Affirmative Action

Re “Affirmative Action Is Dead, Let’s Address the Demerits of Social Class,” Commentary, Nov. 7: As a poor white female, I never had the dollars to attend college or had the support system that my black female sisters had. At women’s support groups, black speakers taught a predominantly black audience. Non-blacks felt insignificant, glossed over and snubbed for race priorities. Hispanics and other ethnic groups have support groups too.

As just plain Americans, we can identify with no ethnic group but we need recognition and support groups too. Forget race and ethnicity, let’s just help our less fortunate citizens.

JUDY ANDERSON

Canoga Park

*

I am an African American male in my mid-40s recently laid off due to elimination of my department, which consisted of myself and two Caucasian females. I was the first to be let go; however, my co-workers were retained in other capacities within the organization. My elimination brought the total number of black managers down to two. I am resigned to the fact that institutional racism, downsizing without solid strategic business objectives and weak leadership at the upper echelons characterize those institutions that will embrace the tenets of Prop. 209.

The only viable alternative to Prop. 209 is a non-regimented, level playing field for all qualified individuals regardless of race, gender or age. And as far as this so-called push for diversity, the white female has been the sole ‘90s beneficiary of diversity’s largess.

ROLAND A. ADAMS

San Bernardino

*

Houston’s political and business leaders insisted that there is nothing contradictory about promoting both the liberal ideals of inclusion and the conservative ideals of commerce (Nov. 6). I feel ashamed of our vote in California to end affirmative action. How sad it is to see Houston uphold affirmative action while we in California put an end to it. Contrast the courageous leadership of Houston Mayor Bob Lanier in opposing the measure that would have ended affirmative action with that of our own Mayor Richard Riordan, who sat by and watched the backers of Prop. 209 take over the issue. (Of course, Gov. Pete Wilson’s demagogic campaign did the most damage.) And our business leaders? Forget it. Perhaps, like those in Houston, they should have thought globally and kept affirmative action.

ED WHARTON

Westchester

*

I would warn Prop. 209 foes not to make too much of Houston’s pro-affirmative action vote. In 1996, Prop. 209 probably failed in San Francisco proper. It either failed or was very close in L.A. proper. Statewide, though, it passed handily. Large cities are where the nation’s liberals are.

Would Frank del Olmo (Commentary, Nov. 9) care to wager on the outcome of a Texas statewide vote on a Prop. 209? How about nationwide? Both are sure to come.

WARREN H. RAABE

Lakewood