I establish this section to discuss the nature of the political conflict over the issue of Affirmative Action. One of the reasons the subject is so endlessly and sometimes pointlessly debated, is because people take sides whether or not they are talking about the same thing. Affirmative action, like it or not, is a portal to a number of important issues. Stances pro or anti-affirmative action rarely stands on the simple merits of one program or another but as a symbol of larger issues.
From my perspective as a supporter of reform
Color Abolitionists
the color abolitionists are those who argue that affirmative action:
1. uses racial terms, and thus racial discrimination. for them, *any*
racial discrimination for whatever purpose can never be proper.
2. promotes racial divisiveness.
3. stigmatizes beneficiaries.
Anti-Communists
the anti-communists are those who argue that affirmative action:
1. subverts meritocracy/market forces.
2. lowers standards.
3. irredeemably cripples beneficiaries.