CAT Tracks for February 24, 2004

CAT Tracks for February 24, 2004

NEA - A "TERRORIST ORGANIZATION"?

Mad Cow? Bird Flu? How about foot-in-mouth disease on the part of the U.S. Secretary of Education...

Paige calls NEA "terrorist organization"

From John King
CNN Washington Bureau
Monday, February 23, 2004 Posted: 7:12 PM EST

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Education Secretary Rod Paige called the National Education Association a "terrorist organization" Monday as he argued that the country's largest teachers union often acts at odds with the wishes of rank-and-file teachers regarding school standards and accountability.

Paige later issued a written release saying that statement, made during a conversation with governors, "was an inappropriate choice of words" but reiterated his criticism of the NEA and its Washington lobbyists.

An administration official said the secretary was "clearly joking" but he should not have used the "terrorist" label in taking issue with the NEA -- which is not only the largest teachers union but also a major player in Democratic Party politics.

Several Democratic governors were quoted after the session saying they were taken aback by Secretary Paige's strong language.

In his written release, Secretary Paige said:

"It was an inappropriate choice of words to describe the obstructionist scare tactics the NEA's Washington lobbyists have employed against No Child Left Behind's historic education reforms.

"I also said, as I have repeatedly, that our nation's teachers, who have dedicated their lives to service in the classroom, are the real soldiers of democracy, whereas the NEA's high-priced Washington lobbyists have made no secret that they will fight against bringing real, rock-solid improvements in the way we educate all our children regardless of skin color, accent or where they live.

"But, as one who grew up on the receiving end of insensitive remarks, I should have chosen my words better."

In a written statement, NEA President Reg Weaver said, "It is morally repugnant to equate those who teach America's children with terrorists. NEA is 2.7 million teachers and educators who are fighting for children and public education. Yet this is the kind of rhetoric we have come to expect from this administration whenever one challenges its world view."

Democratic National Committee Chairman Terry McAuliffe called Paige's words "hate speech" and said "President Bush and the Republican Party should immediately renounce" it.

"Secretary Paige has demeaned America's teachers and denigrated the men and women in uniform who are fighting a deadly enemy," he said in a written statement.

"It is a revolting attack on America's teachers to suggest that it is an act of terrorism to disagree with President Bush and to be outspoken advocates for students and teachers."

The NEA is headquartered in Washington where every year the organization spends about $1 million lobbying, according to The Associated Press.

The NEA and its political action committee donated $3.1 million to federal candidates and the two political parties in the last presidential election cycle, the AP reported. About 90 percent of those donations went to Democrats.

How do supporters of Secretary Paige feel about his remarks? An early indication is a release by The Education Intelligence Agency - a watchdog organization that gives regular bulletins on the evils of teacher organizations. Here is their Education Communique for February 23rd...

Secretary Paige Calls NEA "Terrorist Organization."
The Associated Press reported this afternoon that U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige called NEA "a terrorist organization" in a private meeting with several governors. Paige later apologized for his remarks.
If he had planned to say the stupidest possible thing when he entered the room, Paige could not have chosen better words. Not only was it wrong, inaccurate and an inexcusable application of the adjective "terrorist," but it enabled his political opponents to recast his slur as an assault on teachers. "We are the teachers, there is no distinction," said NEA President Reg Weaver. Democratic National Committee Chairman Terry McAuliffe accused Paige of "hate speech, comparing those who teach America's children to terrorists."
Secretary Paige and, by association, President Bush, will take a justified rhetorical beating from NEA and the Democrats from now until Election Day over this. In referring to the union that way, Paige tossed the pin and held on to the hand grenade. Whatever damage he sustains is self-induced and well-deserved.