Ward Connerly

Re “Dialogue Without Debate: Clinton panel is wrong to bar Ward Connerly’s misguided notions,” editorial, Nov. 23:

Having heard Ward Connerly on occasion, I was amazed to read in your editorial that “Connerly gained national attention by incorrectly equating affirmative action with quotas, but he deserves to be heard if the issues of race and diversity are on the table. His arguments, whether you judge them legitimate or whether you judge them disingenuous, as we do, only gain power when quashed.”

The thrust of your editorial that all points of view be aired in open debate in relation to John Hope Franklin’s exclusionary posture and negative reaction to the inclusion of Connerly’s participation on his panel is most laudable. However, for you to suggest that “Connerly gained national attention by incorrectly equating affirmative action with quotas” is just not true. Obviously Connerly is against quotas, as many of us are, but at no time has he said that he is against affirmative action. Simply put, he regards affirmative action in its generic context of affirmative action for all in need of assistance, without regard to race, gender nor ethnicity. You print that this is “disingenuous.” I say this is the foundation of democracy and what our forefathers envisioned in creating our Bill of Rights.

G. EDWARD RUDLOFF

Newport Beach

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People who know historians shouldn’t be shocked at Franklin’s exclusion of Connerly at the University of Maryland’s conference regarding affirmative action (Nov. 21). Historians, such as Franklin, have made their living by molding the significance of past events through their own prejudicial point of view.

Franklin demonstrated by his exclusion of Connerly the real agenda behind his support for affirmative action. Franklin only wants to pander to those viewpoints that support his. Instead of listening to opposing viewpoints, he chooses to eliminate them so as not to address the valid arguments from the other side.

Franklin was appointed to his position to encourage dialogue but it appears he wants to show special preference only to those who share his monologue.

KEVIN LEE SMITH

San Pedro