Duncan apologizes for Katrina remark

Education Secretary Apologizes for Katrina Remark
The Hill: Education Secretary Arne Duncan on Tuesday apologized for saying that Hurricane Katrina was the "best thing that happened" to education in the New Orleans school system. Duncan said that he made his observation in an improper way but stressed that the city's school system has improved. "I said it in a poor way and I apologize for that," he said on MSNBC. "It was a dumb thing to say."

Duncan calls New Orleans mayor to explain Hurricane Katrina comment
Education Secretary Arne Duncan called New Orleans Mayor C. Ray Nagin on Friday to explain his comment to a television interviewer that Hurricane Katrina was "the best thing that happened to the education system" in the city, according to a mayoral aide. "The secretary reached out to the mayor," James Ross, Nagin's deputy Communications Director, said Monday. "I believe it was Friday evening." Duncan drew attention with the statement to "Washington Watch...

Duncan on Katrina Comment: "It Was a Dumb Thing to Say"
ABC News' Mary Bruce Reports: Education Secretary Arne Duncan apologized this morning for saying last week that Hurricane Katrina was " the best thing " for the New Orleans school system. "I said it in a poor way and I apologize for that. It was a dumb thing to say. My point was a simple one, that subsequent to that devastating, devastating tragedy we have seen remarkable progress and that school system has improved so rapidly it's been amazing to watch," Duncan...

Media Let Duncan Off the Hook for Katrina Comment, Blasted GOP Rep for the Same
On Saturday, NB's Noel Sheppard reported on this statement made by Education Secretary Arne Duncan: " I think the best thing that happened to the education system in New Orleans was Hurricane Katrina . That education system was a disaster. It took Hurricane Katrina to wake up the community and say we have to do better." CNN host T.J. Holmes read that quote aloud during a broadcast. " Of course I agree " with Duncan's statement, said one guest, CNN contributor Steve Perry....

Education Sec'y: Katrina 'Best Thing That Happened to the Education System in New Orleans'
Secretary of Education Arne Duncan says that Hurricane Katrina was "the best thing that happened to the education system in New Orleans."   Democratic response: silence.   A few years ago, Rep. Richard Baker, a now-retired Republican, said this: "We finally cleaned up public housing in New Orleans. We couldn't do it, but God did."   House Speaker Nancy Pelosi: "insensitive"; Rahm Emanuel: "extraordinarily insensitive"; Rep. Elijah Cummings: "unconscionable"; DNC blog: "culturally...