Posted on 01/19/2006 7:19:43 AM PST by Millee
Frequently, Republicans are labeled as racists because they don't support such programs as Affirmative Action. I, myself, am one of those Republicans who don't support Affirmative Action. And of course, this does not make me a racist.
Growing up playing hoops as the sole white kid on my team in Five Points Denver, I experienced first-hand the problems that face our poorest communities. The public education system has failed the black American. And affirmative action has only compounded the problem by telling the black American that he or she is not as intelligent or capable as the white American and therefore needs a helping hand to be equal. That is racism.
It is not a racist program that will solve past problems of racism, but rather a solid educational system. A solid educational system is one that holds it teachers and students accountable for their performance and thus, our poorest children desperately need school choice as we must end the monopoly that teachers' unions enjoy.
Imagine a system where better performance is not rewarded. Imagine a system where your worst employees are fought for the hardest. Imagine a system where streamlining processes in order to free up more money for the children was fought against because it might cost a job or two.
This is the world of teachers' unions, and it is destroying the black American community. The teachers' unions solely protect the lowest common denominator and thus hurt the many great teachers who should be fought for the hardest.
Now, imagine a system of school choice - one where parents have a choice where their students should attend school. One where failing schools would be shut down because they would have no customers. One where bad teachers who consistently fail their customers are fired. One where teachers are rewarded for teaching at the poorest performing schools. Now, you are imagining a world with school vouchers.
With no other subsidy do we assume that the government can provide you with a better product. The government does not give out food stamps and force you to shop at government-run grocery stores because it understands the private market, where competition results in a great product at the best price, can provide the recipients with the best products. Then why does the government assume it can provide the best educational product when studies consistently show that private schools outperform public schools?
School vouchers for dummies: The government would give each parent a voucher for the same amount that is currently sent to the school the child attends, except now the parent can take that voucher and use it at any school they choose. Not all, but at least some parents would realize that the neighborhood school in Five Points is failing their child and thus would make the sacrifice to drive their child 10 minutes to the next neighborhood so their child could receive a better education.
Now the smart entrepreneur (known as a “greedy capitalist” if you're from Boulder) comes in and says, “Gosh, we've got huge demand at one school, why don't I start-up another school and create more supply. Even better, why don't I open it up in the failing school's neighborhood, as there is where my customer base lives.”
Now even the students whose parents didn't care enough to drive their child to the next neighborhood or simply couldn't, benefit. The failing schools go out of business. The bad teachers are fired because no smart entrepreneur would ever hold onto her worst employees. The good teachers are recognized with large raises, as the system is no longer bogged down with paying bad teachers the same amount.
And who benefits the most? The children. I mean, how could a liberal be against children? What are you, anti-children?
You could even say the black children would benefit even more. I mean, how could a liberal be against blacks? What are you a racist?
Of course not. You are simply someone who envisions different means to accomplish the same ends: a system in which we all receive an equal opportunity to succeed in America, a system in which we are all based on the content of our character, not the color of our skin. Namely, exactly the opposite of what affirmative action and teachers' unions set out to accomplish.
P.S. During Clinton's first term, he decreased federal education funding by 5 percent. Bush nearly doubled federal education funding during his first term.
I don't believe in the entire concept of race in the first place, I suppose that makes me a raceophobic?
I was tested for racism a few years back when I went for a proctology exam. when this large, hulking doctor of another race (you figure it out) came in slapping the rubber gloves on his hands and told me to roll over...
Basket ball is a good metaphor against affirmative action. We need more white players in the NBA ;)
"Are you a racist?" - NO.
"Are you a culturist?" - Yes.
I would rather sit in a room with black, white, red, brown and yellow people that share my culture, than with white people that have a culture with which I do not agree. Political affiliation qualifies with that statement.
"Bush nearly doubled federal education funding during his first term."
He types that like it is a good thing....
I have gotten to the point where if I am called a racist, I wear it as a badge of honor. It means that the person calling me a racist can't beat me in a debate based on the merits of his/her arguments.
Paloma, I hope you are aware that your statement may be percieved by some to be not p.c. As in, "no Muslims allowed." Yes, I know you spoke of politics and not religion, but in this case their politics ARE their religion: world domination.
Millee, great post!
I am so tired about how the public school system has let black kids down. I would agree that the public schools are part of the problem. However, I found that it helps if you do your homework and study. Amazing, huh?
"The government would give each parent a voucher for the same amount that is currently sent to the school the child attends.."
Would that it were so. Every voucher system I've read about only offers the parents a small fraction of the amount that would otherwise be spent. In Cleveland they blow just shy of $10k / kid / yr, but I believe the voucher amounts talked about are only in the $3k / kid /yr reange.
You can always tell who the afflicted are. If they are black they often begin a sentence with - pick any topic - "Well as a black man I feel...", and so on. If they are white they will often condescend with guilt emotions - "Those poor African Americans...", and so on.
America is a place where anyone can succeed. Period.
"I would rather sit in a room with black, white, red, brown and yellow people that share my culture, than with white people that have a culture with which I do not agree. Political affiliation qualifies with that statement."
I feel the same way...and got to live it 24/7 while I was in the Army for twenty years. The military is an awesome equalizer as far as race/ethnicity goes. My Drills were all black, six times the size that I was (scrawny White Girl from WI) and the most inspiring teachers, trainers and LEADERS I've ever had the opportunity to know.
I remember having Black, Chinese and Hispanic Company & Battalion Commanders over the years, though I will admit I only remember one Black General during that time, '78-'98. Two excellent female commanders (one Hispanic, one White) stand out in my memory as well...and one has been a good friend for close to 25 years now; her daughter is my Goddaughter. :)
I do not support policies that discriminate based on race. That is racism. Affirmative action discriminates based on race.
I do support hiring the best qualified candidates for the position, regrdless of race.
If you are white and racist...listen to some jazz. That'll cure you of your racism.
Many private schools, especially religious schools, take about that much...and do a better job.
Great ways to beat racism! Although I pledged a black sorority in college and that was a good way, too.
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