I ran across this on CNN's web page. Note the amount of money the NEA gives to Dems.

From CNN:

From John King
CNN Washington Bureau
Monday, February 23, 2004 Posted: 7:12 PM EST (0012 GMT)

Rod Paige
Story Tools

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.

 

Calling them terrorists is a bit far fetched .For the record,I don't think the republicans have done a whole lot in reference to education.Sounds more like a campaign speech than anything.IMO. Looks like Paige is trying to blame the democrats for everything.I think there is enough blame to go around on both sides.

 

The NEA is for the NEA, what the teachers want or what is best for the children is not one of their priorities.

 

I agree. Calling them terrorists was a bad choice of words. I do, however, like the idea that somebody has the guts to attempt to take on the NEA. Having been their victim in a local school board election campaign, I got to see first-hand what a dirty trick organization they truly are. And, I also found that many good teachers wouldn't say a word against them, publically, even though they knew they were acting inappropriately. AFAIC, if they weren't part of the solution, they were part of the problem.
As for the Republicans and education, they just got in bed with Ted Kennedy and passed the No Child Left Behind legistaltion. How "soiled" would you like them to get?

 

Truer words were never spoken. Here in highly unionized Yankeeland, they are extremely militant to the detriment of the the students, schools and district.

 

I have seen this "quote" floating a round for a couple days but other then the words "terrorist organization" no one quotes the entire sentence it was used in. Anyone have that?

 

I agree. Certainly there exists much worse, and more appropriate words with which to describe them.