Education Secretary Rod Paige has called the National Education Association -- the nation's largest teachers union -- a "terrorist organization". That's pretty strong rhetoric, and not appropriate. Even though the NEA does use heavy-handed tactics to lobby for its constituency (teachers), they don't kill people or blow themselves up.
Mr. Paige apologized, but I have a feeling this story isn't over yet. Minor cabinet secretaries tend to disappear real quick when they say things that embarrass the president.
Keep in mind that the word 'terrorist' means:
* from www.m-w.com
So no actual mention of any killing or blowing up.
Pretty much what all unions do.
These days, yeah. Maybe always, but in the past at least I think they served a valuable function.
Some did, but they've always tended to be thugs. And I don't think the National Extortion Association has ever been a force for good, overall.