n his fine article “Affirmative Reaction” (Mar. ll), Matthew Rees describes congressional Republicans” considerable support for, and reluctance about, the eliore to end racial and gender preferences. Some regard that effort as in conflict with empowerment agenda. They are complementary.
Minority preferences claim to expand opportunity. In fact, they cannot do so. By definition, whatever they give to one, they take from another.
The division they build in society stems from the injustice they work. Necessarily, they undermine the whole idea of equal opportunity. They cut us off from the principles that have made opportunity more widely available here than anywhere else at any time.
The empowerment agenda can, on the other hand, actually deliver on the hope of expanded opportunity. At its best, the empowerment agenda is simply a step toward limited government, self-responsibility, and the industry to which they give rise.
The only consistent policy is to support both the removal of preferences and the implementation of policies to encourage self-reliance, prosperity, and self-government among the poorest sections of our society.
LARRY ARNN, CLAREMONT, CA
