The Supremes have spoken (When did "equality" get replaced by "diversity?")

Ramblings' Journal (http://mhking.blogspot.com) & Project 21 ^ | 6.23.03 | Michael King

[mhking]

The Supremes have spoken

When did the word "equality" in the English language get replaced with the word "diversity?"

When affirmative action was discussed in past years, the idea was to create equality for a segment of society who had been largely excluded from American society. The idea was a good one. Blacks in particular, but minorities in general, had been exluded from society in all forms.

The idea of the best and brightest had excluded minorities of all stripes. But after a painful time in American history, and the sacrifices of many, the playing field began to edge toward a even level for all.

Of late though, the idea of "equal rights" and "equal justice for all" has given way to a fanatical notion of "diversity."

Now it has crept into the Supreme Court of the United States. The schizophrenic decisions of the Supreme Court over the University of Michigan's affirmative action programs has only exacerbated the problem. Obviously, in their mind, the only answer is no answer.

The Supreme Court, in a split decision, said that the affirmative action program in place in the University of Michigan Law School is OK, but threw out the "points system" that was in place for admissions into undergraduate programs at Michigan.

In other words, they're saying it's OK to use race as a factor, but that schools -- mind you, this applies specifically to state schools -- cannot assign a quantitative value to the notion of race. Or that it's OK to use race, just don't make a big deal out of it.

Mind you, behind the decision, the White House issued a statement where President Bush expressed his approval of the split decisions, citing diversity as a larger goal.

I have yet to figure out when "diversity" became a goal of bettering race relations in this country. I'm not concerned as to whether or not my teenaged daughter is more "diverse" when it comes to race and her education. All I'm concerned about is that she gets the same shot as the next person. From there, it's up to her to demonstrate her qualifications and capabilities. Diversity doesn't have a damned thing to do with it.

While we're so concerned with "diversity" as a social concept, such diverse cultures as radical Islam are plotting to kill us all with things as complex as nuclear or biological weapons, or as simple as an airplane knocking down a high rise. While we're so concerned with "diversity" truckload after truckload of illegal aliens are crossing the Rio Grande, hell bent on turning the Southwest into Mexico del Norte.

I guess diversity is far more important than equality. Or protection.

[mhking]

I just submitted this to my editor in DC; don't know if it'll see print in this form, but what the hey....

[Conspiracy Guy]

Replace "all men are created equal" with "all persons are created diverse".

[RAT Patrol]

You're just too logical and honest to see the deeper, greater good this all-powerful quest for diversity bestows on society. Hey, at least we have the left on record admitting there exists at least one absolute truth.

[mhking]

Replace "all men are created equal" with "all persons are created diverse".

So it seems. Feh. Let's completely rewrite history for the purposes of being politcally correct, right?

[Vigilantcitizen]

Bump for more thoughtful analysis when I get home from work.

[Consort]

The meaning of the Constitution is exactly what at least five members of the Supreme Court interpret it to be and not what any President or any Congress think it should be or what the Founders thought it should be. The Senate, regardless of what party controls it, will not impeach the five justices for doing this. That's the way it is.

[tallhappy]

When did the word "equality" in the English language get replaced with the word "diversity?"

Maybe when people started calling the Justices of the Supreme Court "The Supremes".

[stainlessbanner]

Good post - your closing remark drives it home.

[Black Agnes]

As always Mike...words of great wisdom. We've come to expect such from you :).

[Conspiracy Guy]

WE may as well do it all at once rather than wait for one little piece at a time. They say it's less painful to chop all of the dog's tail off rather than an inch at a time.

[joesnuffy]

Bush Affirmative Action Text
1 hour, 15 minutes ago


By The Associated Press

President Bush (news - web sites)'s statement on the Supreme Court's affirmative action decision Monday

___

I applaud the Supreme Court for recognizing the value of diversity on our nation's campuses. Diversity is one of America's greatest strengths. Today's
decisions seek a careful balance between the goal of campus diversity and the fundamental principle of equal treatment under the law.

My administration will continue to promote policies that expand educational opportunities for Americans from all racial, ethnic and economic backgrounds.
There are innovative and proven ways for colleges and universities to reflect our diversity without using racial quotas. The court has made clear that
colleges and universities must engage in a serious, good faith consideration of workable race-neutral alternatives. I agree that we must look first to these
race-neutral approaches to make campuses more welcoming for all students.

Race is a reality in American life. Yet like the court, I look forward to the day when America will truly be a colorblind society. My administration will continue
to work toward this important goal.

[joesnuffy]

Bush Affirmative Action Text
1 hour, 15 minutes ago


By The Associated Press

President Bush (news - web sites)'s statement on the Supreme Court's affirmative action decision Monday

___

I applaud the Supreme Court for recognizing the value of diversity on our nation's campuses. Diversity is one of America's greatest strengths. Today's
decisions seek a careful balance between the goal of campus diversity and the fundamental principle of equal treatment under the law.

My administration will continue to promote policies that expand educational opportunities for Americans from all racial, ethnic and economic backgrounds.
There are innovative and proven ways for colleges and universities to reflect our diversity without using racial quotas. The court has made clear that
colleges and universities must engage in a serious, good faith consideration of workable race-neutral alternatives. I agree that we must look first to these
race-neutral approaches to make campuses more welcoming for all students.

Race is a reality in American life. Yet like the court, I look forward to the day when America will truly be a colorblind society. My administration will continue
to work toward this important goal.

[Tacis]

If diversity is now a primary objective, what will be done to diversify the Congressional Black Caucus?

[mhking]

If diversity is now a primary objective, what will be done to diversify the Congressional Black Caucus?

I wouldn't know; I'm not diverse enough...[g]

[RAT Patrol]

You are right about that.

[Consort]

Thanks, but it will never make the "Quote of the Day".

[RAT Patrol]

"Equal" is not the only word the courts can't define anymore. Try and get them to agree on what "diversity" means. To some of them, it means including all deviant lifestyles. "Desire" can define you as a minority. I think we need to start exploiting this concept.

[r9etb]

IMHO diversity has value, but the tactics used to achieve it probably impose costs that far exceed any benefits gained. But let's leave aside for a moment the question of whether or not "diversity" has any intrinsic merit.

Instead, let's ask the contrarian question: why are you complaining when the Supremes are in essence reaffirming a particular application of the 10th Amendment?

If Michigan wants to define diversity as a "compelling interest," and the Constitution is silent as to the particular application of same, then doesn't Michigan have the Constitutional right do as they have done?

[Conspiracy Guy]

I undestand the 3 branches of government.

[Consort]

And.....?