To eliminate the disparities, the government would have to enact policies that result in universal health care; sufficient affordable housing; quality public education that eliminates achievement gaps; transportation that serves the needs of inner city residents; and labor policies that enable workers to get their fair return for their labor as a start. Ironically, the type of policies necessary to eliminate racial disparities are the policies needed by a growing number of whites.

The War on Drugs policy is suggested as the initial focus given the extent to which it is increasing racial disparities while having minimal effect on its goal-reducing drug use. In addition, it consumes an inordinate amount of resources. These resources need to be used for drug education programs, drug rehabilitation programs, job and entrepreneurial training programs, national public works program, and the other governmental initiatives necessary to help those mired in poverty become productive citizens.
Instead a growing amount of resources are being invested in jail cells. In 1973, there were 500,000 individuals in jail. Today, there are 2,000,000 and half of them are of African descent and as many as 500,000 Latinos. It is estimated that 80% of those incarcerated are there for nonviolent drug crimes.

While in jail, they don't receive the educational or other self-development tools that will enable them to establish a better life when they leave incarceration. In fact many are kept in isolation units that the Supreme Court in the early 1900s found to be inhuman. Ironically, prisoners are often able to continue their drug use if they are able to meet the market price established by their jailers. When these individuals come out of jail, they find themselves discriminated against by employers who can turn them away by simply saying-- we don't hire those with records. They are not eligible for public housing or subsidies. They are often not eligible for federal grants for education if their crimes involved drugs. In many states their right to vote has been taken away from them. Obviously, this process of marginationalization has a devastating effect on the person who had been incarcerated as well as their families leading to increased disparities.

This policy is perhaps one the most glaring examples of how government policy itself can be a major force in increasing the growth of racial disparities. The War on Racism must identify all the policies, which increase such disparities and develop new policies, which can lead to their elimination. Dr. King's dream can come true. This country has the resources necessary to make it come true. The question is do we have the will necessary to wage the type of nonviolent struggle necessary to Fund the Dream?hyperlink text

To provide your take on this article and/or subject, please visit the response page.