Affirmative Action

[Madspirit]

In an eloquent speech to the graduating class at Howard University, President Johnson frames the concept underlying affirmative action, asserting that civil rights laws alone are not enough to remedy discrimination:

"You do not wipe away the scars of centuries by saying: 'now, you are free to go where you want, do as you desire, and choose the leaders you please.' You do not take a man who for years has been hobbled by chains, liberate him, bring him to the starting line of a race, saying, 'you are free to compete with all the others,' and still justly believe you have been completely fair . . . This is the next and more profound stage of the battle for civil rights. We seek not just freedom but opportunity—not just legal equity but human ability—not just equality as a right and a theory, but equality as a fact and as a result."

[Solo_in_MD]

1. In your opinion, have things changed since then?

I believe that have, not so much up or down as much as sideways. Immigration and refugees have changed the playing field considerably.

[Madspirit]

2. I Believe

I believe the playing field is still incredibly uneven and unfair. I totally support affirmative action. ...and I'm not even sure I think it's gotten much better.

...but I used to be an idealist and optimistic and all. I'm just a cynical curmudgeon now...<g>
Lee