“Government policies that advance equality to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Michael Steele is a true proponent of this theme.”
Equality of life does NOT include affirmative action. Steele is all about affirmative action. We’ll see how he does on this in the future.
“I support the current system and improvements to the current system, keeping in mind that while we have done very well in affirmative action at our universities across this country, I look at our boardrooms across the country, I look at NBC, CNBC, Fox, all these stations, all the corporate, corporate companies-and I don’t see affirmative action necessarily being practiced there when I look at the management, when I look at the leadership, when I look at those who have a decision-making role.
Source: 2006 Maryland Senate debate on Meet the Press Oct 29, 2006
Affirmative action programs still necessary to close divides
Q: Are federal affirmative action programs necessary and effective?
A: Studies show enormous disparities still exist in education, healthcare, employment and economic opportunities along racial lines in the United States. I believe programs are still necessary to help close these divides. I support giving people opportunities. Programs must be fair to all Marylanders - of every color - and they should focus on economic empowerment.
Source: Responses to Baltimore Sun Survey Aug 7, 2006
We’re still discovering affirmative action in corporations
Q: Do you think the time for affirmative action is past?
A: Absolutely not. We’re just beginning to rediscover what we should be doing with affirmative action. Don’t look at our universities. We got that. Let’s look at our boardrooms, let’s look at the management structure.
Source: Len Lazarick, The Examiner, “Power of the individual” Apr 28, 2006
Led commitment to $70M in grants to minority-owned business
As Lieutenant Governor, Steele chaired a 17-member task force devoted to reforming Maryland’s Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), which works to provide more opportunities for minority-owned small businesses and further spur job growth and economic vitality. Steele led the way in committing almost $70 million in grants and loan guarantees to strengthen and encourage Maryland’s small and minority-owned businesses.
Source: Press Release, “Black-Owned Business Growth” Apr 18, 2006
http://www.ontheissues.org/senate/Michael_Steele.htm
From the article, it sounds more like he's interested in equality of OPPORTUNITY, not equality of outcome. That is a far cry from the typical notion of 'affirmative action'. He said he'd like to get away from the idea of civil rights being about black people being able to sit at the counter in the diner, and more about the ability of blacks to OWN the diner.