Stan Geiger

Corporate PEC

I haven't written much about the political-educational complex of late. It seems our economic problems have put a bit of a muzzle on it. But it's still out there, and it will be back as soon as money becomes available.

I have written about the components of the PEC.

Of course, the educators---teachers, principals, superintendents, college profs, college administrators and coaches (I hope I haven't left anybody out)---are a part. Simply put, the more money that flows to education the more money they can put in their pockets. Naturally, for them, it's all about education.

Politicians are a part. The reason is numbers. There are an awful lot of people working in the education field. Politicians want votes and they want money.

The media---a large portion of it at least---is a part. The motivation here is the same as it is for politicians: numbers. The media lives and dies by numbers. Viewers, readers or listeners are required to attract advertisers. Money talks and BS walks, as they say.

But there is another element to the PEC that I have been remiss in not mentioning. That would be businesses that feed on education money.

Not too long ago, a story about a stink in Broken Arrow hit the news. A company, Air Assurance, was accused of billing BA Public Schools for work not done. The super was fired by the school board for bringing the matter up. A couple of school board members---I believe---have since been removed. Air Assurance denied everything. And then---somewhat conveniently---a storage barn containing Air Assurance invoices caught on fire. Amid a number of questions, it just kinda sorta accidentally caught on fire. Go figya.

I haven't seen any recent stories on the matter. But I have seen Air Assurance commercials running on local TV. Gee, do you think it's possible to buy your way out of investigative reporting in the modern age?

Me thinks most probably so.

A while back, I wrote of an episode of 'Now' on PBS. The primary discussion in that show had to do with the horrors of student loans---some 70 million people in debt to the tune of $700 billion. But right at the end of the show came another little tidbit.

A summit meeting of CEOs was held in Detroit. The meeting was supposed to search for ways to fix the economy. The comments of one CEO---the CEO of McGraw-Hill Publishing---were chosen for air. He said the fix for the economy has to do with education, education and more education.

Why do you reckon he would make such a comment?

One trip to the company's website told the story. I pulled this quote: "McGraw-Hill Education addresses virtually every aspect of the education market from pre-K through professional learning."

So a CEO that lives like a king from money he takes from a company that takes money from education sings the praises of more money for education.

If you have a brain, no more should be needed.

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