Senator McSame gets it wrong again

John McSame gets it wrong again.

Here is the background, taken from a transcript of an ABC Sunday morning show


The proposed Arizona ballot measure endorsed by McCain reads: "The state shall not discriminate against, or grant preferential treatment to, any individual or group on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin, in the operation of public employment, public education or public contracting."
Here is McCain's exchange with (George) Stephanopoulos:
STEPHANOPOULOS: "Opponents of affirmative action are trying to get a referendum on the ballot here that would do away with affirmative action. Do you support that?"
MCCAIN: "Yes, I do. I do not believe in quotas. But I have not seen the details of some of the proposals. But I've always opposed quotas."
STEPHANOPOULOS: "But the one here in Arizona you support?"
McCAIN: "I support it, yes."

Notice McSame’s response to the question. He says “I do not believe in quotas”.

Why the hell did he bring in “quotas”? That’s a hoary myth about “affirmative action”, started by “believe any anecdote Ronald Reagan”, and perpetuated by every regressive politician.

Affirmative action is not about quotas. Rather, it recognises a fact of human experience. That is that leaders (whether in Church, State, Education or Business) tend to choose other leaders who are similar in background, education, sex, cultural values and race.

Since in the Western world, most leadership is exercised by white straight males, they are most likely to select, recruit and train other leaders who are white straight males.

So they overlook a vast range of skill and talent, which might be female, black, other minority, and gay. Affirmative action states: “I will look outside of my comfort range” and seek leaders, colleagues, associates, friends who are not a bit like me”.


I was proud to be a leader in affirmative action at St. James’s Episcopal Church in Cambridge, MA. For thereby we were blessed by a whole slew of lay ministers who were not a bit like this white male Rector! And we needed them!

Senator McSame. It’s not about quotas. It’s about humility.

Comments

  1. Unknown27 July 2008 at 19:31

    "Senator McSame" -- I love it! Very apt, as is your observation re quotas and affirmative action.
    Cheers for you.
    Jocelyn

    ReplyDelete

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