Week
of
4/18/98:		 Affirmative Action is in the process of being eliminated by the courts.
What, if anything, should take its place?



Submit Date: 10 MAR 1999
Name: Jim Dow
Email: JDmusix@aol.com
Response: Stiff fines should replace affirmative action. The proof needed to bring suit for discrimination should be lowered so that it will be simpler to find people guilty of discrimination. Those found guilty should be subject to large fines. If no one is discriminating, then no one will be subject to this law and no one will ever have to pay. -- JD


Name: leonard gresham
Email: lgres65752@aol.com
Response: Nothing should ever replace affirmative action. What needs to be replaced is the American virgin of affirmative action. In other words, we as a people should always strive for the affirmative. With billions of dallars going through our hands, circulating very little, if at all in our own communities, we are our own worst enemy. Economical power should be our first priority. political power is for sale so why vote. Get the money and( like the Jews and others) buy the politican. Its wrong, thats true, but its also the American way. The most effective affirmative action we can embark apond is UNITY, economical development, and to abandon the foolishness of intergration, and sitting on the toilet next to white folks.


Name: George Langston Cook
Email: glcook@bellatlantic.net
Response: One of the things that I believe must be said about affirmative action is that it has not produced Black Men and Black Women of the same quality and caliber of those who were produced before Affirmative Action. Name one great Black person, not average, not higher earning, I mean great person, who was a product of affirmative action. Our great leaders, doctors, lawyers, and educators came before. Yes, there are a few luminaries, but I gather they would have been great without Affirmative Action. So what should replace Affirmative Action. How about a commitment to excellence instead of just average. How about striving for higher moral ground instead of higher incomes. How about the strengthening of our families and communities instead of a mad rush to get into someone else's, someone else that does not really want us or need us, but simply tolerates us.


Name: Big Brother No Pain No Gain
Email: you know who I am
Response: What will replace 400 hundred (+) plus years of slavery ????


Name: Bob Burnett
Email: WCBOB@aol.com
Response: It's simple. End all laws that treat people differntly based on race. Then start rewarding excellence, like they're doing in Texas. There, the top percentile of all H.S. students get scolarships to Texas Universities, without making race an issue. Once our government stops treating people equally, then America will follow.


Name: waynepenner
Email: waynepenner@worldnet.att.net
Response: Blacks need to realize that AA acturally worksagainst them. Under AA, people do not know if you earned your degree or your position honestly, and they will assume the worst - that you received it due to a racial quota systemdesigned to make some whites feel better. AA should be replaced by one simple concept - hard work. That is the best way to earn respectfrom others.


Name: Kwame
Email: hinds@sprint.ca
Response: What black people need in this world is unity. This can't be stressed enough, the American government is set against black america achieving this. The deconstruction of the Affirmative Action program is evidence of this. The argument is that minorities do not need a program which gives them an unfair advantage over the rest. By assuming that this will give minorities an unfair advantage they must also assume that children are beginning on a level playing field. You would never hold a running race in which one child is running up hill and the other downhill, and claim it was a fair race. The abolishment of Affirmative Action is based on the false notion that they are running the same race. Affirmative action is a stepping stone that is necessary to speed up the assimilation of minorities in the work force. To take it away now is saying that we are now on a level playing field. Progress has not yet been made, this quote from El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz over 30 years ago sums it up. "I will never say that progress is being made. If you stick a knife in my back nine inches and pull it out six inches, there is no progress.. The progress is healing the wound that's below me, and they [white america] haven't even began to pull the knife out, much less heal the wound" As- Salaam Alaikum


Name: shadow
Email: Taimak@novanetwork.com
Response: Everyone has made some very valid points, Especially the Prophet. But I would add that is affirmative action is not working for the people that it ws intend for, lets move on to something else. If some of our brothers would take their hard earn money and open up a business and not spend it on a new 4x4 economic parity would be achieve.How much does it cost to rent a corner store front, buy some use equipment and start fying chicken and fish? It cost about the same amount its takes to buy some fancy wheels cover and big tires. There is so much opportunity out here, let's get real and do it. We as Black people need to let white people go.


Name: Walter
Email:
Response: Affirmative should be replaced by education. We are all in this world for a common cause, just trying to made it. We all need to work as one. If the powers that be can keep all of us fighting it is easier to slip other issues past the everyday man. Most people don't want a hand out just an open door to prove there talents and abilities. If I were hireing someone for a job, the color of his or her skin would not make difference, only if they could get the job done effectively. I am realy tired of race, creed, regilion being an issue in the business and in social activities. Maybe before we ask what would replace affirmative action, maybe we should ask if affirmative action really did any good in the long haul. If a person recieved a job because of it. how were they treated after working? Does the tower of Baal bring to mind any thoughts? Are we repeating history?


Name: Georgene
Email: LLloyd53@aol
Response: Just like history they can't take it back or undo what they've done. They let us in the door and they can never shut it in our faces again. They are afraid, they know now that we can do anything we want to do. Now we can open our own doors. Don't you think they are not going to put blocks in our way, but now we can move them. If they know nothing, they know we do survive.


Name:
Email: tertramoten@msn.com
Response: Let's examine what Affirmative Action is and why it exists first. As I am sure that what ever view we have about what Affirmative Action is and why it exists, that view is not universal and is most definitely manifold. In my opinion, it seems that Affimative Action was a result of a political process that was impetused by those who held and still hold the polictical clout to bring it to fruition. And whom also recognized that "they" where either unwilling or unable to accept those, who fell outside of the "financial mainstream", based soely on their abilities and character. Thus, Affirmitive Action was introduced, adopted and put into affect, in order to "force" those who were and still are in the controlling position of economic empowerment, to include those who fell and still fall outside of the "financial mainstream" so that they too could become economicly empowered. I am quite sure that up until this point, it has become quite evident that I have not codified those whom I have referred to as "having political clout" or "falling outside of the financial mainstream" by race, sex, religion, sexual preference,age, etc. The reason for this is simply that if, Affirmative Action had been fought for, accepted, adopted and implemented statutorily, soley on the basis of empowering the economicly disadvantge, regardless of race, sex, religion etc., it would more than likely be alive and well today. If not well, at the least still alive! I don't believe that any reasonable person, regardless of their position in society, can argue with the logical premise that given the "selfish" nature of man, that anytime any member of society is granted an "advantage" real or imagined, that that granting can and will often times cause those unreceiving of that advantage, to ostracise those receiving the advantage. And since Affirmative Action was adopted and statutorily imposed ,in part on the basis of race, it has most definitely perpetuated racism. Given the atmopshere of racial intolerance and social upheaval that was abound at the time of the adpoption and implementation of Affirmative Action, and the political pressure that resulted, it is not a mystery that some placating was in order, to structure the economicly empowering measure (Affirmative Action) in such a manner that it adressed the issue of race, as well as others. In saying all of that, I come to the answer to the question of "What should replace Affirmative Action?" I believe that Affirmative Action should replace Affirmative Action. Obviously, we still live in a society where there is a disportionate distribution of wealth. I also believe that now, as when Affirmative Action was originally adopted and implemented, there are those who hold and control for the most part the ability to economicly empower others but are still unwilling or unable to accept those, whom are in need of economic empowerment, based soley on their ability and charcater. In essence what we need is a written restructuring of the measure, so that it can not and will not be defeated on the defense of unconstituionality. I am in a hurry and do not have time to proof read..:(..Pleas forgive all misspelled words, incorrect punctuiation, run on sentences. However, I do encourge you to respond. I do not expect everyone to agree in part or entirely about what I have just wrote. But, I would love to hear what you think, regardless of whether you agree or disagree in part or entirely.. Good day and God bless you all!


Name: K. Leonard
Email: leonard@detroitbest.net
Response: If, in fact, affirmative action is discontinued it should be replaced by diligent study and hard work. Whites have always places obstacles in the road to progress for black people. But in earlier days, we just laughed at them and worked harder and smarter than them. Blacks have historically met or exceeded the artificially high standards that whites set for them. We became stronger and smarter and met or exceeded them. We have to teach black youth to do that. They, too, will become stronger and smarter and will gain their share of the economic pie.


Name: Calvero
Email: gmann@cwo.com
Response: WE need to get over the AA stupor!! I as a black man understand prejudice like so many of you. Understand THIS: If WE don't like where we are, Make the PERSONAL soul searching effort to change it. Yes I have had interviews where I KNEW I should've gotten the job but didn't. I been there - done that. Did I fight? HELL NO!!! Why would I want to work somewhere that didn't want me? Take a good look at the world. It's not about Black and White - It's about the green. If you want to make it, apply yourself and don't sweat the little. "Making it" takes a few things- 1) Confidence 2)Faith 3)Perseverance 4)SACRAFICE.... Until YOU the individual have prepared yourself... You will not "make it". When you have, then You will find AA didn't apply to you anyway. OUT!!!


Name:
Email: sylgibbs@yahoo.com
Response: I think Affirmative Action should be left alone. Why scrap something that IS working and try to re-write another policy to do the same thing. If it is replaced by something you can believe it won't even resemble Affirmative Action. By the time it get's watered down we'll barely be able to deliver newspapers.It's a waste of time and we can concentrate on more important matters, such as the bill before congress right now to weaken the 1965 Voting Rights Act.


Name: Steven
Email: Steven.davis@mailexcite.com
Response: I despise Affirmative Action for what is reflects of our society, however I do see a need for it. At this point in time it is obserd to think otherwise. Where it is not a great equalizer it at least creates openings, that are desperatly needed. It does not serve anyother purpose than that, laws do not change beliefs, only behaviors and then only truly work when you think you are being watched or are caught. I would like very much if we supported our own community, but realisticaly at this point can it happen. Their are greater issues than that. I think the first education and awarness of community, local, national, and global. The rest will follow.


Name: Karen
Email:
Response: Nothing should replace Affirmative Action. Until whites can be trusted to do what's right and not discriminate against us because of the color of our skin, then and only then can we begin to think about ending Affirmative Action. But that's not something we can even begin to think about yet.


Name: David Haller
Email: dah@uriacc.uri.edu
Response: Affirmative Action should not be replaced. As an Affirmative Action Officer let me add the following comments:
1: Yes, some of you have mentioned this and you are absolutely right, white women have been and are the major beneficiaries of Affirmative Action.
2. For generations white men have educated, hired, promoted, and mentored other white men. Affirmative Action, properly practiced, uses the same techniques so successfully practiced by white men for generations and applies those techniques to educating, finding, hiring, promoting and mentoring women and minorities.
3. Affirmative Action is only REQUIRED when women or specific minorities (protected classes) are underrepresented and Affirmative Action is only required in companies and organizations that receive substantial support from the Federal Government.
4. Making special efforts to find qualified minority/women candidates to apply for open position in your company/institution is not discrimination - it's Affirmative Action and it's smart.
5. Hiring less qualified candidates for prejudicial reasons - nepotism, racism, sexism, religious preference - of any kind is discrimination and it's stupid and often illegal.


Name:
Email: bradfo43@ccvax.mmc.edu
Response: Us doing for us, helping each other, and succeeding in spite of affirmative action's eradication.


Name: Andre H. Marria
Email: wmarria@rose.net
Response: Nothing can replace nor correct what history has done in it's treatment of people of color. I do not trust leadership in the white world to treat fairly any group that has historically been denied equal and fair treatment. What should occur or what could make right this wrong is a real seat at the economic table. A fair chance based of comptence and skill. Do we dare as for more?


Name: Henry Stuckey
Email: stvamerica@msn.com
Response: Affirmative action helped the black community but white women and others enjoyed the benefits more abundantly. I think our (African Americans) affirmative action will come when we start to do for self, when we rise above the shackles of slavery and realize that our struggle is a collective one. We have been divided by religion, politics and socio- ecconomic status. The 21st. century must find african americans manufacturing, building homes, communities & malls, creating job opportunities for the new youth leadership, developing access to capitial by banking at black institutions,buying insurance from african american companies. and investing with or through qualified brothers and sisters in the financial community and creating afrocentric educational program that focus on our success and tells the truth about our real struggle in the world. If you don't know who you are, anything will do.


Name: Bakari
Email: zdzw46a@prodigy.com
Response: The replacement of affirmative action is not an option at this time. As it is seem in the media and experienced in the workplace, the need for affrimative action is still in demand. We can preach of this great society we live in, but the fact still remains that a certain sector of this great nation are not allowed the opportunity to show their talents. When I say this,showing talents, I refer to having to do jobs that are not in the field chosen. Also, we have to do two and three times the work to get pay that is still not equal. Taking these things into mind, this is not the time to replace affirmative action.


Name: Macon, GA
Email:
Response: I think some of the comments here are very racist and ignorant. How can you understand Affirmative Action if you don't understand that Affirmative Action not only help Black people but most of all helps white women. Affirmative Action is still not helping with the problems that Black people are having getting jobs they are qualified for. White women are making more progress with the Affirmative Action program in my opionion. Maybe all of you need to step and realize what is really going on in these so called Affirmative Action programs that you think are helping black people get jobs. I have been discriminated against getting jobs. But I look past those ignorant bastards because as my grandmother would say "They don't know any better". So I believe our Affirmative Action programs does need to be changed to reflect what it was intended to do, to help not only white females but also black people.


Name: Wayne
Email:
Response: Better education for better job.


Name: Robert Washington
Email: rwashi5339@aol.com
Response: We as a race should not depend on these government programs to survive. We should open our own corporations or small businesses and hire our own. The Japanese do it, the Jewish community do it. Why can't we?


Name: bonitapplebaum
Email: wanderingstar23@hotmail.com
Response: The discussion surrounding Affirm. Action has been too narrowly defined for too long. As a program, AA has assisted many people beyond Aframs in areas which include federal contracts, employment, and education. White women as a target group have benefitted tremendously from AA programs. There would be considerably fewer "Soccer Mom" if it weren't for AA. But as far as where we should go from here I think that anyone who can even begin to assert that AA is unnecessary need only look at the how enrollment at UCB has declined dramatically. I know several women of color who applied as undergrad and grad students with GPA's over 3.5 who were denied admission. As more cities become "minority majority" cities, if we aren't even at the table the only thing that will occur is further disenchantment by people of color and more LA Riots


Name: Walter
Email:
Response: No Asian don't affirmative Action because when they come into this country they are given everything they need to start there own business and then the United States pays all the fees for college. But it will not take care of there own. (Black or white) You can't change the mind set people there we need to train people to a least to civil to each other. This should start at birth


Name: Rufus Joe Fields Jr
Email: www.confieldsincnatlwebtv
Response: In our system money is power, We should help each other join togerher. Our dollars are not coming back to our communitys.


Name: Monte Pratt
Email: sanderdl@co.forsyth.nc.us
Response: I contributed an earlier response on this question in which I made what amounted to a personal attack on an earlier contributer. That contributer rightly took offense. I respect their opinion to believe how they will, and my contribution to the overall question should have acted like it. I apologize to that person for my improper response.


Name: EDee
Email: edee@cyberramp.net
Response: Merit.


Name: Matt Peebles
Email: Elabmatt@aol.com
Response: Recently the corporate entity has exposed themselves in the overt glass ceiling they have placed on minorities striving at the upper levels of management. In replacing Affirmative Action, a new standard of quantitative evaluations initiated by the firms themselves, monitored by themselves and provided to our congressional representatives to show their intent on improving race relations. We cannot affect change until all recognize the continual inequities of corporate empowerment and its social descruction. While on the subject , lets have reverse Affirmative Action and lets see if our prisons can get the influx of whites, particularly white youths to enter the penal institutions anywhere near the rate minorities have in the last 15 years. My point is that the system does need serious adjustment and the term Affirmative does not beget Action. Lets see if this national discussion on race will bring the economic and social questions that exist to the correct reactions from those that really can affect change. The concept of asking, no begging for crumbs has not brought out enough change but yet, if we can allow those that have the power to admit, organize, implement, and finance the programs that will empower minorities to solve many of our own problems, then this program of Affirmative Action can be replaced. Better yet, eliminated.


Name: THE THINKER
Email:
Response: EVERY PERSON WHO IS OPPOSED SHOULD CREATE A PETITION WITH A MINIMUM OF 1000 NAMES IN PREPARATION FOR THE STATE TO STATE DECISIONS THAT ARE UPCOMING. OBSTACLES ARE WHAT YOU SEE WHEN YOU TAKE YOUR EYES OFF OF YOUR GOALS.


Name:
Email: acp9w@virginia.edu
Response: What should replace Affirmative Action?How about a realization that we are ALL AMERICANS, not a society of Black vs. White? Reading through these reactions, everyone seems to have the attitude that it's "us versus them." Yes, there is a history in this country of slavery and discrimination and lots of other things we'd all rather forget. But how is it supposed to get any better if we just keep fighting each other?I'm white. Now maybe I'm just blind or naive or something, but I have yet to sense any sort of "plot" against African-Americans by those who share my skin color that some of you insist exists. There is (rather unfortunately) certainly a very long way to go before everyone in this country will be considered comletely equal. But that does not mean that whites are out to get anyone. I guess maybe I've just been really lucky to not have seen any discrimination in my life (that I can think of off the top of my head). All I see (and what really bugs me) is a large amount of self-segregation (by all races). Maintaining one's cultural background is a great thing, but I wish that this could be done in such a manner that we could LEARN from one another, share a common AMERICAN background in addition to more specific cultural ones, and work together in this world instead of acting like oil and water.


Name: Orlando F.
Email: living in Amsterdam,The Netherlands
Response: The honourable mr.Farrakhan is a great leader, but so am i.Affirmative Action should be replaced by quality education offer.Learn about the facts of Orlandoism.


Name: Prince Albert, Smith
Email:
Response: Monte Pratt--You're A Long Winded, Pompus Fool. You Say Nothing With Your POMPOSITY. RETURN to college and get the REAL EDUCATION! (if you got that far.)


Name: A is P
Email:
Response: I am amazed how black people can't see the forest through the trees.The solution is quite simple. It is all about behavior. Black culture's problems stem from Black culture's behavior. (Just look at the NBA which is 85% black, it is very sad to read about multimillionaire criminals ex.. Chris Webber is a disgrace). If you change Black culture's behavior than the need for affirmative action will fade away. (i.e. asians do not need affirmative action to become engineers, and doctors etc). If black culture can change it's behavior, success will follow in the next generation.


Name: Monte Pratt
Email: sanderdl@co.forsyth.nc.us
Response: Honestly, I'm not just exactly sure what affirmative action was/is in order to be able to say what should replace it. I have some thoughts in general about the subject though. I am a 28 year old African-American and frankly have not overtly experienced a job being denied to me because of my race. However, I'm aware of where I live and I have removed from my resume anything that would identify my race prior to an interview. As a result, I have been to at least two interviews where the interviewers were visibly taken back by my appearance-- and I don't think it was my suit that did it! However, I received a job offer from one of the agencies and I was one of two finalist for the other. Affirmative action has allowed qualified minority individuals and women opportunities to show that they too can succeed in arenas previously denied to them. As a result, employers who for whatever reason had been reluctant in the past to hire "minorities and women" have been more willing to give a qualified applicant a chance (like those provided for white males eventhough they don't always succeed either!). Richard Nixon of all people was the initial White House occupant who coined the phrase and the program interestingly enough. I think his intention was for a W.E.B. DuBois-like "talented tenth" to spring up and take advantage of this program and then take their knowledge and new found economic wherewithal back to the "community." However, the program hasn't worked that way. It appears to me, for the most part, that those who benefit directly, benefit exclusively. All of the tangential benefit expected by the creators of the program has not been realized to a large extent. As a result, the fruits of affirmative action have the appearance (rightly or wrongly) of "tokenism." In short, those who benefit from affirmative action are growing old and will die and not have imparted much knowledge and economic wherewithal back to the community. In fact, a lot of older people might say that affirmative action is a drain on the "African-American" business community because those who might be driven to start their own "mom and pop" clothing store, grocery store, or attorney's office are enticed by JCPenney's, Food Lion, and Dewey, Cheatum, and Howe Attorney's at law to work for them. The impact to the "African-American" economy being far less than if the dollars were generated and spent in the "African-American" community. Historically Black Colleges and Universities have been gutted of their best high school recruits both athletically and academically by schools like the ones I went to that offer tons of money, high national rankings, and huge endowments that provide for picturesque campuses in order to meet their "affirmative action policies." Further, affirmative action is a rather paternalistic program. It is basically, white people agreeing that some of them are unfair when it comes to hiring practices. They are agreeing to regulate themselves to protect the hapless "African-Americans." But in reality, those who do well in life probably do so more because of family influence and drive than because of a helping hand out of high school and college. A lot about a person has already been determined before affirmative action kicks in. At any rate, I would be curious to hear more opinions about affirmative action and its fruits from people who have a point of reference beginning before the Nixon policy was instituted.


Name: Warnell Burgess
Email: argito@yahoo.com
Response: I am a 36 year old black male. I've travelled extensively and heard just about all of it. My opinion on Affirmative Action?? It is far better to be free to govern or misgovern yourself than to be governed by anybody else. When you look at the world, it is very easy to see what is not being done for you. When your needs are not met, when your interests are not being served, there is a tendency to complain. If the one entrusted to serve, protect and guide you promotes his own interests above yours, you learn to do for yourself. It matters not what experience you lack. Your interests will guide you. Give no concern to what they say you cannot do. Be willing to accept the challenge. Do not be afraid to question the process. New systems are born from the questioning of the old. Take time to retreat to that quiet place within the pit of your soul and unleash your right to decide what is best for you. - Our Supreme Being made us all individuals and in his image, in spite of our colors, genders, etc. We all need to follow our God given senses, stand up and stop following the crowd (society). Don't be afraid..don't live in fear. New doors are opened every second. Concentrate and pay attention. The way is paved. All you got to do is pay attention. -


Name:
Email: molymoly@webtv.net
Response: Equality is the only thing that can replace affirmative action. Until the color line is erased from the eyes of the White man whom remains in power, Blacks Americans, American Indians, Jews, Hispanics, or no other minorities will ever seen equality in this country. Affirmative Action is the only way we stand a chance.


Name: Prophet
Email: kgary@sunset.olemiss.edu
Response: It is time for us to start depending on ourselves for the solutions to our problems and not White America. We have depended on White America to do things for us that we would probably be better off doing for ourselves. Their are still elements of that old Master/Slave relationship within the black community. In slavery the white "slavemaster" made blacks completely depend on him for food, clothing, shelter, etc... in an attempt to control the enslaved person. Well, we are no longer enslaved so we need to stop depending on white america for thing that we can do for ourselves. In our own community there are very few black owned businesses, but many white, Chinese, Korean etc... When we buy food we buy from white owned food markets, when we buy clothes we buy from white stores and in many cases we buy clothes with some white man's name on it who probably hasn't given a dime to the black community. You will never go into a white community a find a black owned business. What this means is we are helping everyones economy except our own. If we concentrate our efforts on gaining control over our economy in our community, Affirmative Action would not be an issue. If we owned more businesses we can create more jobs for our people and not have to depend on whites to give us a job. You don't see Chinese or Korean people crying about Affirmative Action because they have become competitive in "Big Business". We can do the same but first we must stop thinking that we can not survive with the help of white america. I think that Affirmative Action has opened many doors for black that would not have been opened otherwise, but if we are to reach the level of economic power that we could and should have we must create doors of opportunity for ourselves and stop waiting for an opportunity from white america. Peace Out!!!!


Name: Donald Thomas
Email:
Response: Pittbul, who just said this is not a place for personal disagreements, has managed to call me a "stupid, ignorant fool," just because I disagree with him. What a whopping contradiction! What a useless apology! The man (?) just can't help himself! And to call me a "spineless jellyfish" is the pot calling the kettle black. I'll make you a deal: I'll give you my address when you give me your real name. One spineless jellyfish deserves another.


Name: Marc
Email: msmi014@ibm.net
Response: Who needs Affirmative Action anyway. It's something "They" gave us. Ask yourself who benefited least. Da? What we need, we need to take. Most of all, we need to support OURSELVES!


Name: simon
Email: talib@swbell.net
Response: We should replace affirmative action with affirmative expectations. We should expect each other to do the right thing, the right way, for the right results, to benefit our communities and glorify God according to His word. And if you don't do it, then you should expect me to hold you accountable. I expect my children, my friends, my family, even my enemies, to be their best, and should expect me to be my best. When I be my best, then you are able to be your best. Affirmative action served its purpose, now let us raise the standard, begining with ourselves. Peace


Name: Jennifer Ransaw
Email: jransaw@uniworldgroup.com
Response: White America's willingness to level the playing field. A stellar education and educational environment at all schools no matter what part of town they're in. More African Americans opening up their own shops and employing their own. And the list can go on and on. However, the truth of the matter really is nothing should replace affirmative action until their is no longer a need for affirmative action.


Name: Nnamdi Nzingha
Email:
Response: REPARATIONS!!!


Name:
Email: PITTBUL@webtv.net
Response: Donald Thomas, You're a fool. You're a stupid ignorant fool...! And I won't continue trading insults with the lot of you! When you people attack someone--you should be man/woman enough to give your address to show you have some backbone, unless, you're a spineless jellyfish. Anyway, this is not the place for personal disagreements. I apologize to our host...


Name: Essence
Email:
Response: I believe that nothing should take the place of Affirmative Action. Let's be brutally honest. For too long, people of color have depended on the white man for everything. Who approves the loans for houses and cars? Who compiled the questions on college entrance exams? Hell, who, literally, makes the money in the United States and determines what the face values are? And the list goes on and on. The majority of our ancestors played on the white man's intelligence in order to achieve their dreams and goals. They used prayer, intellect, and ignorance to do this. Ultimately, it was their persistence that paved the way for us. We don't need affirmative action. We need prayer, intellect, and the ability to "out fox the fox."


Name: Khalfani
Email: khalfani@webtv.net
Response: The Japanese never asked for the U.S. gov. to give them anything. They proved their man/womanhood by establishing near supremacy in certain markets and the U.S. is begging to get into Japan. When we stop following the West in our thinking and actions we will have no use for affirmative action.


Name: Jon
Email: Jon_vazquez@hotmail.com
Response: We should be at point where we need no afirmitive action let alone a replacement. Can't the employers in this country grow up and stop acting like immature high schoolers?


Name: Alice Rivero
Email: arivero@bowdoin.edu
Response: The African-American "Fortune 500" . There are a lot of markets out there in Africa, the Middle East, the Pacific just waiting to receive something other than Coca-Cola and Marlboro We need to realize that we are an intelligent, capable people who can accomplish anything we set out to do. If we weren't, we would have disappeared a long time ago. We need imagination, pride and a lot of hard work


Name: Donald Thomas
Email:
Response: Spare us the attempted nobility, "Pittbul". You are no sacrificial lamb, no Jesus Christ. You have been attacking people here ever since you showed up. Now you whine like a puppy. YOU are not the topic here anyway. You and your nonsense take up too much time. Get a life!


Name:
Email: tnutz@ufl.edu
Response: Regardless of any actual benefit that Affirmative Action may produce; it must be judged on principle. That principle is discrimination based on race/origin. Do you find that as disturbing as I? Also, a side note: Why does Aff. Action only apply to Sub-saharan Africans?


Name:
Email: PITTBUL@webtv.net
Response: That last attack on me, I will not dignify with an answer. I lowered my personality once. Once is enough...


Name: Robert Boyer
Email: rboyer@geotek.com
Response: Affirmative Action is great as far as getting black people in the door. We all understand this and agree, but it is time for blacks to start creating their own doors to walk through. They want to remove Affirmative Action because the people whom own the companies are tired of having to be told who they can hire. Fine, if they want to feel that way, then let them. What we need to do is contact, network and join together to work as one. Example: When are all the clothing companies such as FUBU, KARL KANI, PHAT FARM, DADA, ETC., ETC., going to start a corporation instead of competing against one another. There can be a lot more accomplished TOGETHER, then as ONE to open the doors for models, designers and artist to get more recognition. There is more I could say about this topic, but I will stop here for now. Thank you


Name:
Email: PITTBUL@webtv.net
Response: If you people think attacking me is going to solve our problems, then, I willingly submit myself as the "Sacrificial Lamb...!" But, it won't work. Attacking me shows whites that we are as stupid as they think we are. In the face of serious problems--we fight each other instead of coming together to combat the real problem. That problem is, white people determined to eliminate us from economic opulence. Destroying Affirmative Action is their agenda for today; Tomorrow it will be something else. Isn't there at least "one" intelligent mind among you? Are you too sophisticated to believe that white people won't hurt you...? They don't care about Affirmative Action! They just don't want "us" to have Affirmative Action...!! The biggest problem we have is ignorance. From that ignorance other problems spring forth, and we continue to create more problems in the guise of attempting to solve our problems. "Some of you" have a big problem with me...!! I speak the Truth in a "Bold" manner...!I don't Bite my Tongue. When you hear from me, you will know exactly what's on my mind and what my opinions are. Can you say the same? If you can't handle what I am, guess what...I won't change for anyone. I can't stand cowardice...I can't stand turning the other cheek...Thank God not all of you lean in that direction...


Name: McCoy Smith
Email: macdansley@msn.com
Response: Let's look at it from the other side. What if affirmative action (set asides) where created to benefit Whites? We would cry racism until we lost our voices. Lets try looking at things from other peoples perspectives before we start to whine.


Name: Tarik Jenkins
Email: tjenk@mtsu.edu
Response: Hey Afro, can we have a new page for ADULTS who want to engage in relevant discussion? This place is starting to smell like a tree that *Dogs* pee on. The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan answered this question a long time ago. Stop begging the white man for crumbs and DO FOR SELF.


Name: Frances Murphy
Email: FrankieLou@aol.com
Response: The words "affirmative action" raise a red flag to too many people. Let's get a new name for affirmative action and follow the same ideals and principles. We could call it "fair share" after the NAACP program. Or maybe we could call the program "Americanizing Minorities". We need a fair share in the work place and we need to be treated like Americans. We have earned that right.


Name: Solomon Landers, Uwohilatlitigv
Email: Numberup@worldnet.att.net
Response: I agree that the name calling is entirely inappropriate in this forum and must cease. Such disrepect for one another is appalling. If we can't respect one another, why should anyone else respect us? What sort of people do we show ourselves to be when we can't even engage in an interchange of opinions without resorting to personal attacks, casting aspersions, and invective? This is supposed to be a public discussion group, not a mental strait-jacket, inviting differences of opinion. What right does one person have to engage in ignorant attacks on others? I don't know Mr. or Ms. Pittbul, and have no desire to know him or her. But it is hard to respect someone who "bravely" hurls trite personal accusations while HIDING behind a NICKNAME. Let our words educate and inform, not merely spout sewage.


Name: Michelle
Email: friskyflrt@aol.com
Response: I'm far too tired from working to make any deep statements...BUT, I truly believe that the oftentimes subtleness of oppression (and this is opression of all categories, not just black) is not picked up by those who don't directly feel the opression. Did that even make sense? Anyway, what I'm trying to say is that if you have this discussion with someone who has never felt opression on this level or who has been taught that they deserve this opression in the market place (ie: women making $.75 to every man's dollar) then they will not comprehend the importance of Affirmative Action. Nor will they perceive the historical results.


Name: D. Johnson
Email:
Response: I have always like this discussion forum, and I have always liked reading the diversified opinions. I hope that we can bring it back "up" to where it has always been and cease with this name calling. Battle with ideas, this stimulates the minds of the readers as well as the writers; then we will all benefit. As for today's topic, I have always believed that the key to our advancement in this country is to keep a very critical eye on where and with whom we spend our dollars. The color most respected in America is green. We as a community have a huge buying base. If a company is not voluntarily doing the right thing, we should immediately pull back our dollars. In addition we should do everything we can to support black owned businesses. Whining about their refusal to continue Affirmative Action programs is a waste of time. The American majority will do what they want to do. The bigger question is what are we doing to grow our own businesses? Companies who hire and train African-American youth. Are you supporting them. When you need a service or a product do you go the extra mile and find a qualified black business? If not then we have no right to complain. Every one of us, in fact not even a majority of us, are making that extra step. We can't be, if we were black businesses would be doubling in size and small black businesses would be popping up everywhere. We don't all have our money in black owned banks. If we did these banks would be huge. What should replace affirmative action: African Americans putting our money and our support squarely behind black businesses.


Name: sylvester johnson
Email: sj0008@bdc.ci.baltimore.md.us
Response: i think more of us should get involved and be realistic about our expectations.


Name:
Email: PITTBUL@webtv.net
Response: What a "CROCK..." I expected as much from the "IDIOT" SOLOMON. To create a better society, the full participation of minority citizens is vital to the survival of a free and prosperous nation. Men and women of color as well as white women. Affirmative Action has been overwhelmingly successful. It has been attacked because of misperceptions and some peoples fear of a loss of preference and privilege. Affirmative Action actually benefits most Americans and the country as a whole. The "Equal Opportunity Act of 1995," which, despite its name, prohibits consideration of gender, race or ethnicity in federal employment, contracts, and other programs. This legislation devastates the civil rights enforcement policies. It also eliminates the use of Affirmative Action to remedy past or present discriminations. The US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia ruled against the "Equal Employment Opportunity rules which required stations to hire minorities and women...!! Why was Affirmative Action instituted in the first place? Some people were monopolizing the better opportunities America has to offer. To give others a chance acquiring better opportunities, something was needed. Ergo, Affirmative Action...!!! Whatever replaces Affirmative Action, has to be better and foolproof. We need something that can't be weaseled out. In other words, it should be CRYBABY PROOF. It must eliminate the "Silver-Spoon" syndrome...! Every American needs a chance at the best of what America has to offer, and not Hogged by the Greedy. Uninformed people will see, everything in America comes down to White People...! You have to be 'Blind' not to see this. "SOLOMON," life is not an 'off the top of the head' situation; It's what you know, and can Substantiate....


Name: Solomon Landers, Uwohilatlitigv
Email: Numberup@worldnet.att.net
Response: Legislation which makes sure America lives up to the laws, promises, proclamations and Constitutional amendments which are already in place to secure "freedom and justice for ALL." While acknowledging that Affirmative Action has helped some minority groups, I do not see its demise as a great tragedy. Perhaps that is because I myself am a "pre-Affirmative Action baby." Black people were able to achieve and prosper BEFORE Affirmative Action. I have no doubt that we will continue to do so once it is gone.


Name: abdul-malik
Email: ameer@earthlink.net
Response: THERE IS NOTHING THAT SHOULD REPLACE IT. WHITE MALES ARE SO WORRIED THAT A BLACKMANS GOING TO BEAT HIM OUT OF SOMETHING THEY KNOW THAT GIVEN AN EQUAL CHANCE WE CAN COMPETE WITH THEM ON ANY LEVEL.