I know that overt racism exists in some places and among some people, but it is on the decline. We've done as much with legislation as we can. The rest of the change has to come from the people and institutions that make up society.

As for the legacy of racism, there isn't a real good answer to this problem. We've tried to atone for past wrongs by giving resources and preferential treatment to the victims of racism and their descendents. This has contributed to a culture of victimization and resentment while failing to address the real issue. Frankly, I don't think this is something that government action or policy can solve.

In its attempts to foster equality and to build a society where people are treated as individuals, the government's use of affirmative action has violated the spirit and intent of the 14th Amendment. It is hyopcritical to say that we believe all people are equal before the law and then fashion laws that treat people unequally on the basis of their membership in an ethnic group. It's easy to see these laws as wrong when they provide for discrimination against a group, and now it's time to admit that they're equally wrong when they provide for discrimination on behalf of a group.

I'm not sure what basis you're using to say that fairness is different from equality. What is fair is to be judged by the same criteria as everyone else, without regard for one's group affiliations. Maybe if you'd elaborate as to how you believe fairness is different, it would help me understand your position better.