Affirmative Action

Re “Swatting Away Those Pesky Facts on Affirmative Action,” editorial, July 23: Being a member of three minorities (conservative, Hispanic and UC Irvine MBA student) I can speak to the issue of affirmative action. I went to public school in Texas during the “good old days.” There was discrimination. Even though it may sound corny by today’s standards, family values and family support, as well as a steadfast belief in the American Dream overcame the roadblocks.

Affirmative action came along and ended some of the practices of the misguided who did not realize that an educated society is a prosperous society, and that when you make it possible for all to prosper, everyone benefits. But, to no one’s surprise, discrimination still exists. Sadly, it will always exist no matter what we do or what the government does. Unfortunately, as with most projects government undertakes, affirmative action produced limited results at a high cost. The intent may have been worthy and righteous but with government it is always a zero-sum game.

Is this a political issue that Gov. Pete Wilson wants to use to become President? Maybe. It’s fortunate that President Clinton would never use this issue for political fodder.

The government will never teach society fairness. It will never be society’s soul. It is up to every sensible person who believes in the worth of the individual and the worth of a just and benevolent society to fight discrimination. If we cannot do it where it matters, we have not made much progress.

RAY CARDENAS

Costa Mesa