Columnist Charles Krauthammer made that argument in a recent essay. I have to admit this proposal intrigues me. Unfortunately, creative is not the same as good. A flawed proposal For what it's worth, I support affirmative action, though less than wholeheartedly. I have a fear that it reinforces in the people it purports to help a sense of victimhood.
Problem is, affirmative action is the only game in town.
The flaw in Krauthammer's proposal is that it fails to take that discrimination into account. My first instinct is to quibble with the amount he proposes. On the other hand, I can't name a figure that would be enough. Besides, the issue isn't money, ultimately. Granted, reparations would have tremendous emotional and symbolic impact.