The perception of linked fate and that feeling of being always on the spot as a representative of the race, at least in mixed company, are features of African American life that predate affirmative action and arise outside of its presence.

This action took place on the eve of a vote that would make the first African-American presiding officer of Nassau County Legislature. When that came to the forefront, issues were raised. Roger was attacked as if he were a leper. Question is why? At some point it will be addressed.

Only in the case of the Negro has the melting pot failed to bring a minority into the full stream of American life

I champion sensibly designed racial affirmative action, not because I have benefited from it personally - though I have. I support it because, on balance, it is conducive to the public good.

Affirmative action was always racial justice on the cheap.

Affirmative action based on quotas is wrong - wrong because it is antithetical to the genius of the American idea: individual liberty.