As an uncaring atheist, I don't think what he said is bad, given the right context. He is just talking about what his best for his kid, not for all kids.
"Where a child is taught to have a strong faith..." That's the problem. Who does the teaching? As a Christian, I really really really don't want the state involved in sanctioning any religion, and if I was Jewish or Muslim, I would be extremely troubled by this statement.
Then make those statements from your living room, to your momma. Not with the full and implied power of your office behind you in an official publication. He knows better than to try that weak response, and you should too. Speech may be free, but its never free of meaning.
Anyone know if he's ever spoken to Jewish audiences, or Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, etc? It would be interesting to see what he would say in that case, if anything.
That would be interesting to see. I believe his response would be different, although he may still advocate religious learning, regardless of faith, over an education without faith.
What, exactly, does a Department of Education do anyhow? Is there anything, really, beyond federal funding being doled out? Anything of consequence in the way of ideas, legislation etc.? Before you jump all over me, I realize that the steering of federal dollars can be influential. But I wonder if significant amounts are being spent on things that are ideological, like promoting voucher programs or federalizing local curriculum in any controversial way. I have no idea. From my perspective as a parent with Christian kids in public suburban schools is that all education is basically local. So, Rod Paige might just as well be spitting in the wind.