Proper Limits (John Speaking)
		Comment				MAIN PATH: Ann
		Ann	John			Malik

If we take this view, then it may not make any difference whether most white males today are beneficiaries of discrimination. Some of them are, of course, but that's not as important as Ann and Malik think. What is important is that the proper rules were broken many times in the past. The rules that would apply if that had not occurred can be fairly suspended until the earlier injustice is corrected. This still leaves us with the questions about who deserves compensation. But it makes the whole question about whether most whites have been beneficiaries less important.

I do agree with Ann and Malik, though, that almost all blacks have been directly or indirectly harmed by discrimination. Now, if we set aside the normal rules to make compensation, it sounds like a blank check for black job applicants. That worries me.

I support both the weak and moderate forms of affirmative action, and I think that sometimes we can justify stronger programs. But the strong programs should have limits. Otherwise any black applicant gets the job over any white applicant. I don't think anyone here thinks that is justified.

We must base affirmative action on a moral principle. The limits will follow from the principle. Otherwise, it is simply the exercise of power.

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