Definition of Equality

Several years ago, much of the news centered around affirmative action.  Although I am generally against the concept of affirmative action, I admit that I don't know how long it will take to undo all the years of segregation.

It is very easy to point out inequality.  You simply point it out.  You take a definite example and say that inequality exists.  One piece that always seemed to bother me was when someone would point out racism and mention that affirmative action was still needed...but the end point always kept moving.  People would say that there are no black baseball players.  Then no black pitchers.  Then no black coaches.  Then no black owners.  Next it might be there is a discrepancy in left handed pitcher's ERA's who pitch on the third Tuesday in a month with a blue moon.  

But how do you define equality and make laws and policies around it?  I always wanted to ask people, "Under what measurable conditions would it take for you to agree that affirmative action is not needed anymore? "

I thought about that for quite a while, and I created my own list.  My list is simple, looking at positive behaviors, and generally is about everyone having the same opportunities...but not necessarily the same outcome.  Based on the Keep It Simple method, here is my list:

1. The number of high school, college, and graduate school graduates must be equivalent among all races.  Simple.  I did not include parent's income, the number of students receiving aid, grants, or scholarships.
2. The number of people owning a home is equivalent among races.
3. The number of people owning small businesses (5-250 employees) is equivalent among races.  I really don't care about the leaders fortune 500 companies as this is only a small percentage of the workforce.
4. The number of teenage pregnancies is equivalent among races.

After compiling my list, fine-tuning it, and just thinking about what it means; I realized that this is how I define equality.  This list isn't only about race--it could be used to define equality among between any two groups.

I know my list is very simple.  My list probably doesn't represent everyone's opinion, but it is a start.  I wish I would hear more opinions of the definition of equality!

Professional Politicians

Why does it seem that all federal politicians only had the career of a politician? They start their careers in local government, then state government, and ending in federal government.

How many politicians comprehend all the rules they force on people; or even read the legislation? How many of them are business owners? How many of them have to purchase their own health insurance? How many of them send their children to public schools? How many of them are considered rich and vote for themselves to pay more taxes?

Does it seem that if a successful businessperson runs for a political seat, that everyone feels like that person is trying to buy the election? Why do people feel like the only good candidates are political lifers?

I wish all political leaders be required to work in their own district at least six months of each year. These leaders might spend more time at home running a small business, volunteering, or just getting to know their constituents better. The time spent working as a politician could then focus just on the important matters with more empathy for the people back home.

A democracy cannot exist as a permanent form of government. It can only exist until the voters discover that they can vote themselves largesse from the public treasury. From that moment on, the majority always votes for the candidates promising the most benefits from the public treasury... Attributed to Tytler.