I acknowledge that this is a complex subject with provocative questions coming out of it.

Here's a quick rundown of how I see the matter.

I don't see a problem with encouraging upward economic mobility via education. The general trend in this country is that you have a much higher chance of achieving wealth and socioeconomic stability if you are educated. Therefore, I tend to support programs that help poorer students get an education, whether they be black, white, brown, or yellow.

I also think that one of America's shining qualities is our diversity. We are a true melting pot where different races and ethnicities all come together to form a conglomeration of unique tapestry. There's no reason not to celebrate our heritage.

However, we are Americans first and foremost. I'm not a German American, I'm an American. These guys aren't African Americans, they are Americans. The vast majority haven't even been to Africa. Should they reject their heritage? Of course not. However, there is a deliberate cognitive distancing of oneself from this country when you insert a modifier prior to 'American.' You are emphasizing your differences from everyone not like you. Instead of focusing on what unites us, the land in which we live and breath and receive the freedoms and opportunities we love, it focuses on what divides us, the land from which our ancestors came. You are either American or you are not. The rest is divisive semantic foolishness.

I do tend to be frustrated by black only scholarships and clubs. Reverse racism smells no sweeter simply because 50 years ago a race was discriminated against. The only way to triumph over racism is to move beyond it; not dwell in the hurt and the pain. Yes, there is a cathartic healing process which must be undertaken which includes directly facing with brutal clarity exactly what happened. However, when you choose to dwell in that mindset instead of move past it, you become a perpetual victim and sacrifice your mental clarity. Everything you see is then interpreted through the prism of white oppression and racism. Your thinking will be warped.

The problem that I see with many of these organizations is that they often don't focus on moving forward but rather focus on the horrors of the past. It seems sometimes that they would rather beat white people with the guilt stick versus advancing true equality. Programs that are designed to cater and pander to one race only must be very careful not to cross the line into racism.

It's a simple but true concept that you become or move towards what you focus on. If you constantly dwell within the past and allow those experiences to negatively shape your worldview, you will be defined by what happened to you. I would much rather allow my future to define me instead of my past.

Just my two cents...

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“It is the soldier, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press. It is the soldier, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech. It is the soldier, not the campus organizer, who has given us the freedom to demonstrate. It is the soldier, who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag, who allows the protester to burn the flag.” - Father Dennis Edward O’Brien, USMC

God Bless America