RadioBanter - View Single Post

November 2nd 03, 02:51 AM

From: (RHF)

I think that most white folks recognize to some degree on going forms
of discrimination (racism) in our society. But they also view Quotas,
Guide Lines and Set-A-Sides as an 'equal' form of discrimination
(racism) in our society. (Two WRONGS do not make a Right.)

First, and foremost, I want to thank you, RHF, for not casting this issue as
part of the one-world socialist conspiracy that seems to so occupy your
concerns. This is progress.

I don't think we are too far apart on this issue.

I, personally, think quotas and set-asides should be based on economic
opportunities instead of race. Poor whites are often disadvantaged by the poor
communities and schools they attend. Helping these individuals get a fair
chance of education and employment seems more important than creating
opportunity for a minority born to a wealthy family and whose family's wealth
allowed them to attend Harvard.

Hate crime laws are difficult to resolve. While prosecutors often threaten such
charges to facilitate plea bargains, I've noticed that very few cases result in
sentence enhancements. I think there are clearly on-going examples of white
supremacists who deserve to have their sentences significantly enhanced. In our
urban slums, however, poor economic conditions simply make it more likely that
both races are at significantly greater risk of crime. I'm not sure that most
black-on-white crime is out of some desire for racial purity as much as it is
simply the fact that the white victims are perceived to be a more likely means
of quick economic gain.

We have a society where the rich are getting richer and the poor are getting
poorer. No matter what their race might be. Life will continue to be dangerous
under such conditions. Anyone who thinks that there is no such thing as
class-based discrimination in this great nation is as blind as those that
suggest that racial discrimination is a thing of the past.

Everyone deserves a fair break, whatever their race.

But my vision probably just screams "one-word socialist conspiracy" to most
Republicans, who seem to blindly feel that $300 tax cuts and private school
vouchers are the way to resolve class discrimination.

We need new solutions, not just more blind racial and political partisanship.

Michael Bryant, WA4009SWL
Louisville, KY
R75, S800, RX320, SW77, ICF2010K,
DX398, 7600G, 6800W, RF2200, 7600A
GE SRll, Pro-2006, Pro-2010, Pro-76
(remove "nojunk" to reply)