Our president has decided to cut funding for RIF (Reading is Fundamental). This is the very program implemented in 1966 that gives free books to at-risk children and provides them the tools and support necessary to build a strong foundation in literacy. Without the government funding, the program will be crippled, and many children will fall through the literacy cracks.

As writers (and readers), we know the disturbing trend towards non-reading. How many of us know kids who didn’t even want to read Harry Potter–the most popular children’s book of our day–because they’ve “already seen” the movie? Cutting funding for RIF reinforces that belief, tells these kids that even the government doesn’t see reading as a crucial element in their lives.

If you’re as shocked and incensed by this as I am, please follow this link and click on the top right hand corner of their home page to send a letter to your congressmen/women. The letter is already written, all you have to do is sign–but there’s room to put in your own two cents, if you’re so inclined!

Hopping off my box, now. Have a good weekend, everyone.