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Affirmative action critic trying to end policies in state

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By KEVIN ABOUREZK / Lincoln Journal Star

Saturday, Oct 13, 2007 - 12:40:41 am CDT

A prominent affirmative-action critic is targeting Nebraska as one of five states where he hopes to get voters to decide in November 2008 to end the use of racial, ethnic and gender preferences by public colleges and state and local agencies.

Ward Connerly, founder of the American Civil Rights Institute, has begun an effort to put an initiative on the Nov. 4, 2008, ballot in Nebraska that would ban the state from granting preferential treatment to people based on race, gender, color, ethnicity or national origin. The initiative would affect the areas of public employment, public education and public contracting.

Connerly said the ACRI has hired National Ballot Access of Lawrenceville, Ga., to gather signatures for the ballot initiative and plans to submit petition language to the state for review within three weeks.

Story Photo
Ward Connerly

He said he hopes to have petition circulators working to get signatures within 45 days in Nebraska.

“I think by the end of the year, certainly, we will be on the streets … gathering signatures,” he said.

In addition to Nebraska, Connerly is targeting Arizona, Colorado, Missouri and Oklahoma as states that would consider ballot measures ending state preferential treatment in November 2008.

He said he is focusing on those states because they seem like states that would pass such measures and because of the ease with which measures can be put on ballots in those states.

Of those states, only Colorado lacks a history of social conservatism, though that state has a large conservative minority that has managed to win key ballot victories in recent decades, according the Chronicle of Higher Education.

Connerly and his supporters have been able to get similar measures passed in other states, though they’ve often had to struggle with legal questions regarding their petition language.

Last month, they won a legal victory in Colorado when the state supreme court narrowly upheld language of a proposed Colorado Civil Rights Initiative in the face of opposition from affirmative-action supporters, according to the Chronicle.

Three states — California, Michigan and Washington — already have passed such bans. And in Florida, former Republican Gov. Jeb Bush curtailed affirmative-action preferences in state government through a 1999 executive order and persuaded the governing board of the state’s universities to follow suit, the Chronicle stated.

With so many states ending affirmative-action practices, it only makes sense other states should follow suit, Connerly said.

“I think it’s appropriate for Nebraska to join the growing American family that says we don’t want race to be used,” he said.

If Connerly and his supporters tie their ballot initiative to the issue of illegal immigration, a tactic they have used successfully elsewhere, they are likely to find responsive voters, said John R. Hibbing, professor of political science at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

He said the divisive nature of that issue was demonstrated last year when former U.S. Rep. Tom Osborne faced Gov. Dave Heineman in the race for governor.

Voters appeared to react negatively when Osborne showed support for a program that offered in-state tuition to children of illegal immigrants, Hibbing said.

“That was not something that was politically popular in many parts of the state,” he said.

However, it may be difficult to get Nebraska voters to want to end efforts to increase diversity within state institutions, he said. Nebraskans seem favorable toward helping women and minorities in Nebraska, though they also seem unfavorable toward hindering opportunities for white males.

“Everyone wants to go to heaven without dying,” Hibbing said, referring to the desires of some to help women and minorities without the political backlash that often accompanies such efforts.

Connerly said the petition would offer language that would provide exemptions to state agencies that would allow them to offer preferential treatment in special circumstances.

For example, female college sports teams would continue to be allowed to require its members to be female. Also, state programs that are required to abide by federal law in order to use federal money would be exempt.

Mike McCrory, personnel director for the state of Nebraska, said the state currently does not offer preferential treatment based on race, ethnicity or gender, though it is required by federal law to give preference in certain situations to disabled veterans.

However, the state is prohibited from discriminating against anyone.

“The state does not discriminate,” he said. “We want the best qualified people.”

UNL officials could not be contacted Friday to comment on Connerly’s proposal.

Neil Erickson, deputy secretary of state for elections, said Connerly has until July 4, 2008, to submit petitions to the Secretary of State’s Office for review.

Connerly said he is confident he will succeed in getting the issue on the November 2008 ballot and getting voters to pass it in Nebraska.

“I think the chances are extremely good,” he said. “People in Nebraska are basic Americans who believe in the principle of fairness.”

Judi Morgan gaiashkibos, executive director of the Nebraska Commission on Indian Affairs, said she believes Nebraska voters see value in efforts to improve diversity within state institutions and would not pass such a measure.

“I’d like to think that Nebraskans would do the right thing when given the opportunity,” she said.

Reach Kevin Abourezk at 473-7225 or kabourezk@journalstar.com.


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whatever wrote on October 13, 2007 1:48 am:
" We should all be rewarded based on our abilities not the "lottery of birth". Affirmative Action is inherently racist and supporters of this policy are RACIST. If we are truly to be a "melting pot", then let us all have the courage to reward based on our merits and our abilities. "

 Ralph Thomas wrote on October 13, 2007 3:42 am:
" I hope the people in Nebraska aren't fooled by this guy and his "ideas." He has wreaked havoc in every state he has gone with his "equality" rhetoric. Matter of fact, what he is he is BECAUSE of affirmative action and now seeks to "pull the ladder away" from others who may benefit in like manner. Nebraska would be best advised to send this guy back to the land of fruits and nuts and waste no time in doing so. He'll most likely be the first to hit the road just as soon as he sees that Nebraskans aren't "basic americans" and do not under any circumstance, "believe in the principle of fairness." At least that has been my opinion for many, many years. "

 MalcolmH wrote on October 13, 2007 3:56 am:
" It was only 1964 when the Civil Rights Act forced the states that practiced "legalized" discrimination to end Jim Crow laws. A mere 43 years have passed since then and thanks to programs like Civil Rights and Affirmative action, we are finally approaching the point where men and women, of all races, are contributing at all levels of society. They may be rare, but we don't blink at the idea of a rich, black, entrepreneur, or a woman doctor, or a latino lawyer. That's a great start! Now call me a cynic, but I doubt we would have these valuable people where they are today without the kick in the pants that affirmative action gave us. It not only made them equal, but gave them equal opportunity in the face of rampant discrimination. It would be great to think that in half a lifetime we somehow killed off that discrimination in the process. I wouldn't bet my next paycheck on it though, and that's the heart of the issue. Unless you really have the courage of your convictions, unless your really willing to bet YOUR next paycheck that there are no modern examples of organizational discrimination still being practiced right here in Nebraska, then how can you support any legislation meant to end that protection? If you won't make that bet, then however much it may gall you because Affirmative action really does force unequal treatment in favor of women and minorities, you can't abolish it and still claim they will get fair treatment. That's the litmus test "basic Americans who believe in the principle of fairness" should use. It's time to put in your ante or to stop contributing to the big lie that we live in a Utopian America that no longer needs this kind of protection from racism and bigotry. We are looking at you, do you have your paycheck ready to bet, or not, and what will you do either way? "

 Good wrote on October 13, 2007 7:50 am:
" Affirmative action is one of the most dangerous policies this county has ever pursued. Instaed of creating oppurtunities for minorities, it engenders feelings of resentment among the races. Every time a person of color is admitted to a professional school or promoted over a white person, it is assumed that affirmative action was the deciding factor rather than the ability of the minority. Furthermore, affiramative action promotes exactly what it attempts to end- selection of a candidate based on raise rather than qualifications. I applaud this measure and hope it passes. "

 Scott wrote on October 13, 2007 7:50 am:
" Mr. Connerly and his cynical cabal are obviously going after states where they feel the level of racism is suitably high to get this initiative on the ballot. I hope that Nebraskans will show him that he underestimates us. "

 Gotta Love it! wrote on October 13, 2007 8:05 am:
" Isn't great when people who don't even live here come in and try to tell us is best for our state. And it makes it better that it is a bunch of lawyers. Socialism is here to stay and is just growing stronger. What happened to the most qualified person period gets the job. Maybe they need to look at banning the good ol' girl/boy network within the state. "

 Oh Brother! wrote on October 13, 2007 8:41 am:
" Given the nature of Nebraskans, this will pass with flying colors. "

 Gerard Harbison wrote on October 13, 2007 8:42 am:
" It's a measure of the incredible doublethink of our leftist friends, that they cast as 'racist' a ballot measure that outlaws racial discrimination. War is people, freedom is slavery, and ignorance is strength, and George Orwell better than anyone else understood leftists. "

 WCG wrote on October 13, 2007 8:44 am:
" I hate to say it - in fact, I find it hard to believe in this day and age - but racism is alive and well in Nebraska. I'm a white male, so I hear it,... EVERYWHERE. Listen to your co-workers sometime. No, it's not everyone, of course. But it is still very, very common. And then find out how your co-workers got their jobs. In a surprising number of cases, it's because of who they knew. The guy who does the hiring naturally chooses people he knows, or whose families he knows, or to whom he has some connection - especially if it's a particularly good job. This happens even in city and state government, people, and it's a huge advantage to white people. Affirmative action is still needed if we're ever to be the kind of society we should be. "

 FloridaHusker wrote on October 13, 2007 8:58 am:
" At what point are people going to start accepting responsibility for themselves, their failures, and their successes? If you need the government to assist you in getting private employment is it really something you deserve & want? I believe if you are discriminated against you can file a complaint w/ the EEOC & then a lawsuit. People are NOT helpless!! "

 stignob wrote on October 13, 2007 9:01 am:
" Funny how people that are against this have no argument that "affirmative action" in itself is racism... "

 reverse discrimination wrote on October 13, 2007 9:29 am:
" Have you ever heard of reverse discrimination? Affirmative Action effectively discriminates against the majority of citizens in this country. How would you like to be told that you cannot go to med school because your slot was given to a minority- even though your grades and test scores far exceeded the minority persons. This is not only discriminating against white people, it also is putting less qualified people in vital roles. Stop this racists, backwards, dangerous policy of discriminating against qualified candidates based on rase. When an application says "that we do not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, or religion" it should mean it! "

 John wrote on October 13, 2007 9:50 am:
" Oh boy, here we go again. Some outsider is coming into Nebraska with his petitions to try to get us to do what they think is best for our state. I'm starting to think these people come here because they think we're stupid or something. Lets see what the fine print says on this one. "

 Sorry wrote on October 13, 2007 9:56 am:
" Affirmative Action Is racist and is practiced everywhere. I work for a government agency and I do check references. A white person will not question why they didn't get a job, but a non white person will usually challenge the decision claiming it's a matter of race. No it's a matter of lying on an application and poor references, not race. I have hired qualified individuals of all races. It's the most qualified applicant, not the race that determines who gets the position. I'm tired of having to defend my actions to the powers that be. When I do hire a minority, my supervisor always compliments me on getting the "status quo" in there. That has nothing to do with it. This needs to stop. As a woman, this law has done me no good. I still make less than my male counterpart! "

 Shaniqua A Public wrote on October 13, 2007 10:37 am:
" Reverse discrimination was a bad idea. Punishing the current generation for the short-sighted ways of the past generations did assist "minority groups" but also diminished opportunities for legitimately talented people. If we want equal and fair, then let's all play with equal and fair rules. No quotas, no preference, just skills and qualifications. "

 Luke P. wrote on October 13, 2007 10:38 am:
" I have no problem with "Affirmative Action," in fact I think the principle helped me because a more tolerant person. I grew up in a very small, very white town where everything was bland and monotonous. When I went to college, that was the first time I ever meet African Americans in groups and now I wish I was black because their culture is so more fun than being pasty white like I am. Diversity is very much needed in this state. We have policy makers with in this state who believe diversity is the root of all that kills in WASP culture. Plus this guy from the South only reiterates the belief that racism is only skin deep. I have no problem with people being "different" and that is because I myself am different from the societal norm too. That is the fundamental conflict here, being different than from what the norm was taught to us as children. I hope the voters in the next election cycle realize this is just a ploy to make Nebraska more unbearable for those who wish to seek to spice it up only a bit. "

 White Power? wrote on October 13, 2007 10:53 am:
" How do you caucasians know so much about racism? Do you experience it in the work place, public places, and everywhere you go? Is that your kids poking fun of my kids ethnicity everywhere they go in Lincoln? Nebraskans credential to comment of Affirmative Action and racism equals racist defending racism. You Caucasians still looking out for your best interest. White power? "

 based on our merits and our abilities wrote on October 13, 2007 10:55 am:
" "based on our merits and our abilities" What kind of joke is that? If that was the case, you'll all have asians for bosses! "

 RAging liberal wrote on October 13, 2007 12:09 pm:
" I am a what those of you in the reddest of red states would call a raging liberal (I believe we should have laws) and I know there is a huge difference between the 64 civil rights law (do not discriminate because of race color religion) and Affirmative action (hire BECAUSE of race)and it is just plain wrong. why do you think the bluest of States, California, passed it handily? "

 Jody P. wrote on October 13, 2007 12:22 pm:
" Affirmative action is racist and sexist, and is unconstitutional. If its proponents believe in it so strongly, then they should pass an amendment which explicitly states that minorities and women are to be given preferential treatment. Or should I say, TRY to pass such an amendment. But at least be honest about what you're doing, and stop all the socio-babble and name-calling you use to justify affirmative action and to attack its critics. "

 David wrote on October 13, 2007 12:40 pm:
" this is common sense. to provide privilege for one's color, race, gender, or religion...is racist bigotry. "

 Nebraska not reward based.. wrote on October 13, 2007 1:15 pm:
" Unbelievable in a state that is disproportionatly white. Being a person of color, college educated, graduating with honors I have been unable to find employ in Lincoln for over 3 years. Lincoln's method of hiring seems to be a matter of "who you know and not what you know." To take the ONLY chance (affirmative action) that a person of color who is capable to gain from away is ludicrous. However, given my experience in this state no one pays attention to abiding to affirmative action policies anyway. Connerly's decision to target Nebraska,"focusing on those states because they seem like states that would pass such measures",is because he knows Nebraska is about as redneck, old white boy, non AA complying as it gets. "

 Color Blind wrote on October 13, 2007 1:23 pm:
" It just sounds like he wants all applicants judged not by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character. Sounds reasonable to me. "

 Lanore Saltzman wrote on October 13, 2007 1:23 pm:
" What a disgrace. Another "I got mine this way, now you get yours anyway you can. Good luck" I'm sorry to say racial bias is alive and well in this state and I'm sure other states. I've seen and heard plenty examples from friends. Don't let everybody in the country know about it by signing this petition. Hopefully most Nebraskans are better than that. "

 John B. wrote on October 13, 2007 1:38 pm:
" To infer Mr. Connerly is a beneficiary of Aff. Action is ridiculous. There are scores of women and minorities who have achieved educational and employment success without the benefit of affirmative action. Ending discrimination, racism, and nepotism in hiring and education is the answer...the answer is not affirmative action. "

 hurt by your ignorance wrote on October 13, 2007 1:39 pm:
" The concept of equality must be too high-minded for many here in Nebraska to get their minds around. People take such a condescending attitude to implementing the simple concept of fairness and even to recognizing excellence if it comes in a diverse package. The world has been making silent accomodations to selfish, closed-minded, imperceptive( male) hicks for years. What's new? Preferences always go to someone; we are just blind to those in tune with our own biases. "

 not white power, common sense wrote on October 13, 2007 2:00 pm:
" its not white power to want everyone to be judged equally. why are people so scared to get rid of the bonus points for being black, hispanic, female, indian, etc.? what is so bad about actually being judged on how well you do your job? i love the fact that i am still able to get a job when im a white male, because i dont get any extra points on applications. but i would like it even more if i ddnt even have to worry about somebody beating me out because they happen to be a black female with a spanish surname, giving them a check in every box, and therefore hired so the company can make "quota". equal is "we're the same and therefore equal", equal is not "we're the same until we decide that we need extra help, and therefore we're different." time for people to wake up, when race/sex/age/disability comes into play, the policy is prejudiced by definition, and needs to get thrown out. "

 King Frog wrote on October 13, 2007 2:07 pm:
" Where do I sign the petition? Can I sign 376 times? Affirmative action is a disgrace. It spits on the concept of equality upon which this nation was founded. Anything that can be done to remove this despicable policy from America is an effort worthy of everyone's signature, financial contribution and volunteer efforts. "

 Billy Bob Red State wrote on October 13, 2007 2:19 pm:
" I feel so sorry for my white brothers and sisters, who have such terrible problems finding jobs, getting dissed by the mainstream liberal media, being persecuted for our Christian beliefs, and yes, for being white. I can't even go to the store or drive down O street without getting looked at funny by some elite or left winger. Affirmative action is reverse racism, its as plain as the nose on Steve Pedersen's face. Fire Cosgrove! Down with rights for homosexuals and minorities! "

 whatever is an idiot wrote on October 13, 2007 3:01 pm:
" The "lottery of birth" is exactly why we need Affirmative Action and people like whatever in the first comment show why the programs continue to be necessary. "

 whatever wrote on October 13, 2007 4:02 pm:
" I see the supporters of institutional discrimination are alive and well out there. "

 whatever wrote on October 13, 2007 4:20 pm:
" Martin Luther King Jr. said this "I look to a day when people will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character." Did he truly believe this and if not why? I believe this, I was raised to believe this. Racism is racism no matter how you label it, nor the arguments that are used to defend and inherently racist program. "

 OH Husker wrote on October 13, 2007 4:33 pm:
" If this measure passes it will be just another example of hostility toward minorities in Nebraska. One reason I'll never move back. "

 Zoomie wrote on October 13, 2007 5:01 pm:
" Lottery of birth! Good description! Get born into a wealthy family (which are overwhelmingly white) and you not only get every conceivable educational opportunity, you actually get preference at the elite universities of our nation (even if you fail to meet the schools' qualifying standards)! If you're born into a middleclass neighborhood, you probably have a shot at a good education, and if you're lucky, acceptance into a better college. But if you're born into a poor part of town (which are overwhelmingly minority), you'll get a 2nd class education and be unlikely to meet minimum acceptance standards into college (without Affirmative Action)...unlike the rich kids who failed to meet those standards, but got accepted anyway! Anyone see the study reported a few weeks ago of acceptance guidelines to the top 100 universities in the U.S.? Turns out if you're stupid but rich you actually have a better chance getting into Harvard or Yale than a brilliant but poor black kid, even with Affirmative Action! "

 To "WHITEPOWER?" from Awsome Dude wrote on October 13, 2007 6:35 pm:
" White people feel racism everywhere. Most people turn there heads, but its there. When a comedian makes a joke about white people its funny. When a white comedian makes a joke about black people its racist and he is crucified. I was in the Navy and was stationed in Norfolk Virginia, when I was first got there I was a nieve little Nebraskan that just stepped out into the world for the first time,I listened to rap music, I loved black comedy etc. But when I got there I was treated harshley by black people, because they are the majority in that particular city. People were allowed to go ahead of me in line, Rude comments about being a white boy, etc etc. It just went on and on. I went to that town a nieve kid and left not a racist, but someone that is more proud of my own race, because allot of white may be racist and that is a shame, but we are not hypacrates. "Excuse my spelling." "

 Nick wrote on October 13, 2007 6:37 pm:
" I'm what most people would consider "progressive," but consider this thought experiment - If your daughter caught the flu, would you take her to a doctor who graduated med school because he passed the tests without any help, or a doctor who got to cut corners in school, bypass certain hurdles, and receive preferential treatment? Be honest. "

 JPB wrote on October 13, 2007 8:26 pm:
" Why the uproar? It's well documented the group that benefits most from Affirmative Action is white women (even NOW admits to this fact). When JFK signed the Executive Order that is Aff. Action, it stated equal opportunity for WOMEN and minorities. The smoke screen that suggests people in racial minority groups are taking jobs from deserving whites because of Affirmative Action is a joke in the same respect some believe illegal immigrants are taking jobs from deserving white people. Think about it. "

 Neo Nebraskans wrote on October 13, 2007 9:57 pm:
" It is shameful to live in a state where the old boy network still runs unchecked. Will this pass in Nebraska? No way--we're too ignorant or full of venom to actually be humane. Discrimination against women, minorities and the poor has become a perfected skill in our state. Lately, I think affirmative action should include political party as well. If you aren't a republican in this state, forget about getting ahead. In fact, you may be penalized and chastised for ideas that might not curry favor with the neoconservative network of rulers. "

 Yes wrote on October 13, 2007 11:21 pm:
" Of course UNL officials were unable to comment, they are too busy looking to fill quotas of underrespresented groups. The entire UNL AA plan is a sham to employ subpar minorities, go for the best people, always. "

 Minority Motto wrote on October 14, 2007 12:58 am:
" "The only good discrimination is reverse discrimination. Support quotas and affirmative action!" "

 Zoomie wrote on October 14, 2007 7:53 am:
" Nick, for a progressive, its surprising to see you perpetuating the racist arguments of those who oppose affirmative action. AA doesn't get you any help on qualifying as a doctor, only at getting into medical school. Once in, you have to meet every standard and requirement as every other doctor (though you might get extra tutoring and such along the way). When you graduate, you all take the same finals and they are scored without regard to race. So, yes, I'd take my child to any board certified specialist, and wouldn't even consider the doctor's race. Its a sad testament to the power of racism that you would consider it! "

 eddy wrote on October 14, 2007 10:46 am:
" Our institutions have found that the easiest way to prove they don't discriminate against minorities, is to discriminate against whites. The ballot initiative is strikingly the same as the original 1964 Civil Rights Act, whose prohibitions against discrimination have been morphed into affirmative discrimination. "

 For the record... wrote on October 14, 2007 6:22 pm:
" Caucasians are helped by AA more than anyone. It's easier to believe a small number of people in minority groups receiving perceived preferential treatment translates into ALL people in minority groups getting preferential treatment and, thus, "reverse discrimination.". Perception is indeed the reality when it comes to AA. "

 Eric wrote on October 14, 2007 7:32 pm:
" Affirmative Action is the most RACIST policy our federal government has initiated. It MUST be repealed. "

 finally wrote on October 14, 2007 8:08 pm:
" In 1964, affirmative action was needed. In 2007, affirmative action has resultedin the same discrimination it was designed to prevent,,,only against a different group.. There should be consequences for those who discriminate, but not a free ride based on race etc. I dont think any self respecting, black, hispanic, jew, woman, or any other protected group member would want to receive a job, or promotion or preferential treatment based only on their category. On the contrary, I think they would want to earn their spot. Lets punish those who discriminate, not those who arent a currently protected class. "

 Lola wrote on October 14, 2007 8:57 pm:
" This looks like another GOP-adjunct group that goes around putting hot-button conservative issues on state ballots to boost turnout among the GOP core. In 2004, the issue was gay marriage, which was on the ballot in eight states. Now, with Republican prospects looking especially bleak in 2008 due to the incompetent, crooked administration of GW Bush, they are looking for another issue that will get conservatives to the polls to vote on that issue and, while they are at it, vote for the Republican nominee. Good luck. All this country needs is another GOP "decider-in-chief" to mismanage a war, cut food inspections and run this country further toward economic ruin. Fool us once, shame on us. Fool us twice, shame on you. No more Iraqs, no more tained toothpaste and no more Republicans! "

 Sally wrote on October 14, 2007 9:27 pm:
" Nebraskans are pretty smart and realize affirmative action is a joke. My mother was a true pioneer, helping to settle this land, and she didn't need any false efforts like AA to accomplish her dreams. Yes, bring it on the ballot, and I'll be a definite YES! "

 Michael Adams wrote on October 15, 2007 12:32 am:
" Wardell Connerly got rich on land deals in California following his term as a Page in the state capitol, and a protoge of Governor Wilson. He worked his political contacts and used his status as a registered "minority business" owner and became a millionaire. He suffers from the "only me" syndrome. Google him. Sally said her mother helped settle this land. Really?? Then she was part of driving Native People into reservations by force. White Affirmative Action then was a gun, the U.S. Cavalry, the Homestead Act which took land from the original inhabitants, urban zoning laws resulting in segregated housing, neighborhood school attendance zones which aligned poor housing with poor schools,federal public housing policy which concentrated poverty in high density projects, labor unions that did not allow minorities to join, colleges that would not acept black veterans trying to use WWII GI benefits, generations of white only police and fire departments, teacher unions that collaborated with all white hiring policies in school districts, banks that redlined neighborhoods of color so that credit could not be established...I am not finished, but perhaps reading a white author will help. His name is Ira Katznelson (can you tolereate a Jewish scholar?) and the book is: When Affirmative Action Was White. "

 Jody P. wrote on October 15, 2007 9:09 am:
" Regarding Mr. Adams' post, people have been taking land by force all over the world since the dawn of humanity. Even animals take territory and resources by force. So there's a lot of past injustices to redress that should keep you busy for quite a spell. This didn't just start happening when the evil Europeans landed in America. Liberals need to get down off their high horse and stop pretending to be ultimate authorities over who owes what to whom. Liberals, for all their self-perceived wisdom, do not have the right to suspend constitutional rights, any more than the Bush administration does. "

 Doc wrote on October 15, 2007 11:34 am:
" Mr. Adams' political leanings were not mentioned in his post. He provided a detailed chronology of "White Affirmative Action." There can be no revisionist justification for the history of white privilege just as there is no justification for discriminating against ANYONE on the basis of race, sex, gender, or religious affiliation in employment or education. "

 Why did I move to this state? wrote on October 16, 2007 9:47 am:
" “I think the chances are extremely good,” he said. “People in Nebraska are basic Americans who believe in the principle of fairness.” --this comment says it all. Ward is saying that Nebraskans are dumb and just the right people to pass such a meaure. wake up and realize that this itn't a good thing. "

 brian dunlap wrote on October 16, 2007 12:08 pm:
" Mr. Adams, when affirmative action was white it was wrong wasn't it? Because it was racist, right? Because it put one race above another, taking opprotunity from one race because of their race. Gee, that sounds exactly like what affirmative action is now. Isn't it still wrong? It goes both ways guy. "

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