Affirmative Action works

[OKNancy]

http://www.freep.com/cgi-bin/forms/printerfriendly.pl
Detroit Free Press


COMMENT: Success of military diversity proves affirmative action works
BY WESLEY CLARK

October 24, 2003



When I left the military and contemplated entering political life, many issues led me to find my political home in the Democratic Party. Affirmative action was one of the most important. This is an issue that Democrats both understand well and feel deeply. And, based on my experiences, I believe without hesitation that we Democrats are right in our belief that affirmative action is good for all Americans.

Growing up in Little Rock, I saw firsthand the ugly legacy of racial discrimination. After the local schools were closed because of the battle over desegregation, I had to go to a school in Tennessee for a year. For all of us in Little Rock, Central High School is a shrine to that struggle to end racial segregation. But the end of segregation did not mean the end of discrimination. Racial hatred has deep and pernicious roots in our nation's history. It is a cancer that needs to be cured, and affirmative action has been one of the most effective treatments.

There is one thing the opponents of affirmative action have never wanted to admit: It works.

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[The Backlash Cometh]

1. It requires respect, and trust for those in authority.

Most military men are not ready to handle the transition into civilian life. The real estate salesman that sold our house was shocked when we wouldn't take his word on a matter regarding the closing of our house. "I've never experienced this in the military. My word was always good enough." Yeah, well, trust that the other guy will treat you fairly is the first thing you lose in civilian life.

Affirmative Action worked in the military because it had to work in order to ensure national security. The level of commitment was much higher than it is in the private sector.

[democratreformed]

2. Backlash

your post speaks directly to the sad state that our country has gotten to. I find it very sad that respect for authority is no longer the norm. Very sad, indeed.

[The Backlash Cometh]

4. You and I both.

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[sandnsea]

3. Link doesn't work

Says something about printer friendly and doesn't work for me.

[OKNancy]

5. link

http://www.freep.com/voices/columnists/eclark24_20031024.htm