The United States espouses equal opportunity for all within its democraticand capitalistic system. The country has a long way to go to attain theideal. White males as a group continue to dominate in both the politicaland economic spheres despite gains by women and minorities. How can peopleoutside pry the door open wider? Are federal affirmative action programsworking toward that end? Not anymore. They may even be doing more harm thangood. Congress should take the politically sensitive step of removing affirmativeaction programs. The government adopted the programs 30 years ago, extendingpreferential treatment to women and minorities in hiring, promotion andgovernment contracts. Initially, they boosted the cause of equal opportunity.Over the years the programs have lost their punch and are now working atcross-purposes with their original goals. Instead of helping the disadvantaged,the programs are lining the pockets of those who already have a substantialpiece of the pie. The opportunities are more likely to fall to the wifeor daughter of an upper-middle-class white man or an Ivy-League-educatedblack person than to an American Indian. ... Human rights commissions andthe courts must vigilantly enforce equal opportunity laws. Elected officialsmust use their powers of persuasion. Business leaders must practice fairness.... Ultimately, to fulfill the dream of democracy, everyone needs to faceup to inner demons of bigotry and fear, and force them out. Affirmativeaction programs cannot do that job.