[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 20 (Tuesday, February 24, 2004)]
[House]
[Page H519]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  SECRETARY OF EDUCATION SHOULD RESIGN

  (Ms. McCOLLUM asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, yesterday the Secretary of Education 
branded the 2.7 million teacher-strong National Education Association a 
``terrorist organization.''
  Mr. Paige's words were a hateful comment, beneath the dignity of any 
Cabinet Secretary. Rather than trying to achieve the highest standards 
of civility, setting the best example for American children, Mr. 
Paige's ``teachable moment'' was to stand in the White House and vilify 
the NEA and America's teachers by labeling them terrorists, in effect, 
enemies of America.
  This vile language was no joke. It was not insensitive. In fact, it 
was a deliberate attack, an example of neo-McCarthyism at its worst.
  The Secretary's words harmed public education, and they were clear in 
their intent to threaten the millions of American citizens that the NEA 
honorably represents.
  It is time for Mr. Paige to resign.
  Resign now, sir.

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