Fred Thompson, the Education President?
Fred Thompson, the Education President?
by Alexander J. Madison - September 18, 2007
All the candidates from both political parties have emphasized the need for better education. It is plainly obvious that many, if not most, public schools across America are sub-par. Sub-par not only relative to schools abroad, but when judged against the rigors of American schools of yesteryear. The Democrats and Republicans, in theory, differ greatly when it comes to federal funding of education. Ronald Reagan, as well as the conservative wing of the party, wanted to get rid of the Department of Education altogether, while the donkeys have long howled about the supposed lack of spending on schools.
The so-called crown jewel of
However, a closer examination of the curricula currently being passed off as "education" shows that science and logic and classical economics have taken a back seat to fluff, in many cases. Multicultural flim-flam - from ethnic studies, to lesbian empowerment, to 'revised' history – has invaded nearly every campus. The federal government is also responsible for piling on a load of crap. They offer cold hard cash if said institution will establish a program that pays homage to the 'vision' and history and agenda of some politician or 'civic leader'.
One would think that Republicans would be immune from this nonsense. And one would certainly think a man claiming to be a federalist would resist coughing up taxpayers' hard earned money for such endeavors. Well, let us examine the record of Fred Thompson on the subject of education.
In the 104th Congress, Fred's first, he cosponsored with Senator Frist and Carol Mosely Braun a bill to spend money refurbishing historically black colleges:
S.1940, Title: A bill to authorize appropriations for the preservation and restoration of historic buildings at historically black colleges and universities.
A noble gesture perhaps, but certainly not a nod to a colorblind society. There were numerous small, historical campuses across the country that were NOT predominantly black that could have used some federal cash. Yet Thompson, Braun and Frist saw fit to propose $65 million over 4 years for these grants. Of course, it helps motivation when
The following Congress, the 105th, found Mr. Thompson teaming with Bill Frist, Susan Collins and about 15 other Senators for something called the Education Flexibility Amendments of 1998, S.2213. This legislation sought to amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, purportedly to offer the states more flexibility in meeting federal performance mandates. Sounds good, until you read the details. In Tiltle I, it does indeed tweak the edges of previous education law, allowing for more waivers for local school districts. However, the real purpose of this misnamed legislation was to create two federally funded endowments, each with $3 million in seed money for fiscal year 1999:
Title II: OREGON INSTITUTE OF PUBLIC SERVICE AND CONSTITUTIONAL STUDIES. - From the funds appropriated under section 206, the Secretary is authorized to award a grant to Portland State University at Portland, Oregon, for the establishment of an endowment fund to support the Oregon Institute of Public Service and Constitutional Studies at the Mark O. Hatfield School of Government at Portland State University.
TITLE III--PAUL SIMON PUBLIC POLICY INSTITUTE - GRANTS- From the funds appropriated under section 306, the Secretary is authorized to award a grant to Southern Illinois University for the establishment of an endowment fund to support the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute. The Secretary may enter into agreements with the University and include in any agreement made pursuant to this title such provisions as are determined necessary by the Secretary to carry out this title.
But apparently, one bill making endowments was not sufficient in the Education budget. Fred and Frist and Kennedy proposed S.2638, "To provide support for certain institutes and schools". In addition to the two grants mentioned above, they added in two more:
TITLE III--HOWARD BAKER SCHOOL OF GOVERNMENT - From the funds authorized to be appropriated under section 306, the Secretary is authorized to award a grant to the University for the establishment of an endowment fund to support the Howard Baker School of Government at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville , Tennessee .
TITLE IV--JOHN GLENN INSTITUTE FOR PUBLIC SERVICE AND PUBLIC POLICY - GRANTS- From the funds appropriated under section 406, the Secretary is authorized to award a grant to the Ohio State University for the establishment of an endowment fund to support the John Glenn Institute for Public Service and Public Policy. The Secretary may enter into agreements with the University and include in any agreement made pursuant to this title such provisions as are determined necessary by the Secretary to carry out this title.
And the funding appropriated for these two storied gentlemen's institutes was $10M and $6M, respectively.
And then just for grins, Frist and Thompson proposed these expenditures, in the exact same format, as amendment S.AMDT.3743 to bill S. 442. The irony is the S.442 is called the Internet Tax Freedom Act and its purpose was to "establish a national policy against State and local government interference with interstate commerce" for internet usage.
In the 1999 session of the 106th Congress, apparently unsatisfied with the seed money that was passed for these fine institutes, Fred Thompson decided to provide another few million ($10M for Baker, $3M for the lesser politicos), but added $5M for a fifth endowment: TITLE V--ROBERT T. STAFFORD PUBLIC POLICY INSTITUTE, though it is apparently not associated with a particular school. Certainly a man of Stafford's acumen deserves an institute, considering he is best known as a rabid environmentalist and for his work on shepherding Vermont 's gay civil union law to fruition.
In 2000, Fred introduced an amendment S.AMDT.2317 to the DC College Access Act that mandates that District of Columbia grads get "in-state" tuition at institutions outside of DC. More Frederalism, I reckon.
Of course, Mr. Thompson also voted for the much maligned No Child Left Behind Act, despite his supporters claiming that Fred is a small government conservative. Granted, there was a lot of pressure to pass NCLB: Bush campaigned on it, the schools were a mess, and its goal was supposed to be to hold schools accountable. Nevertheless, the final bill had Ted Kennedy's fingerprints all over it, and it became just another government boondoggle; a very expensive boondoggle.
And finally, for an encore topping off his fine career in education, Fred introduced and got passage of an amendment to dedicate funds for one last endowment. This time he hid it in the supplemental appropriations bill for Terrorism related expenses. The amendment reads:
SA 3611. Mr. THOMPSON (for himself and Mr. Frist) submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by him to the bill H.R. 4775, making supplemental appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2002, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:
On page 86, between lines 2 and 3, insert the following:
``(5) the provision specifying $835,000 for the Benjamin L. Hooks Institute for Social Change shall be deemed to read as follows: `The Benjamin L. Hooks Institute for Social Change in Memphis, Tennessee for an endowment to pursue a broad programmatic agenda that emphasizes the continued importance of the Civil Rights Movement and encourages academic research and community outreach, $835,000'.''.
It passed into law, assuring that the former NAACP leader, lunatic, and vociferous foe of Clarence Thomas would have his legacy and agenda kept alive for years to come.
I'm just amazed Fred Thompson had the time and energy to work on such important education funding goals between all of his Campaign Finance Reform activity.
Who ever said he was lazy?
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S.2638
Title: A bill to provide support for certain institutes and schools.
Sponsor: Sen Frist, William H. [TN] (introduced 10/15/1998) Cosponsors (5)
Latest Major Action: 10/15/1998 Held at the desk.
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Here is the text of the legislation:
S.2638
October 15 (legislative day, OCTOBER 2), 1998
Mr. FRIST (for himself, Mr. DEWINE, Mr. KENNEDY, Mr. SMITH of Oregon, Mr. THOMPSON, and Mr. WYDEN) introduced the following bill; which was read twice, considered, read the third time, and passed
To provide support for certain institutes and schools.
- Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
TITLE I--OREGON INSTITUTE OF PUBLIC SERVICE AND CONSTITUTIONAL STUDIES
SEC. 101. DEFINITIONS.
- In this title:
- (1) ENDOWMENT FUND- The term `endowment fund' means a fund established by Portland State University for the purpose of generating income for the support of the Institute.
- (2) INSTITUTE- The term `Institute' means the Oregon Institute of Public Service and Constitutional Studies established under this title.
- (3) SECRETARY- The term `Secretary' means the Secretary of Education.
SEC. 102. OREGON INSTITUTE OF PUBLIC SERVICE AND CONSTITUTIONAL STUDIES.
- From the funds appropriated under section 106, the Secretary is authorized to award a grant to Portland State University at Portland, Oregon, for the establishment of an endowment fund to support the Oregon Institute of Public Service and Constitutional Studies at the Mark O. Hatfield School of Government at Portland State University.
SEC. 103. DUTIES.
- In order to receive a grant under this title the Portland State University shall establish the Institute. The Institute shall have the following duties:
- (1) To generate resources, improve teaching, enhance curriculum development, and further the knowledge and understanding of students of all ages about public service, the United States Government, and the Constitution of the United States of America.
- (2) To increase the awareness of the importance of public service, to foster among the youth of the United States greater recognition of the role of public service in the development of the United States, and to promote public service as a career choice.
- (3) To establish a Mark O. Hatfield Fellows program for students of government, public policy, public health, education, or law who have demonstrated a commitment to public service through volunteer activities, research projects, or employment.
- (4) To create library and research facilities for the collection and compilation of research materials for use in carrying out programs of the Institute.
- (5) To support the professional development of elected officials at all levels of government.
SEC. 104. ADMINISTRATION.
- (a) LEADERSHIP COUNCIL-
- (1) IN GENERAL- In order to receive a grant under this title Portland State University shall ensure that the Institute operates under the direction of a Leadership Council (in this title referred to as the `Leadership Council') that--
- `(A) consists of 15 individuals appointed by the President of Portland State University; and
- `(
is established in accordance with this section.- (2) APPOINTMENTS- Of the individuals appointed under paragraph (1)(A)--
- (A) Portland State University, Willamette University, the Constitution Project, George Fox University, Warner Pacific University, and Oregon Health Sciences University shall each have a representative;
- (
at least 1 shall represent Mark O. Hatfield, his family, or a designee thereof;- (C) at least 1 shall have expertise in elementary and secondary school social sciences or governmental studies;
- (D) at least 2 shall be representative of business or government and reside outside of Oregon;
- (E) at least 1 shall be an elected official; and
- (F) at least 3 shall be leaders in the private sector.
- (3) EX-OFFICIO MEMBER- The Director of the Mark O. Hatfield School of Government at Portland State University shall serve as an ex-officio member of the Leadership Council.
- (b) CHAIRPERSON-
- (1) IN GENERAL- The President of Portland State University shall designate 1 of the individuals first appointed to the Leadership Council under subsection (a) as the Chairperson of the Leadership Council. The individual so designated shall serve as Chairperson for 1 year.
- (2) REQUIREMENT- Upon the expiration of the term of the Chairperson of the individual designated as Chairperson under paragraph (1), or the term of the Chairperson elected under this paragraph, the members of the Leadership Council shall elect a Chairperson of the Leadership Council from among the members of the Leadership Council.
SEC. 105. ENDOWMENT FUND.
- (a) MANAGEMENT- The endowment fund shall be managed in accordance with the standard endowment policies established by the Oregon University System.
- (b) USE OF INTEREST AND INVESTMENT INCOME- Interest and other investment income earned (on or after the date of enactment of this subsection) from the endowment fund may be used to carry out the duties of the Institute under section 103.
- (c) DISTRIBUTION OF INTEREST AND INVESTMENT INCOME- Funds realized from interest and other investment income earned (on or after the date of enactment of this subsection) shall be spent by Portland State University in collaboration with Willamette University, George Fox University, the Constitution Project, Warner Pacific University, Oregon Health Sciences University, and other appropriate educational institutions or community-based organizations. In expending such funds, the Leadership Council shall encourage programs to establish partnerships, to leverage private funds, and to match expenditures from the endowment fund.
SEC. 106. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
- There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this title $3,000,000 for fiscal year 1999, and each subsequent fiscal year thereafter.
TITLE II--PAUL SIMON PUBLIC POLICY INSTITUTE
SEC. 201. DEFINITIONS.
- In this title:
- (1) ENDOWMENT FUND- The term `endowment fund' means a fund established by the University for the purpose of generating income for the support of the Institute.
- (2) ENDOWMENT FUND CORPUS- The term `endowment fund corpus' means an amount equal to the grant or grants awarded under this title plus an amount equal to the matching funds required under section 202(d).
- (3) ENDOWMENT FUND INCOME- The term `endowment fund income' means an amount equal to the total value of the endowment fund minus the endowment fund corpus.
- (4) INSTITUTE- The term `Institute' means the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute described in section 202.
- (5) SECRETARY- The term `Secretary' means the Secretary of Education.
- (6) UNIVERSITY- The term `University' means Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, Illinois.
SEC. 202. PROGRAM AUTHORIZED.
- (a) GRANTS- From the funds appropriated under section 206, the Secretary is authorized to award a grant to Southern Illinois University for the establishment of an endowment fund to support the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute. The Secretary may enter into agreements with the University and include in any agreement made pursuant to this title such provisions as are determined necessary by the Secretary to carry out this title.
- (b) DUTIES- In order to receive a grant under this title, the University shall establish the Institute. The Institute, in addition to recognizing more than 40 years of public service to Illinois, to the Nation, and to the world, shall engage in research, analysis, debate, and policy recommendations affecting world hunger, mass media, foreign policy, education, and employment.
- (c) DEPOSIT INTO ENDOWMENT FUND- The University shall deposit the proceeds of any grant received under this section into the endowment fund.
- (d) MATCHING FUNDS REQUIREMENT- The University may receive a grant under this section only if the University has deposited in the endowment fund established under this title an amount equal to one-third of such grant and has provided adequate assurances to the Secretary that the University will administer the endowment fund in accordance with the requirements of this title. The source of the funds for the University match shall be derived from State, private foundation, corporate, or individual gifts or bequests, but may not include Federal funds or funds derived from any other federally supported fund.
- (e) DURATION; CORPUS RULE- The period of any grant awarded under this section shall not exceed 20
years, and during such period the University shall not withdraw or expend any of the endowment fund corpus. Upon expiration of the grant period, the University may use the endowment fund corpus, plus any endowment fund income for any educational purpose of the University.
SEC. 203. INVESTMENTS.
- (a) IN GENERAL- The University shall invest the endowment fund corpus and endowment fund income in those low-risk instruments and securities in which a regulated
insurance company may invest under the laws of the State of Illinois, such as federally insured bank savings accounts or comparable interest bearing accounts, certificates of deposit, money market funds, or obligations of the United States.
- (b) JUDGMENT AND CARE- The University, in investing the endowment fund corpus and endowment fund income, shall exercise the judgment and care, under circumstances then prevailing, which a person of prudence, discretion, and intelligence would exercise in the management of the person's own business affairs.
SEC. 204. WITHDRAWALS AND EXPENDITURES.
- (a) IN GENERAL- The University may withdraw and expend the endowment fund income to defray any expenses necessary to the operation of the Institute, including expenses of operations and maintenance, administration, academic and support personnel, construction and renovation, community and student services programs, technical assistance, and research. No endowment fund income or endowment fund corpus may be used for any type of support of the executive officers of the University or for any commercial enterprise or endeavor. Except as provided in subsection (b), the University shall not, in the aggregate, withdraw or expend more than 50 percent of the total aggregate endowment fund income earned prior to the time of withdrawal or expenditure.
- (b) SPECIAL RULE- The Secretary is authorized to permit the University to withdraw or expend more than 50 percent of the total aggregate endowment fund income whenever the University demonstrates such withdrawal or expenditure is necessary because of--
- (1) a financial emergency, such as a pending insolvency or temporary liquidity problem;
- (2) a life-threatening situation occasioned by a natural disaster or arson; or
- (3) another unusual occurrence or exigent circumstance.
- (c) REPAYMENT-
- (1) INCOME- If the University withdraws or expends more than the endowment fund income authorized by this section, the University shall repay the Secretary an amount equal to one-third of the amount improperly expended (representing the Federal share thereof).
- (2) CORPUS- Except as provided in section 202(e)--
- (A) the University shall not withdraw or expend any endowment fund corpus; and
- (
if the University withdraws or expends any endowment fund corpus, the University shall repay the Secretary an amount equal to one-third of the amount withdrawn or expended (representing the Federal share thereof) plus any endowment fund income earned thereon.SEC. 205. ENFORCEMENT.
- (a) IN GENERAL- After notice and an opportunity for a hearing, the Secretary is authorized to terminate a grant and recover any grant funds awarded under this section if the University--
- (1) withdraws or expends any endowment fund corpus, or any endowment fund income in excess of the amount authorized by section 204, except as provided in section 202(e);
- (2) fails to invest the endowment fund corpus or endowment fund income in accordance with the investment requirements described in section 203; or
- (3) fails to account properly to the Secretary, or the General Accounting Office if properly designated by the Secretary to conduct an audit of funds made available under this title, pursuant to such rules and regulations as may be proscribed by the Comptroller General of the United States, concerning investments and expenditures of the endowment fund corpus or endowment fund income.
- (b) TERMINATION- If the Secretary terminates a grant under subsection (a), the University shall return to the Treasury of the United States an amount equal to the sum of the original grant or grants under this title, plus any endowment fund income earned thereon. The Secretary may direct the University to take such other appropriate measures to remedy any violation of this title and to protect the financial interest of the United States.
SEC. 206. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
- There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this title $3,000,000 for fiscal year 1999, and each subsequent fiscal year thereafter. Funds appropriated under this section shall remain available until expended.
TITLE III--HOWARD BAKER SCHOOL OF GOVERNMENT
SEC. 301. DEFINITIONS.
- In this title:
- (1) BOARD- The term `Board' means the Board of Advisors established under section 304.
- (2) ENDOWMENT FUND- The term `endowment fund' means a fund established by the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, Tennessee, for the purpose of generating income for the support of the School.
- (3) SCHOOL- The term `School' means the Howard Baker School of Government established under this title.
- (4) SECRETARY- The term `Secretary' means the Secretary of Education.
- (5) UNIVERSITY- The term `University' means the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, Tennessee.
SEC. 302. HOWARD BAKER SCHOOL OF GOVERNMENT.
- From the funds authorized to be appropriated under section 306, the Secretary is authorized to award a grant to the University for the establishment of an endowment fund to support the Howard Baker School of Government at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, Tennessee.
SEC. 303. DUTIES.
- In order to receive a grant under this title, the University shall establish the School. The School shall have the following duties:
- (1) To establish a professorship to improve teaching and research related to, enhance the curriculum of, and further the knowledge and understanding of, the study of democratic institutions, including aspects of regional planning, public administration, and public policy.
- (2) To establish a lecture series to increase the knowledge and awareness of the major public issues of the day in order to enhance informed citizen participation in public affairs.
- (3) To establish a fellowship program for students of government, planning, public administration, or public policy who have demonstrated a commitment and an interest in pursuing a career in public affairs.
- (4) To provide appropriate library materials and appropriate research and instructional equipment for use in carrying out academic and public service programs, and to enhance the existing United States Presidential and public official manuscript collections.
- (5) To support the professional development of elected officials at all levels of government.
SEC. 304. ADMINISTRATION.
- (a) BOARD OF ADVISORS-
- (1) IN GENERAL- The School shall operate with the advice and guidance of a Board of Advisors consisting of 13 individuals appointed by the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs of the University.
- (2) APPOINTMENTS- Of the individuals appointed under paragraph (1)--
- (A) 5 shall represent the University;
- (
2 shall represent Howard Baker, his family, or a designee thereof;- (C) 5 shall be representative of business or government; and
- (D) 1 shall be the Governor of Tennessee, or the Governor's designee.
- (3) EX OFFICIO MEMBERS- The Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at the University shall serve as an ex officio member of the Board.
- (b) CHAIRPERSON-
- (1) IN GENERAL- The Chancellor, with the concurrence of the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, of the University shall designate 1 of the individuals first appointed to the Board under subsection (a) as the Chairperson of the Board. The individual so designated shall serve as Chairperson for 1 year.
- (2) REQUIREMENTS- Upon the expiration of the term of the Chairperson of the individual designated as Chairperson under paragraph (1) or the term of the Chairperson elected under this paragraph, the members of the Board shall elect a Chairperson of the Board from among the members of the Board.
SEC. 305. ENDOWMENT FUND.
- (a) MANAGEMENT- The endowment fund shall be managed in accordance with the standard endowment policies established by the University of Tennessee System.
- (b) USE OF INTEREST AND INVESTMENT INCOME- Interest and other investment income earned (on or after the date of enactment of this subsection) from the endowment fund may be used to carry out the duties of the School under section 303.
- (c) DISTRIBUTION OF INTEREST AND INVESTMENT INCOME- Funds realized from interest and other investment income earned (on or after the date of enactment of this subsection) shall be available for expenditure by the University for purposes consistent with section 303, as recommended by the Board. The Board shall encourage programs to establish partnerships, to leverage private funds, and to match expenditures from the endowment fund.
SEC. 306. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
- There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this title $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2000, and each subsequent fiscal year thereafter.
TITLE IV--JOHN GLENN INSTITUTE FOR PUBLIC SERVICE AND PUBLIC POLICY
SEC. 401. DEFINITIONS.
- In this title:
- (1) ENDOWMENT FUND- The term `endowment fund' means a fund established by the University for the purpose of generating income for the support of the Institute.
- (2) ENDOWMENT FUND CORPUS- The term `endowment fund corpus' means an amount equal to the grant or grants awarded under this title plus an amount equal to the matching funds required under section 402(d).
- (3) ENDOWMENT FUND INCOME- The term `endowment fund income' means an amount equal to the total value of the endowment fund minus the endowment fund corpus.
- (4) INSTITUTE- The term `Institute' means the John Glenn Institute for Public Service and Public Policy described in section 402.
- (5) SECRETARY- The term `Secretary' means the Secretary of Education.
- (6) UNIVERSITY- The term `University' means the Ohio State University at Columbus, Ohio.
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