The following letter was sent to Janet Dudley-Eshbach, president of Salisbury University, with a copy submitted to the Cape Gazette for publication.
I listen to NPR frequently; it addresses many issues that our nation and local communities are concerned about.
Some of the questions that members of the Delmarva community are concerned about involve the natural environment that we all live in and depend on for our livelihoods. How is our environment doing? Are we making progress in cleaning up the chemical pollutants that are draining into Delmarva rivers and the Chesapeake Bay resulting in the devastation of local fisheries? Are we developing new sources of renewable energy that may one day replace fossil fuels and reduce our carbon emissions? In short, are we being good stewards of Mother Nature upon which we depend, and without which we could not survive?
And, what about our business communities? Are we investing in our schools, colleges and universities in a way that will provide our children with the skill-sets that will match the needs of an occupational structure that is being rapidly changed in a world economy where technology is transforming and replacing human labor? How are the manufacturing, service and recreational sectors of our local economies doing? What about the housing industry - are we able to help some of those in our community who have lost their homes? Are we emerging from the building and real estate slump?
Are the political leaders elected to our local, state and federal legislative assemblies putting aside political bickering and responding to these challenges in a way that solves problems and provides us with confidence and hope for the future?
What about our cultural institutions? How are our writers, painters, sculptures and performing artists doing? Those of us who live in the Lewes/Rehoboth areas highly prize Clear Space, Coastal Concerts and the Rehoboth Art League, to mention only three. How are they doing? And, what about science and religion? Are we investing in scientific research in a way that will maintain our leadership in technological innovation? How are local churches and spiritual communities continuing to support the spiritual and material needs of families during times of scarcity, as well as reinforce the commonly held moral values that hold our communities together?
These are only a few of the issues that are addressed on a local and national level by the programming provided by Salisbury University NPR radio and news station WSDL 90.7 and classical station WSCL 89.5. These are the institutions that help bring our community together in a spirit of learning, a forum where we can discuss, debate, and maybe even have a positive impact on the events that are so important to our social lives here on the Delmarva.
I hope you will reconsider how much NPR radio means to our Delmarva community. Your listeners feel that it brings distinction and honor to Salisbury University and local pride to the people who listen in Delaware, Maryland and Virginia. It's a vital community asset that should continue to be supported by the University and it's NPR listeners.
Joseph R. Pearce
Lewes