First off, that was in the 60s, so the number today would be something more like $150 million. Secondly - Pretty much every bit of the government budget is fought for. And should be. It is incredibly important that we have robust debate on government spending. At the time, children's programming, public television - These were unproven topics, and Fred was making some of the earliest debates for them.

And third: "Think of the children" is a classic fallacy all in itself, that bears no further explanation