WP: Education Chief Defends Payments to Pundit

[kskiska]

Education Secretary Roderick R. Paige yesterday defended payments to a conservative black commentator to promote the No Child Left Behind law as a standard "outreach effort" to minority groups who stand to benefit most from the Bush administration's showcase education program.

Paige, the nation's first African American education secretary, said in a statement that he was deeply disturbed by the publicity surrounding the $240,000 contract. He announced an investigation by the Department of Education's inspector general to clear up any unresolved issues so as not to "sully the fine people and good name of this department."

A Senate Appropriations subcommittee overseeing education spending has asked the department to turn over records relating to the payments to Armstrong Williams, a conservative television personality, to plug the education law. The panel reminded the department of a federal ban on spending public money for "propaganda" purposes.

The ranking Democrat on the House Education and Workforce Committee, Rep. George Miller of California, criticized Paige for not apologizing or pledging to put an end to "covert propaganda efforts."

more…
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A7707-2005Jan13.html

[The Backlash Cometh]

1. It was a pay-off, a bribe, just like the voucher system itself.

There's no real science behind anything the Republicans offer. Just money to buy off people who might resist.

[Dickie Flatt]

2. COMPLAIN TO THE FCC

Use this letter (scroll down a bit) from the good Roger Ailes.

Send it to these folks:
Chairman Michael K. Powell: [e-mail]
Commissioner Kathleen Q. Abernathy: [e-mail]
Commissioner Michael J. Copps: [e-mail]
Commissioner Kevin J. Martin: [e-mail]
Commissioner Jonathan S. Adelstein: [e-mail]
Department of Justice: [e-mail]

To help spread this, recommend these Kos diaries: 1, 2

[UpInArms]

7. thanks

done

:thumbsup:

[Robbien]

8. Yes, we need to keep this issue alive

If this issue fades before Crew gets the FOIA, then nothing will come from any information found in the FOIAs.

also write to Paige and ask him to get our money back:
http://www.pfaw.org/pfaw/general/default.aspx?oid=16842&action=1642

[MisterP]

3. the only evidence showing NCLB techniques work was forged by Paige!

[Cha]

4. Oh, Fuck him! Why did armstrong get fired

then if it was so on the up and up? Because it's on the low down..that's why.

[Erika]

5. Bush administration is so arrogant!

Their motto is never admit wrong doing and never apologize.

[autorank]

6. At long last, have they no sense of shame...of course not!!!

Roddy P is auditioning for some Faux job, no?

[JetCityLiberal]

9. "deeply disturbed by the publicity"

Welcome to the real world Mr. Paige.

We are deeply disturbed with your reckless disregard for public education and misuse of taxpayer dollars.

And we will NOT shut up.

but the twice appointed DESERTER will leave you hanging out to dry.

The buck NEVER stops with w.

JetCityLiberal

[Robbien]

10. Paige has not pledged to put an end to the propaganda

all he seems to care about is to not "sully" his department. Too late, the horses have already left the barn. What a crock. Sir, you dragged your department through the dirt by paying for the propaganda.