String pulling

The news that Arne Duncan had a 40 page list of those seeking special treatment in admission to the Chicago Public Schools when he was in charge there certainly gives one pause. After all, why keep track of the requests if you have no intention of trying to fulfill them? In that case, you politely point out that you have "no influence" over the decision, and hang up the phone.

Rick Hess points out, though, that if you're willing to use what you have for political ends, then you're willing to use what you have...whatever it is.

Including, perhaps, $4.2 billion in federal aid?