Steve... excellent as always.

Here is a thought about leveling the playing field.

Affirmative action sucks in the sense that makes everyone question if the person of color who made it "really deserves it" This is not a fair thing, and not helpful either. Here is an alternative:

Affirmative ACCESS.

We know that persons of color both do not have the same access as whites, even if racism didn't exist (which of course it DOES) persons of color would still not have access.

So focus on fixing THAT. Don't require specific outcomes, allow hiring, promotion to happen as it does, but instead focus on stats regarding ACCESS.

How many interns were of color? Is there a strong minorities program to get exposure?

Sure in a way that is still "unfair" but it is righting a wrong that still exists, AND if someone wins, they win on basis of merit and nothing else.

as always... a good read.

--dan