Affirmative Action Hurts

I do not understand your support of affirmative action. I am an Irish American who grew up on welfare in a predominantly black area. Twelve years ago I began selling real estate, and I have since became quite successful at it. I began my own company to rehabilitate housing. I have overcome all obstacles to achieve my goals. However, I have lost government contracts which I am certain is due to affirmative action programs. Meanwhile, I've seen quite privileged women or better off blacks get those contracts. I am a much more common story than you would like to acknowledge. I believe affirmative action is a new method of class exploitation. It is evil.

FRANK WALKER

New York Sep. 17, 1998