Interesting debate, but also full of traps. I think both of you are followers of God (Hi Tech in particular).
For my part, whomever is of Christ Jesus is my brother or sister. But I also think whoever attempts to suppress statistics of race are themselves racists. If they really wanted to improve problems, they would address the problems. That is the Engineer in me, but also the son of Christ through His suffering.
I appreciate the distinction between HiTech RedNeck and myself, because I am a believer in God. I am neither the best example of a Christian or currently an attending Christian.
Therefore, folks should not look to me as an example. I can explain what my beliefs are and others can consider them.
I had to come up with a policy based on race, because after watching Jessie Jackson, Al Sharpton, and the Democrat party game race for decades on end, particularly claiming to be more caring about races than the side who actually did things to end Slavery and racism, I didn’t want any part of treating folks differently.
I don’t care about racial demographic statistics. I care about community or regional numbers. If an area is depressed, there is unemployment and it needs help, then I’ll address that.
If I were a politician I would address every crowd the exact same way.
Everyone cares about putting food on the table.
Everyone wants to own their own home.
Everyone wants to provide for their children.
Everyone wants a crime free neighborhood.
Everyone wants a good education system.
Everyone wants an even chance at a job or promotion.
Everyone wants to be treated with dignity, and to have someone care about them.
As a politician, I could provide that.
I would prove it by never singling out someone by race, and always doing the best I could do for their and every other community.
Just not going to play that game.
I don’t consider that racist.