It was so very heartwarming to hear each of the approximately 20 people who were allowed to speak about this matter in the Public Comment section of the WETA Board meeting. One person after another got up and collectively gave dozens of utterly pursuasive reasons that classical music programming is needed in the DC area. Several people mentioned "Traditions" and Mary Cliff's contributions to the community specifically, to applause from the other speakers and the observers lining the walls.

The line- up of speakers was jaw-dropping: members of the NSO; the Washington Opera Orchestra; a representative of the instantly created ad hoc consortium of all the big-name musical arts groups in the area, including the 100-million dollar Strathmore Music Center which OPENED FIVE DAYS AGO. And the board members sat with inch-thick folders containing "a SAMPLING" of the letters and emails the station received over the past few days protesting this change.

How could the Board fail to be swayed by this glittering testimony? How could they vote other than to keep and expand WETA's community- based classical music programming? Little did I think these were just words spoken on the execution platform with the hooded man behind us. What a shock to hear from one of the people who was able to stay on until fter the closed session to witness the actual vote. "It did not go well". I could not believe my ears.