So in other words discrimination in housing, jobs, where you could get a drink of water etc should have been allowed to continue.
Here's the stupidity of your argument. The Tuskegee Airmen more than proved themselves in combat and had more than their fair share of merit. After the war when some of them tried to get jobs with the airlines they were turned down. Yet in your world they should have been given that right seat imediately. However that did not happen. Kind of hard to get a job no matter how much "merit" you have if you are shown the door on account of your race.
I go back to Malcolm X and his thoughts regarding the advancement of his race. He was extremely outspoken in that he believed the way to equality was through the wallet, NOT the ballot. That blacks should start small businesses, selling to each other if need be until they're economic clout made it impossible for the white man to ignore. To me he was dead bang correct because to this very day money talks and BS walks in this country.
Quick story,
I took over a small department of a very socially aware company. I had a span of control of a dozen people, half of which were white. When I took over I had what we called a "Come to Jesus" meeting. All cards were on the table, any topic. One was a bit strident about some racial issues that had occurred. I told them "They're isn't but one color here that matters and that's green, the color of money" Further I stated "I'm not here to babysit, I'm here to make money and advance myself" I then laid out my expectations and goals for the group. I explained the concept of a meritocracy and they bought into the idea.
Turned out after 6 months of observations it became clear that my three top performers were black and I made all three of them into "Team Leads" based on their performance against a set of measurables. 90 days later when our margins were the highest in the division don't I get yanked into the Big Boss's office and asked "Why do you have all black people in key positions"? I replied "Because they get the job done, look at our margin improvement" He mumbled some racist remark and he suggested that my team leads should be "More Diverse".
I told you that to make a point. No law could ever stop the scenario above. Not happening. The battle for equality is not about laws, rules and enforcement as you can't legislate morality. The battle is for the hearts and minds of the public and when you put laws in place that seem to pit one group against another you perpetuate racism.
Thus my question. I was raised to believe that we are equal in God's eyes, Silly me I believed it. With Affirmative action, some apparently are more equal than others.
