The U.S. Supreme Court decision in the case of the New Haven, Connecticut firefighters who were passed over for promotions because of their race – all but one of the 19 are white; the other, Latino — is raising questions about the very legitimacy of affirmative action. The conversation that will flow from these questions will not be easy. Race, after all, is the wound that never quite seems to heal in America.
But if we continue down this old, bumpy road, where certain people get affirmative action “points” because of their race and ethnicity, it will be a long, long time before we arrive at our destination — the kind of equality, affirmative action supporters are striving for. And this is why it’s time for a radical change in our thinking.
Which brings us to my plan.
I have devised a plan that will bring much more diversity into the workplace and into our universities and into the culture at large without the pain and discontent that has been inflicted by the old affirmative action plan. My plan represents real change – change we can believe in. Because with my plan we will see results not in another 10 or 20 or 30 years, but literally overnight!
Here’s how it works: every white person in America who thinks affirmative action based on race and ethnicity is a good idea, an idea that will make America a better place, voluntarily gives up his and her job on one and only one condition: that they be replaced by someone who is not white!
I know, I know. It’s brilliant. In the blink of an eye, my plan would achieve the kind of equality the architects of affirmative action have not been able to achieve in the past 40 years. My plan would immediately bring many more black Americans into the workplace, many more Latinos too, and many other minorities. It would bring more minority kids into our colleges, thanks to all those idealistic white kids who think we need more diversity on campus, and therefore would voluntarily give up their seats in the classroom for minority students who didn’t make the cut the first time around.
I tried my idea out on two executives in a world I know a little something about – TV News. I explained to them, in two separate conversations, how the plan would work. I told them that since they were proponents of affirmative action, they would be among the white folks who would be quitting their jobs so that black folks and other minorities could take their place. Let’s just say they were not amused. These are two white men who speak glowingly of affirmative action (and maybe even get bonuses based on the number of minority workers they hire) yet were not willing to make a sacrifice – their own jobs — for a better, more diverse America. Someone needs to tell these titans of business and morality that generosity without sacrifice is suspect.
As for those city officials in New Haven: They would not give the firemen their promotions simply because no black candidates passed the test. These city officials were more than willing to discriminate solely on the bases of the firefighters’ skin color. This is the kind of racism white liberals can live with because it’s the kind that makes them feel good about themselves.
So, to show their dedication to equality, those white city officials should resign, immediately. They should let black and other minorities take their place. It’s the decent thing to do, isn’t it?
The Supreme Court ruling was one of those close ones. Five justices said Ricci vs. New Haven, as the case was called, was a clear-cut case of racial discrimination in violation of the United States Constitution. Here’s an idea for the four white liberals who weren’t troubled by such obvious racism: Resign. Make room for a few more wise Latina women and other wise minority justices. It’s the honorable thing to do.
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Bernie, thanks for the voice, you use the Socratic Method brilliantly.
I’ve begun calling these people, ALAIDAMs. (As Long As It Doesn’t Affect Me).
Brilliant! An absolutely perfect solution.
Reader said:
“Um, I’m white and I’m sure I have already been turned down for placement in schools or jobs where a qualified, but otherwise lower-scoring under-represented minority person was selected in “my” spot. I have no problem with it.”
Response:
Uhm, why not? You truly must be privileged if losing out to a person with lower qualifications leaves you feeling so…sanguine. I envy any man who, after working long and hard to secure his future, is denied his rightful place to someone who, perhaps, did not work as long and hard and then feels not a twinge of bitterness or dissatisfaction. One wonders how you have achieved this Zen like acceptance of something so, well, unfair.
I, on the other hand, and I am sure plenty of others, would have the tendency to rail against such unfairness. And we would be perfectly within our rights. Having grown up poor, with no inherent advantages accrued to me by the fact of the station of my birth, I might be a bit less sanguine. I might even be motivated to do something about it, like directing my energies to ending the policies that treated me so roughly. And I would be doing so in the name of justice. Maybe even social justice. Perhaps I might even fancy myself as walking in the footsteps of the greats, such as MLK. But then, I often have delusions of grandeur.
The fact of the matter is that I value fairness and honest dealing above all else. And, were I to lose my opportunity at a better future due to a policy that is inherently unfair, I would not be quite so forgiving.
I read this in your book, Mr. Goldberg, and found it as interesting then as now. I am wondering when, exactly, we feel the debt to our past sins is finally paid. I am also wondering how we square preferences with the constitutional notion of equal protection under the law.
This last bit is particularly important in that not only do we have public institutions building racial preferences into hiring and advancement procedures, but we have laws that, basically, make it a crime to exhibit “hate” in the commission of another crime, a concept I have never really wrapped my head around. It seems strange in America these days, but I am not sure I see any way back.
Some will argue, of course, that preferences based on race were, at one time, necessary. Just as many conservatives will argue that the more onerous provisions of the Patriot Act were, in their time, necessary. The problem with these arguments is that they neglect to take into account that these laws play fast and loose with Constitutional truth. We may feel they are necessary, and surely they are filled with good intentions, but do they pass Constitutional muster? I have the uneasy feeling that they do not, and that we turn a blind eye to that fact to further goals of social justice or security. And once we start down this path, the Constitution, and the protections that it affords, become ever more malleable and open to being interpreted in the context of the transient, and unsound, standards of the day.
Perhaps that is why we tend to frame everything in terms of “war”: war on poverty, war on drugs, war on terror, war on racism. In times of war, expediency is key, after all.
Well, just some random thoughts. Hope you are well on this fine day, the day of our independence.
I wrote the Mayor of New Haven….
Mayor DeStefano,
I was thinking that you really have a great opportunity to show the residents of New Haven and for that matter the United States that you are not a hypocrite. You can choose to step down as Mayor and give your position to a black person. If you truly believe in affirmative action, than you should live by your beliefs. After all who is more priveledged to hold your office than a white man. Give it up for the betterment of society. Also make sure that ALL of your boards are representative racially. This afterall has nothing to do with democracy or credentials its all about color, as long as it doesnt affect YOUR job.
I agree, Mr. Goldberg.
Similarly… for years, I have told my friends (especially the liberal ones in favor of higher taxes) that anyone in favor of higher taxes should be required to pay higher taxes. Of course, they are always welcome to make a “donation” to help pay down the public debt.
Bernie,
Thank God the Supreme Court righted the wrong of this travesty, overturning Sotomayor and the liberals who started this mess (what was her rate of overturns – 60%?).
While racism does seem to be the wound that never heals, I would call it the gift that keeps on giving. Too many people have made their careers keeping it alive while the majority of American people have long been over it. The only good to come out of this was that the American public got a peek at the liberal agenda, Sotomayor and the way that Obama thinks.
Always interested in seeing you on Fox and hearing what you have to say!
Happy Independence Day!
I thought Juan Williams did an outstanding job on Oreilly last night. Here’s a minority who is not only credible, but could easily replace current white anchors. So let’s see if any white anchors are willing to give up their seats for Juan.
I have much respect for Juan Williams. He pulls off working for both NPR and Fox News, and seems to keep all the plates spinning pretty well. This week, he was guest-hosting a show, and actually challenged both the liberal AND the conservative guest (it might have been Alan Colmes and Monica Crowley). That’s precisely what hosts are SUPPOSED to do.
I could not agree more. He is liberal but understands he’s a journalist first and that he has a responsibility to the public.
Good work as usual Mr. Goldberg!
Why don’t you go on MSNBC and ask Keith Olbermann or Chris Matthews (or Rachel Maddow or Andrea Mitchell) to sacrifice for the sake of racial diversity? Or better yet, how about a test for news anchors that is based on affirmative action principles?
Nancy,
EXACTLY! you think Katie and the others would like affirmative action and diversity so much if they had to resign to make room for minority anchors?
I guess we all know the answer to that.
thanks, Nancy, for writing …
Bernie
That, of course, would require Olbermann or Maddow to have a guest with a disparate point of view……..so did you have a BACKUP plan?
After watching you on O’Reilly i couldn’t wait to get on my computer and let you know “WAY TO GO”! It is refreshing to hear other ideas than the left sided news programs. I used to love my Grandfather’s saying of Clean your own house before you clean someone else’s. I think this is appropriate for this situation. I also think that if the GOP sits back and lets Obama dig his own hole we will not have to worry about him in 4 years. He talks the talk, and he really loves to talk, but doesn’t walk the walk. He has already proven this over and over. Anyone who thinks the middle class isn’t going to pay for all that money he borrowed is an idiot. We always pay!!!
The best part of your plan is that it will at least eliminate from important posts some racists, even though it will no doubt install in those same positions other racists. That’s because anyone who believes in affirmative action is primarily concerned about a person’s race, rather than the content of their character.
I just saw you on O’Reilly, Bernie, and I think you could have elaborated a bit more on why 87% of Dems and only 48% of Republicans believe the Global Warming propaganda. The reason is not just a distrust of the mainstream media, though that’s part of it. The main reason is that the left have realised that Global Warming mitigation policies will have a global wealth redistribution effect. Wealth redistribution, either nationally or globally, is what the left is all about. Anything that might shut down industries in the West and send those jobs to the Third World is good as far as the Left is concerned as it reduces the global wealth disparity that they find so offensive.
Third World countries like India, China and Brazil have successfully argued that because the West has been enjoying the benefits of industrialisation for a hundred years or more, AND pumping out gasses all that time, the West should be the first to make the drastic cuts.
Actually, India, China et al don’t believe in the global warming scam for a moment. They see it for what it is: another self-indulgent guilt-motivated fad that the fashionable in the West are so well-known for. They’re not afraid to look at the temps and see that the warming of the 90’s is over. But they DO know not to spoil it when their rich competitors look like shooting themselves in the foot and sending some industries their way. They’ll play along with the scam if it means a few million Western jobs will be sent in their direction.
Don’t worry too much about this all coming true, however. Global temps have been falling for 7 years and are now at about the 20thC average, and not even the mainstream media can pull off hiding that for very long. Eventually the facts will seep out. The people who should be worried now are the politicians and bureaucrats who’ve championed this hoax for so long. The planet’s not playing ball. Their dream is turning to dust as they watch. That’s why Obama is trying to rush through legislation, before it sinks in to the independents that man-made global warming is just not happening.
i COMPLETELY agree … bernie
that’s why they now are calling it “climate change” – so while the God created earth goes through it’s normal up’s and down’s the liberals can hijack anything it does for their advantage! maddening.
It’s amazing what frauds liberals are. You should give their names and expose them for the phonies they are. It’s like Al Gore with his LearJet and energy gulping house. How can you not laugh at these idiots?
Bernie,
Great idea. But a little far fetch. I believe Affirmative Action at one time was necessary. Unfortunately like most social programs there is no end date and politicians use these so called programs to oppress. I feel bad for those non-minorities who feel they were cheated a promotion or a legitimate opportunity due to affirmative action. I also feel bad for those minorities who with all things being equal were cheated a promotion or legitimate opportunity due to racism.
I feel bad for those non-minorities who feel they were cheated a promotion or a legitimate opportunity due to affirmative action. I also feel bad for those minorities who with all things being equal were cheated a promotion or legitimate opportunity due to racism.
MAC
thanks for the note. re the above, i agree. completely. it’s just that i don’t think the firefighters in new haven should pay a price for what some bigot did in memphis. and second, my gripe is with the people who dole out the racial goodies but when given a chance to put their money where their mouth is — by giving up their own jobs — they suddenly don’t think affirmative action is such a great idea.
but i sincerely that you for the intelligent comments …
Bernie
Has affirmative action been truly successful in promoting equal opportunity or overcoming discrimination? I wonder. What is its ultimate goal? Seems there`s still a growing number of unenlightened, unfulfilled, unhappy Americans looking to blame others for their state, while govt intervention only exacerbates their discomfort and moves them farther from realizing the truth. Equality is not a state of mind, it`s a state of being and serves its own justice.
Great idea! Why hasn’t anyone thought of this before. Let’s start with the Congress and Senate!
How about the President’s staff! Carvell and Paul B. I bet they will be very willing to give up their jobs too!
Bernie,
Excellent idea. If the liberals were sincere about their beliefs in affirmative action, they should be more than willing to give up their own jobs to a minority and set the example that they want everyone else to follow.
Keep up the great work!
Good article, but alas this is not going to change the sad state of business that we already exist in today. As said before; We are guaranteed Equal Rights but not Equal outcomes.
Kudos to you, Sir.
Another good column…although I kinda wish we knew the names of those two TV news executives who you mentioned; I’m feeling a bit snarky today, that’s all.
Thank you for sharing this with us!
one became the president of cbs news; the other was a vp at nbc news.
Sounds like a perfectly good idea to me! But as usual it’s do as I say not as I do. Keep up the great work!
di
Um, I’m white and I’m sure I have already been turned down for placement in schools or jobs where a qualified, but otherwise lower-scoring under-represented minority person was selected in “my” spot. I have no problem with it. I am familiar with people who have given up their spots on organization (e.g. corporate) boards to make room for minorities. I had lots of advantages in life, and some disadvantages. I don’t fool myself into thinking that I got everything I have purely through merit of my character — lots of what I have in life I have through luck. Most jobs are selected because someone knows someone. And yes, I actually prefer my police and government workers to be more diverse, even at the expense of some other “qualifications” because it makes the government more effective at serving the whole public and gaining its trust.
You must be the nicest person on earth if you can understand someone being placed in a position before you or you don’t have a family to feed. As an independent consultant in manufacturing I am somewhat insulated by affirmative action as my current job and next job is solely based on performance and capabilities. But I know many large corporations that submit government bids through minority organizations. I certainly am not saying all minority owned business are front ends to corporations but I believe most large corporations that depend on government business do use it. Question for anyone out there. Is proposition 209 in affect in California or was it reversed by the courts.
Having put 5 children through college with almost all paid for out of my own pocket, I am sensitive that more scrunity is not placed on tuition discounts for minorities. A personal friend worth millions, was capable of tuition breaks (50%) for both his kids because they were minority. I have no problem assisting kids with needs but this is way out of line.
Yes, indeed: brilliant. I had another way to frame this issue in a similar vein. I’d like to conduct a poll. Here’s the question: assume you or a dear loved one needs to undergo brain surgery; if you had a choice of surgeon, would you prefer a surgeon who got to medical school thru affirmative action; or one who got there on merit? (or, no preference)??? I’ve been on the short end of the stick of affirmative action policy one too many times (since high school). I’m more than a little biased on this issue (my IQ is >150). It’s a shame that we are wasting brain-power in the USA, just when we need it most. many brilliant people are not particularly entrepreneurial: they prefer to work for someone else. Sorry this went on …
As a physician, affirmative action is alive and well in medical schools and unfortunately scary and playing with patient’s lives. While in medical school approximately 30 years ago, the minority students received extensive tutoring as well as (rumour but likely true) preview of anatomy practicals and other tests. I have a friend, a fellow physician, who informed me that at his medical school, a significant number of minority students failed Part 1 of the National Boards which is taken at the end of the second year of medical school. This exam is EASY for anyone who wants to be a physician and there is no racial bias when it comes to this exam -only FACTS.
I passed it without studying as all physicans should. By the way, the medical school is in New Haven, CT, Yale – what a coincidence.
I could go on and on. One last thing, the most important thing. Patients have and unfortunately will continue to die because of affirmative action in medicine! The pity is that there are good minority physicians, but I believe that affirmative action has hurt rather than helped them.