Readers have noted that Condoleezza Rice, the former secretary of state who spoke recently at the University of Arkansas, backed out of a speech at Rutgers University in New Jersey after weeks of campus protest over her role in the war in Iraq. Rice came and went at Fayetteville with little hubbub, but that wasn’t the only big difference in the two appearances. Another was a whopping case of income inequality.

As first reported here Feb. 11, Rice was paid $170,000 to cover fees and expenses for her appearance at UA on March 5.

Advertisement

And how much was she to be paid to be commencement speaker at Rutgers? A piddling $35,000. Plus I think they were going to throw in an honorary degree.

What was it Lou Holtz said about Fayetteville? Still, even being in sight of the end of the world wouldn’t seem to justify a $135,000 pay enhancement. Air fares into XNA aren’t that high, are they? She drew about 3,000 people to Barnhill Arena and threw down on Vladimir Putin.

Advertisement

Be a part of something bigger

As a reader of the Arkansas Times, you know we’re dedicated to bringing you tough, determined, and feisty journalism that holds the powerful accountable. For 50 years, we've been fighting the good fight in Little Rock and beyond – with your support, we can do even more. By becoming a subscriber or donating as little as $1 to our efforts, you'll not only have access to all of our articles, but you'll also be helping us hire more writers to expand our coverage and continue to bring important stories to light. With over 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 daily email blasts, it's clear that our readers value our great journalism. Join us in the fight for truth.

Previous article 1st District Democrat Jackie McPherson backs minimum wage increase Next article Verizon to hire 285 at Little Rock call center