Time to stand on merits

OPINION:

The purpose of affirmative action in the U.S. was to create government programs to overcome the effects of past societal discrimination.

Allocating jobs and resources to members of specific groups, such as minorities and women, was thought to give these groups a better chance of getting ahead.

There is no question that past discrimination occurred in the U.S., and perhaps the only appropriate remedy at the time was affirmative action.

However, I believe this policy had outlived its purpose (“End of affirmative action provides a level playing field,” web, July 3). Anywhere you look in this country today, minorities are well represented.

Besides, there is a limit to how much and how long you can punish people for the sins of their forefathers. It is unfair to award preference based on race when all other qualifications are equal.

The practice not only undermines the means to determining the best candidates, but also serves to delegitimize the accomplishments of someone who was given preference based on race.

Those opposed to affirmative action look to Section 1 of the 14th Amendment of the Constitution.

Previously preferred groups should now take their equal position alongside the majority.

The time is long overdue to stop rewarding underachievers because of their race and start rewarding achievers because of their accomplishments.

To do otherwise would mean denying the very principles set forth in the 14th Amendment.

JOE BIALEK

Cleveland