Honorable Pindar:

You've adroitly addressed both the philosophical and practical pitfalls of using an "evil" (discrimination based on group membership) to combat an "evil" (discrimination based on group membership). I'm certain we agree there, and can only imagine with horror, if, at this late date, a one-time financial compensation scheme were proposed to remedy past discrimination.

When I read:
...If times change (as seems the case with the twin evils or slavery and segregation) then best to move on and let each be accounted for the content of his character rather than the color of his skin. Recognize the evils of the past by not repeating them...
I found myself nodding my head "yes". But:

such accounting and recognition must start from a position of equal opportunity for all participants in such a society. We have not yet achieved that position, or at least we have not held that wider door of opportunity open long enough so that those previously discriminated against, who want to avail themselves of this temporary preference, may.

In short, I only say: Let AA continue until 2012 (40 years after the 1972 statutes, etc were enacted). Then revisit the issue. Anyone who has not taken advantage of AA policies by then: "Too bad, so sad. This is as level a playing field as we can achieve within our (american) system."