Feinstein on Hiring Quotas

Words can barely express my disappointment at Feinstein’s announcement that she intends to use a rigid quota system in her appointments, should be elected governor.

I had even changed my party registration recently in order to vote for this seemingly attractive candidate, and now I find her embracing the discredited notion that criteria such as merit and ability are not as important as race and gender in choosing appointees for government jobs.

Feinstein’s proposal is at best condescending to women and minorities, and at worst divisive. She says that her appointees will have a chance to represent “their” people. I want officials who will represent all the people, not just their own sex or racial group.

If one has to go to court, one should have the assurance that the judge has qualifications other than gender or minority status. Is that too much to ask?

I thought that by now we were beyond such things as quotas, and it saddens me greatly to find that the first politician I have become excited about in years has such an impoverished vision of what fairness represents.

Too bad, Dianne. You lost me.

ROBERT E. GOYETTE

Rolling Hills Estates