A friend gave me a hardcopy of this article entitled Why Blacks Should Vote. After reading it, I came to the conclusion that they must have left off the last three words of the title: …Against George Bush.

And Bush encouraged what the historic Kerner Commission described as “two societies, one black, one white – separate and unequal,” when he announced his opposition to the University of Michigan’s affirmative action programs in February 2003.

That announcement came just days after Bush said this during a Black History Month speech: “By promoting diversity, understanding, and opportunity, we will continue our efforts to build a society where every person, of every race, can realize the promise of America.”

Although I am against affirmative action, I do understand why some feel that it is a necessary compensation for the discrimination of the past. However, solving the problem of discrimination by implementing a different form of discrimination has always seemed very counterintuitive to me. The condemnation two societies, one black, one white – separate and unequal directed at the President for standing against affirmative action seems misplaced to me. Do racial preferences bring unity or even equality? Do they not divide us further?

I believe that this policy is damaging to all parties. It hurts those discriminated against by denying them equal access to education and jobs. It can also lead to a backlash against those on the receiving end of the preference. It hurts those who are favored because it reduces expectations which are necessary to pursue and achieve excellence. It also seems like it would be difficult to enjoy success with the nagging possibility that perhaps the college admission or job offer is not based on ability or achievement but on skin color.

All African-Americans would agree that discrimination against blacks is morally wrong and must be eliminated. Yet what logic explains the condemnation of discrimination, except for that directed against another people group? It is not as if all blacks support affirmative action; here are two examples of the exact opposite opinion: LaShawn Barber and Michael King.

I know that to some, Bush's opposition to affirmative action is a reason why African-Americans should not vote for him. Fair enough; but then the article continues with this point:

Even more troubling, Bush confuses diversity with civil rights. He often talks about the diversity of his administration when he’s questioned about his support for civil rights. But diversity is a means, not an end in the ongoing struggle that blacks are waging for civil rights.

The appointment of blacks to senior positions in his administration is no civil rights victory if they are rubber stamps for policies and actions that roll back civil rights gains.

Knowing the unique qualifications and abilities of Condoleeza Rice and Colin Powell, I do not believe that their appointments were merely to provide a rubber stamp of color. However, for the sake of argument, we will for a moment consider this accusation to be true. Imagine that these two are mere tokens and have no real pull within the administration. Assume that there were very qualified individuals who could be serving as Secretary of State and National Security Advisor right now, but they were passed over because of the need to darken the complexion of the inner council.

If this accusation is true, I like what it does to the logic of their argument. They start out by damning the President for opposing affirmative action, and then damn him for implementing it within his cabinet. I read the repeated complaints that civil rights have been lost under this administration but I have never seen any evidence. The only proof offered is statements from the (partisan) Committe on Civil Rights and pointing out the judicial appointments of 'racists' like Pickering. (You really need to click that link if you believe Pickering is a racist.)

The 2000 numbers showed that the black voting bloc is unified and leans strongly toward the Democratic Party. There are some traditional reasons for this as well as several items in their platform; most notably support for affirmative action. Yet, I believe there are several positions held by the Republicans which should be favorable within the black community. Blacks support education vouchers to help their kids survive failing schools. They stand against abortion, which is destroying black children at an alarming rate. They even share Republican views on the sanctity of marriage. The GOP is also very strong on key issues that transcend race – such as National Security.

I do agree with the (original) title of this article: blacks should vote; and whites should too. It doesn't matter what color you are or which candidate you favor - everyone should vote. Well, everyone but non-citizens, felons and maybe dead people.