Rating: 
Summary: Idealism reads nicely...
Review: There's no denying that "Creating Equal" is a well written, easy read. I have enjoyed reading about Connerly's life as well as his opinions on affirmative action, even though i disagree with them. "Creating Equal" has given me a different perspective on the affirmative action issue, but has failed to change my opinion that affirmative action is a necessary policy at this moment in time.Connerly basis his argument on America's goal of becoming a "color blind" society. Unfortunately, Connerly's ideal is far from a reality even as far away as we are from the Civil Rights Movement. While he describes beautiful images of racial differences being nonexistant, the reality of this is not the society that we live in today. There HAVE been significant advances for racial minorities since the Civil Rights Movement, but race is still a key divider in American society. One cannot look at the economic divide in the United States without noting that the general trends show a significant difference in household income between blacks and Latinos, and whites and Asians. Even looking at the "middle class" income bracket, one can see that middle class blacks and Latinos make significantly less than middle class whites and Asians. With more wealth comes a greater access to better education, which in turn creates greater opportunity for advanced education and better jobs, etc. The problem that should be attacked to create equality is the public school system. Thankfully, Connerly acknowledges that the real problem is the public educational system, however, he offers no solution. Erasing affirmative action without simultaneously pushing for reforms in the distribution of funding in public education as well as other improvements offers no solution to those who are truly underserved. I recommend "Creating Equal" to proponents and opponents of affirmative action. While I feel that Connerly is striving to achieve his goal of a color blind society in backwards manner, he does bring into question some important flaws in the affirmative action system as it exists, which can perhaps lead us to a better model to use while we still need it.
Rating:
Summary: Idealism reads nicely...
Review: There's no denying that "Creating Equal" is a well written, easy read. I have enjoyed reading about Connerly's life as well as his opinions on affirmative action, even though i disagree with them. "Creating Equal" has given me a different perspective on the affirmative action issue, but has failed to change my opinion that affirmative action is a necessary policy at this moment in time. Connerly basis his argument on America's goal of becoming a "color blind" society. Unfortunately, Connerly's ideal is far from a reality even as far away as we are from the Civil Rights Movement. While he describes beautiful images of racial differences being nonexistant, the reality of this is not the society that we live in today. There HAVE been significant advances for racial minorities since the Civil Rights Movement, but race is still a key divider in American society. One cannot look at the economic divide in the United States without noting that the general trends show a significant difference in household income between blacks and Latinos, and whites and Asians. Even looking at the "middle class" income bracket, one can see that middle class blacks and Latinos make significantly less than middle class whites and Asians. With more wealth comes a greater access to better education, which in turn creates greater opportunity for advanced education and better jobs, etc. The problem that should be attacked to create equality is the public school system. Thankfully, Connerly acknowledges that the real problem is the public educational system, however, he offers no solution. Erasing affirmative action without simultaneously pushing for reforms in the distribution of funding in public education as well as other improvements offers no solution to those who are truly underserved. I recommend "Creating Equal" to proponents and opponents of affirmative action. While I feel that Connerly is striving to achieve his goal of a color blind society in backwards manner, he does bring into question some important flaws in the affirmative action system as it exists, which can perhaps lead us to a better model to use while we still need it.
Rating: 
Summary: Negative Fifty Trillion stars.
Review: This book could have been subtitled "profiles in courage." There is much more to this book than just his fight against racial preferences. This is a book about courage, integrity, and dignity. The book is about standing up and doing what is right, even when there is no reward for doing what is right, or worse yet, even when one is vilified for doing what is right. Ward Connerly gives a moving account of what life was like for a black person growing up in the segregated South. The book is a memoir about his life, his industrious family and how his values and character were shaped. He fights against racial preferences because he sees them as morally wrong and unjustifiable; additionally, he feels racial preferences send an insidious message to our society in general, and to blacks in particular. I admire his mettle. Whether you are white or black, you can learn a lot from this book.
Rating: 
Summary: Profiles in courage
Review: This book could have been subtitled "profiles in courage." There is much more to this book than just his fight against racial preferences. This is a book about courage, integrity, and dignity. The book is about standing up and doing what is right, even when there is no reward for doing what is right, or worse yet, even when one is vilified for doing what is right. Ward Connerly gives a moving account of what life was like for a black person growing up in the segregated South. The book is a memoir about his life, his industrious family and how his values and character were shaped. He fights against racial preferences because he sees them as morally wrong and unjustifiable; additionally, he feels racial preferences send an insidious message to our society in general, and to blacks in particular. I admire his mettle. Whether you are white or black, you can learn a lot from this book.
Rating:
Summary: Connerly speaks from the heart
Review: This book is very entertaining and despite your political views, I think it's impossible not to appreciate what the author has gone through, and be inspired by the courage he has shown in the face of constant attacks by his enemies. It's a great read both as a biography of an "ordinary" man who believes strongly in doing the right thing, and as an introduction to the debate over racial preferences.
Rating:
Summary: Minding our Ps and Qs (Preferences and Quotas)
Review: This country would be a better place, in terms of racial harmony, if Mr. Connerly's book and his life were used as guiding principles.... [He] has clearly written that racism is racism, no matter in which direction it flows. In "Creating Equal" he has reminded this reader of one of the mission statements of the NAACP, adopted at their 1909 founding when they pledged, "To secure equal employment opportunity based on individual merit, without regard to race, color or national origin." Raymond Batz
Rating:
Summary: Absolutely horrible!
Review: This is a bastion of conservative viewpoints from a man who seeks to turn back the clock on black america. If you are African American or a democrat of any color, you should read this to find out exactly what we are all up against. A bigoted, sensless journey from a man who must truly hate himself and his color. Conservatives must be having a field day. After reading this one, do yourself a favor and throw it in the trash!
Rating:
Summary: Absolutely horrible!
Review: Ward Connerly has led the fight for equal opportunity in California. This volume is his story, and it deserves to be read by all who are seriously interested in understanding the vital contrast between real equality and the racial preference system known as affirmative action. Connerly's vision points the way to a sound resolution of America's racial problems, and indicates how to achieve good will and tolerance between American men and women of all races and creeds. This is an outstanding book by an exceptional and courageous man.
Rating:
Summary: A brilliant summary of the fight for racial equality
Review: Ward Connerly has led the fight for equal opportunity in California. This volume is his story, and it deserves to be read by all who are seriously interested in understanding the vital contrast between real equality and the racial preference system known as affirmative action. Connerly's vision points the way to a sound resolution of America's racial problems, and indicates how to achieve good will and tolerance between American men and women of all races and creeds. This is an outstanding book by an exceptional and courageous man.
Rating:
Summary: An Amazing Book by an Amazing Man
Review: Ward Connerly is a true American hero. While politicians' backbones--particularly from the Right--are increasingly missing in action, Mr. Connerly's book is a welcome breath of fresh air. Mr. Connerly's highly principled character is evident on every page, from his broken-home childhood to his courageous leadership in the movement to end discrimination. Liberals won't find much comfort in Connerly's attacks on affirmative action (which he labels a "racial version of the Special Olympics"), but for those who still believe that we're all capable of making it in this world without Uncle Sam's help, this book is nectar. Mr. Connerly, you are a "mane"!
| 
