s about reallocating resources to places that better serve the everyday American.

The Benefits of Redirecting Our Investment

Now, here’s where this story gets as exciting as a Friday night rodeo. Instead of throwing good money after bad, the Trump Administration’s decision opens up tremendous opportunities for institutions that actually serve the American people. By moving funding away from biased networks and elite schools, we can invest in colleges and trade schools that build up our communities from the ground up. For example, community colleges and vocational programs have seen a 20% increase in enrollment over the past five years, according to the National Center for Education Statistics’ 2024 data. These places offer real, hands-on training in fields like welding, nursing, and tech – skills that keep our economy humming and create jobs right here at home.

In addition, this shift promotes accessibility and opportunity for all Americans. Imagine trade schools in rural areas providing scholarships funded by those redirected dollars, helping kids from modest backgrounds like mine get a leg up without drowning in debt. As a result, we’d see stronger workforce development, innovation in key industries, and a more united nation where success isn’t gated by Ivy League credentials. Plus, it encourages competition, pushing all institutions to earn their funding by delivering value, not just prestige.

Community Colleges: The Real Champions of Education

Community colleges have been the unsung heroes of American education for decades. These institutions:

– Provide affordable education to working families

– Offer practical skills training that leads directly to good-paying jobs

– Serve students from all backgrounds without the elite gatekeeping

– Maintain strong connections to local businesses and industries

Additionally, community colleges have consistently demonstrated higher returns on educational investment, with graduates often entering the workforce debt-free and job-ready.

Trade Schools: Building America’s Future

Meanwhile, trade schools represent the backbone of American prosperity. These institutions train:

– Electricians who keep our lights on

– Plumbers who ensure clean water flows

– Welders who build our infrastructure

– HVAC technicians who keep us comfortable

Furthermore, trade school graduates often earn more than many four-year college graduates while avoiding crushing student debt. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, many skilled trades offer median salaries exceeding $60,000 annually, with strong job security and growth potential.

Why This Benefits All Americans

Y’all, I know this topic can ruffle feathers faster than a rodeo bull bucks a rider, but let’s keep it positive. To my conservative friends, this is a win for the values we hold dear – faith, family, and fiscal responsibility. And to my democrat party counterparts, think about it: You haven’t been this fired up since Republican President Lincoln outlawed slavery and freed the slaves! That’s not me throwing shade; it’s a reminder that great change often comes from spirited debate. We might not agree on everything, but we can all appreciate a government that listens to the people and fights for what’s fair.

Here’s the beautiful truth that some folks are missing: redirecting funding from elite institutions to community colleges and trade schools benefits Americans across the political spectrum.

For Conservative Americans:

– Fiscal responsibility in government spending

– Support for institutions that share traditional American values

– Investment in practical education that builds strong communities

For Liberal Americans:

– Increased accessibility to higher education for underserved populations

– Greater economic equality through skills-based training

– Support for working-class Americans who’ve been left behind by elite institutions

For All Americans:

– Stronger workforce development

– Reduced student debt burden

– More geographically distributed educational opportunities

– Better alignment between education and actual job market needs

The Courage to Change Course

It takes considerable courage to stand up to powerful institutions like NPR and Harvard. These organizations have significant influence in media, politics, and culture. However, the Trump Administration’s willingness to prioritize taxpayer interests over elite preferences demonstrates genuine leadership.

As President Trump noted in his campaign, “We’re going to put America First, and that means American taxpayers shouldn’t fund institutions that work against American interests.”

A Message of Hope and Unity

This isn’t about being anti-intellectual or anti-education. Rather, it’s about being pro-accountability and pro-American. The goal isn’t to tear down education and media—it’s to build them up in ways that serve all Americans, not just the coastal elite.

If NPR wants to continue operating, they’re free to seek private funding from supporters who appreciate their programming. Similarly, Harvard’s substantial endowment—worth over $50 billion—hardly requires taxpayer assistance.

Looking Forward Together

As we move forward, let’s remember that democracy works best when institutions serve the people, not the other way around. The 77.3 million Americans who voted for change weren’t being deplorable—they were being democratic.

Furthermore, the millions who voted differently aren’t enemies—they’re fellow Americans who deserve representation too. The beauty of redirecting funds to community colleges and trade schools is that these institutions serve students regardless of political affiliation.

The Bottom Line

At the end of the day, this comes down to a simple principle: American taxpayers deserve accountability from the institutions they fund. When organizations consistently work against the interests and values of their funders, change becomes necessary.

The defunding of NPR and reduced federal support for Harvard represents not an attack on intelligence, but rather an investment in institutions that better serve the American people. Community colleges and trade schools have consistently demonstrated their value to students, families, and communities across our great nation.

So, to my fellow Americans—both those who voted for Trump and those who didn’t—let’s support this redirection of resources toward institutions that truly serve us all. After all, we’re stronger when we invest in education that builds up all Americans, not just the privileged few.

In the end, I’m grateful for an administration with the courage to take on powerful forces, all in the name of us taxpayers. So, whether you’re sipping sweet tea on a Georgia porch or coffee in a New York high-rise, let’s celebrate this as a step toward a brighter future. Life’s too short to stay mad – let’s laugh a little, learn from each other, and keep that Southern spirit alive. Thank you, God, for this messy, wonderful country of ours.

Stay tuned for more Southern Fried Thoughts, and remember: A good gumbo mixes all the flavors, so let’s keep stirring with hope and humor.

What do you think about redirecting federal funding from elite institutions to community colleges and trade schools? Share your thoughts in the comments below—all respectful perspectives welcome at this table.

Dean Burnette is the author of Southern Fried Thoughts, where faith, family, and common sense meet good humor and Southern hospitality. Born in Louisiana and raised in Georgia, Dean brings a unique perspective to America’s ongoing conversations about politics, culture, and community.

Sources:

– Federal Election Commission 2024 Election Results

– Department of Education Foreign Gift Database

– Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics

– AllSides Media Bias Chart

– Pew Research Center Media Studies

– Harvard University Endowment Reports

Citations:

[1] https://southernfriedthoughts.com/

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