No AC, I do not think NPR is essential, but it is a really great source of information. I am saying that cutting something that wasn't even receiving much $ to begin with is just a scam and yes, things do need to be cut and yes the government is spending too much on crap that doesn't help people. I think NPR helps millions of people get information and news and to cut this along with cutting many other programs that help people, especially poor people, like WIC, Planned parenthood and other types of programs is just like cutting parsley off of plate of meat and potatoes which are military and the like, which ends up cutting NOTHING and does NOTHING at all to help the huge budget crisis.