Amendment 46 in Colorado

[Travis Hoffman]

While the bill sponsor's motives might be questionable, I do agree that equal opportunity programs are applied FAR TOO LATE IN LIFE, where it is quite possible that due to some well meaning but misguided regulations, some relatively unqualified individuals are advanced ahead of those who might have shown greater qualifications. How does that improve the quality of the adult professional community? Also, I do question the fairness of a situation where equally qualified individuals are shut out of scholarships or even entry into the college of their choice due to the existence of any quotas or regulations. When any decision is made where race, gender, etc. is part of the deciding formula, I think it's generally an unfortunate situation, and improvements can and should be made.

I'd rather see the government and communities apply their resources to IMPROVING EDUCATION FOR YOUNGER CHILDREN EARLIER IN LIFE (*cough* via programs like those offered by FIRST *cough), where inequality in educational opportunity due to race, location, etc. is far more pronounced. Fix those inequalities, then when all kids reach college age, they've all been given the exact same chances to take advantage of quality educational opportunities. They may then compete for and earn the scholarships on equal ground, and may the best-qualified HUMAN BEING win, regardless of race, gender, religion, etc. Heck, change the game completely so there's no need for competition - give all willing and qualified high school graduates the assistance needed to let them pursue a college career.

Far too often, this world attempts to apply ineffective "band-aids" to major problems after the fact instead of focusing the proper measures on repairing the root cause of the problems at the source, then implementing the preventative measures needed to see that the problems never reoccur.

The trick is making sure those who were never given a fair shake at a great education while in grade school are still provided opportunities for college while society transitions the focus to improving education earlier in life. It's not an easy fix; hopefully, some of those kids currently graduating from FIRST programs will put their considerable intelligence to work in implementing a solution where everyone benefits.