Reply #169: The rest of that quote: [View All]

[AP]

Gingrich remains opposed to racial quotas and set-asides. But he just as strongly insists that "Republicans have an obligation to reach out much more emphatically and more strongly to the black community and find ways: to communicate that we will in fact be protecting civil rights that we're not going to block-grant civil rights and, the federal government is going to stand firmly committed against discrimination. "

It seems that fewer and fewer politicians, both Republicans and Democrats, acknowledge those legitimate' concerns, or the need for continued federal vigilance against gender and racial discrimination; current statistics show that women and minorities continue to lag in hiring and especially in promotions.

The Speaker certainly is no fan of affirmative action. What's important is his recognition that the federal government has an obligation to en sure equal opportunity for all Americans. That cannot be done by stripping away affirmative action and replacing it with nothing but good intentions.