There are serious people on both sides of the issue of vouchers, but you will not hear this debate in the national dialogue on race. The Conservative intuition realizes that free markets are an important remedy for discrimination. Minorities have had success in sports and entertainment because in these areas brains, talent and hard work are conspicuous and the competition is stiff. Marge Schott, owner of the Cincinnati Reds, is clearly not known for her racial sensitivity. Nonetheless, she is willing pay African-American baseball players millions of dollars.
Commercial success is more important than race.
The clearer the measures for success and the more competitive the environment, the less likely discrimination can prevail in the long run. You will not hear this perspective from the President's blue-ribbon panel. It is my fear the supposed public dialogue on race will consist of the Administration arguing for affirmative action, while painting those who disagree as racists or at best ill- informed. It is not possible to conduct a dialogue without listening to or having respect for different perspectives.