Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

TexasTowelie

(112,903 posts)
Thu Jul 11, 2019, 06:07 AM Jul 2019

Ross Perot Pushed Texas To Put Education Ahead Of Football

Part of Texas billionaire Ross Perot’s legacy is a lasting influence on the state’s education policy. The two-time independent presidential candidate died Tuesday morning at age 89.

Perot took on Friday night lights as chair of a state education task force in 1984, leading to the passage of a major school reform bill that shaped Texas education for the past 35 years.

One of the task force’s more controversial recommendations was a policy called no-pass, no-play that barred students from extracurriculars — including football — if they failed a class.

At one public hearing, Perot reportedly said, “If the people of Texas want Friday night entertainment instead of education, let’s find out about it.”

Read more: https://www.tpr.org/post/ross-perot-pushed-texas-put-education-ahead-football
(Texas Public Radio)

I'm not saying that I admired Ross Perot, but Perot's involvement with education is notable. However I did vote for Bill Clinton twice!

6 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Ross Perot Pushed Texas To Put Education Ahead Of Football (Original Post) TexasTowelie Jul 2019 OP
i campaigned for perot the first time around..until he dropped out.. samnsara Jul 2019 #1
Perot did some good with the huge amounts of profits he took. Farmer-Rick Jul 2019 #2
He was concerned about the national debt. So were Republicans --- 3Hotdogs Jul 2019 #3
There ar some RWers (and esp Trumpers) that are irredeemable through & through... hlthe2b Jul 2019 #4
HE HAD REALLY BIG EARS ROB-ROX Jul 2019 #5
And yet he was an irritating old fuckhead. (nt) Paladin Jul 2019 #6

samnsara

(17,678 posts)
1. i campaigned for perot the first time around..until he dropped out..
Thu Jul 11, 2019, 07:05 AM
Jul 2019

...then voted clinton twice then and once 2 yrs ago.

Farmer-Rick

(10,264 posts)
2. Perot did some good with the huge amounts of profits he took.
Thu Jul 11, 2019, 07:41 AM
Jul 2019

So, at least he wasn't as bad as the Koch bros or the Waltons.

3Hotdogs

(12,508 posts)
3. He was concerned about the national debt. So were Republicans ---
Thu Jul 11, 2019, 07:42 AM
Jul 2019

until it came time for the tax bill two years ago.

hlthe2b

(102,646 posts)
4. There ar some RWers (and esp Trumpers) that are irredeemable through & through...
Thu Jul 11, 2019, 08:00 AM
Jul 2019

On the other hand, a few are more complex characters allowing us to find some "good" with the "bad". Perot was one of those, IMO.

ROB-ROX

(767 posts)
5. HE HAD REALLY BIG EARS
Thu Jul 11, 2019, 05:58 PM
Jul 2019

I remember him being SMALL with BIG ears. He was one of the SANE republicans who went independent.I think his election accomplishment was watering down the right wing vote.....CHEERS

Kick in to the DU tip jar?

This week we're running a special pop-up mini fund drive. From Monday through Friday we're going ad-free for all registered members, and we're asking you to kick in to the DU tip jar to support the site and keep us financially healthy.

As a bonus, making a contribution will allow you to leave kudos for another DU member, and at the end of the week we'll recognize the DUers who you think make this community great.

Tell me more...

Latest Discussions»Region Forums»Texas»Ross Perot Pushed Texas T...