As I think about it, I remember that Affirmative Action was started in the '60's in order to bring "people of color" into the mainstream workplace. I think that's been done as far as Affirmative Action can go.
Now there have been some on here, in this thread, talking about the ghetto, and how you'd change your tune if you were there, and characterized the "ghetto" as a particularly BLACK experience. I take exception to that. I doubt that the person(s) who said that have ever lived there. I was raised there in Dallas, in the fifties, sixties, and early seventies. I am a mixed breed person. I tell people that my race is "Ethnic Texan." That's what I am. I have also been called a "blanket-ass good-for-nothing, drunk f***ing indian," too. Folks, I don't drink, I've never spent my time sitting on a blanket, either. I do have a problem with clocks, though. I, for the life of me, have so much trouble structuring my day by the hour. It's a "Native-American" thing. Think the Welfare system can help me with that?
Like I said, I was raised in the South Dallas slums, where the average life-expectancy was 16. That didn't stop me from graduating high-school, or college, obtaining a commission, and serving honorably in the military until I was wounded severely enough that instead of the retirement I was two years from achieving, I got a medical disability instead. Guess what? Nothing was ever handed to me. I worked my tail off to get where I wanted to be. So can every other kid in the "ghetto," if they have the incentive, the moral backing, and try. Affirmative Action should no longer be in the purview of the Government, but in the hands of the people who are down, and trying to better themselves. By the same token, what in the world are they thinking in Washington, giving money to non-Americans to start businesses, so they can send their money to help relatives overseas, or bring them over here to get grants to start their own businesses? That's Affirmative Action, US Government style these days.
Back to the one who has his feelings on his sleeves about the Ghetto. Sir, I have just one thing to say to you, in closing: Grow up!

Fred, thank you for your service and sacrifice for your country. My grandchildren and I will always appreciate it.

Lordy, Affirmative Action/Positive Discrimination, whichever depending on country. I think it's broken and needs to be fixed or else be done away with. I have a disability that's sometimes obvious and sometimes not so it moves me up higher on the queue. I don't want to be admitted to college or hired because I fill a slot in a quota. I don't want to be the Token Gimp.

Good point.

Fine, you go hire an unqualified black person to do a job for you so you don't appear to be a hypocrite to people from overseas.

As I have a hearing disability, I took advantage of Affirmative Action in Los Angeles in the late 1970's, when I went to work at L.A. International Airport. Then California's props. 8 and 13 were on the ballot in the Spring of 1978.

Prop. 8 lost, and prop. 13 passes, as expected. So my job was in limbo. A vocational rehab. counselor worked with me, called me down to San Diego, where I interviewed for a company that no longer exists now. But I put in nearly six years with them. Currently, I have put in nearly 23 years with the company I now work for.

Without the affirmative action in 1978, well, life could have been different for me now. It gave me the experience I currently use in my administrative position.

From the 'rationale' behind affirmative action, it would seem logical that there should come a date when it should end.
It's not supposed to be an eternal means of making sure that all the different types of people are equally represented. I don't think it can be justified in such a manner.

Eventually, it has to go away...

I would like to see some degree of equality. So, we, in the year 2007 still must pay for the mistakes of our ancestors. What is next, just follow the protocol of what a US President thinks he should be doing to look good to the underachievers.You have to want to be an achiever to beat it.

I think all people want to be equal and have equal chances. I do.

You are one of many who deserve to have been helped and considered for affirmative action. I don't think it is meant for a color I think it is meant for a need. No disrespect intended on your behalf or anyone else. Thanks for your post below.

Star Dust

I tend to agree. These are unusual stories. We need to make sure there is a level playing field at all times. The days of the good ol'boys is not that far back...uh, yesterday, I believe.