Is tonight the termination point for "race-

[NOTTHOR]

conscious admissions programs?"

www.law.cornell.edu/supct/pdf/02-241P.ZO

Tonight's landslide victory for Senator Obama certainly demonstrates that the "goal of equality itself" has been achieved, does it not? Senator Obama is a prime example that those with tremendous ability, regardless of their race or background, can and will achieve great things in their lives. Why should we subject another generation of persons to potential badges of inferiority associated with lingering questions of Affirmative Action?

I think we need to reach the enlightened point of society where the words "No State shall ... deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws" is given the meaning of what it says on its face. Of course, there would still need to be a carveout so "rich" persons are not afforded equality under that provision, but at least with respect to race, can we not agree that this provision can now be read literally?

[TBELL]

I don't talk much when it comes to politics. I used to be way into it, but have kind of let myself slip. But I have a strong opinion when it comes to this subject, and BTR, I could not agree more, especially with this comment -

Senator Obama is a prime example that those with tremendous ability, regardless of their race or background, can and will achieve great things in their lives.

I have always felt this to be the case. And wasn't a couple years ago the Univeristy of Michigan's Affirmative Action policy was called to question?

[NOTTHOR]

Nov 4, 2008 21:40:38 GMT -6 TBELL said:

I don't talk much when it comes to politics. I used to be way into it, but have kind of let myself slip. But I have a strong opinion when it comes to this subject, and BTR, I could not agree more, especially with this comment -

Senator Obama is a prime example that those with tremendous ability, regardless of their race or background, can and will achieve great things in their lives.

I have always felt this to be the case. And wasn't a couple years ago the Univeristy of Michigan's Affirmative Action policy was called to question?

Yes sir, and that is why I linked and selectively quoted the case in which the Supreme Court upheld the University of Michigan's Law School's Affirmative Action policy.

[twinegarden]

Nov 4, 2008 21:32:49 GMT -6 NOTTHOR said:

conscious admissions programs?"

www.law.cornell.edu/supct/pdf/02-241P.ZO

Tonight's landslide victory for Senator Obama certainly demonstrates that the "goal of equality itself" has been achieved, does it not? Senator Obama is a prime example that those with tremendous ability, regardless of their race or background, can and will achieve great things in their lives. Why should we subject another generation of persons to potential badges of inferiority associated with lingering questions of Affirmative Action?

I think we need to reach the enlightened point of society where the words "No State shall ... deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws" is given the meaning of what it says on its face. Of course, there would still need to be a carveout so "rich" persons are not afforded equality under that provision, but at least with respect to race, can we not agree that this provision can now be read literally?

Great post! These types of things are a big reason Obama won.

[TBELL]

That's what I thought. I am going to spare myself the boredom of reading your linked ruling, but if I remember correctly they were giving outlandish "points" to someone simply for being a minority correct? And that was keeping some more qualified students out of the school.

Edit: Ok, I read a little bit of it. Answered most of my questions. And yes, to further your point, race should have no factor in any type of decision, be it admission to a school, a job offer, or anything. Affirmative Action needs to disappear, IMO.

[thunderhawk]

I'm in favor of economic-based affirmative action, i.e. providing smart but poor kids the means to pursue higher education. This benefits society by increasing the productivity of the intellectually gifted. Smart people should not be shucking fries at McDonalds just because their parents are poor. Society and the economy suffers from the non realization of their talents.

I've seen laughable abuse of race/ethnic based affirmative action...like wealthy, privileged minority kids getting preferential admissions AND scholarships. Totally gaming the system and well aware of it. Meanwhile some other brainiac kid with meager financial means gets kicked to the curb.

It's about the economic inequality, stupid!

[TBELL]

Nov 5, 2008 14:53:38 GMT -6 thunderhawk said:

I'm in favor of economic-based affirmative action, i.e. providing smart but poor kids the means to pursue higher education. This benefits society by increasing the productivity of the intellectually gifted. Smart people should not be shucking fries at McDonalds just because their parents are poor. Society and the economy suffers from the non realization of their talents.

I've seen laughable abuse of race/ethnic based affirmative action...like wealthy, privileged minority kids getting preferential admissions AND scholarships. Totally gaming the system and well aware of it. Meanwhile some other brainiac kid with meager financial means gets kicked to the curb.

It's about the economic inequality, stupid!

I can handle the helping those that don't have the means to help themselves, but much like you, I have seen some rediculous abuse of this as well.

[mattahawk]

I agree completely and even have a prime example of it. A guy I work with makes around 33/34 grand a year, not alot but if you have ever lived in small town Iowa it adds up, and his wife works for the DHS and pulls in somewhere in the 50's.

The guy is like 1/4th hispanic and his wife is white but needless to say his kid got a $1,000 scholly to college. Which in itself is not alot either but you can bet there is some kid out there that could have used it more.

[Dr. Doofenshmirtz (Heywood)]

Nov 5, 2008 18:50:44 GMT -6 mattahawk said:

The guy is like 1/4th hispanic and his wife is white but needless to say his kid got a $1,000 scholly to college. Which in itself is not alot either but you can bet there is some kid out there that could have used it more.

$1,000 for college is still $1,000. Every little bit helps.