June 23, 2003

Supremes Reaffirm Default State of Democracy: Everybody's In. Nobody's Out.

CNN reports: Narrow Use of Affirmative Action Preserved: Law school policy upheld; undergrad program overturned

A close decision, but nobody really expected anything else from the branch of government whose motto might as well be: You Complain, We Decide.

In upholding the broader principle but setting guidelines for undergraduate admissions, it seems to me that the court is keeping with, rather than setting the pace of, the improving state of racial equality in the United States.

Tsunami of Pundit Blather and Spew Warning Issued by National Institute for Mental Health


With this decision, thoughtful Americans will be avoiding the cable talk shows for at least 48 hours until the wave of pundit blather passes. There will be the usual carping from the usual polar opposites on this issue, but overall most thoughtful Americans will see it as much more fair and balanced than, say, the Fox News Network or The Nation. Indeed, if there is a single American who does not already have an informed and adamantine opinion on this issue, I'd like to meet him.

"If Not Now, When?"

Writing for the majority, Justice O'Connor (just in time for her cover story in this week's National Review) indicated clearly that while there will come a time when race ceases to be a factor in the overall equality of the country, that time is not yet. "We expect that 25 years from now,", she said, "the use of racial preferences will no longer be necessary to further the interest approved today."

Sounding more than a bit miffed, Justice Thomas responded, ""Now we must wait another 25 years to see this principle of equality vindicated."

All in all, it seems to me, a wise decision.

And as for waiting 25 years - it may seem long to some, but it is only an inch of time in the life of a nation.

Posted by Vanderleun at June 23, 2003 1:25 PM
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