We should always strive to improve the quality of life in society, but rash resolutions should not supercede the precise logic of study. As students, this should be second nature. Lee and de la Rocha completely misinterpreted UC Regent Ward Connerly. He often represents the most extreme view of the association and his views are only moderately conservative. It must be noted that governor-elect Gray Davis is also a Regent and in that capacity possesses as much influence as Connerly.
Affirmative action is about the balance of power.
As long as it remains in our society, its architects can manufacture social stratification in the name of social planning. Effectively, equal-opportunity measures turn young men and women into pawns, manipulated by the privileged so that they can appear to appease public opinion while in reality reasserting their own control. Lee and de la Rocha's assault on Carnesale is slightly undeserved. The two want him hung from a tree like a Nazi war criminal. Remember, not everything is always available.