When many Americans make an assessment of the candidates for president, they will evaluate the issues that affect them. For the African- American community and minorities as a whole, the issues that surround civil rights draws popular interest and become relevant when this group decides to vote.

There is a stark contrast between John Kerry and President Bush on the issue of civil rights. When evaluating John Kerry’s stance on civil rights, you will see that the senator from Massachusetts has strongly supported equality and opportunity in America for minorities.

John Kerry supports affirmative action, which calls for equal opportunity in jobs, education and contracting decisions for all minorities, as well as for women. When looking at wages in America, women earn only 76 cents on the dollar compared to men for working the same job. John Kerry has a plan to close the gap in wages earned between men and women.

President Bush, to his credit, has acknowledged the inequality that many minorities face in America. But, merely stating that there is inequality and taking steps to end the racial barriers that hamper equality is another thing.

President Bush in his four years in office has not visited with the NAACP, the most recognizable civic organization that promotes racial equality in America. Bush is the first president since Warren G. Harding not to meet with the NAACP, a visit that John Kerry did make.

The U.S. Commision on Civil Rights, a bipartisan commission, found that “President Bush neither exhibited leadership on pressing civil rights issues, nor taken action that matched his words.” (http://www.usccr.gov/pubs/bush/bush04.pdf)

The commission also reported that the president is to be commended for assembling a “diverse cabinet and moderately diverse judiciary,” but his nominees do not support civil rights protections. The effect, as the commission stated, could eventually weaken the civil rights laws.

The contrast between John Kerry and George W. Bush is evident enough for African Americans and minorities to cast their vote for the candidate who exemplifies their interests. To learn more about John Kerry’s plan for civil rights, visit johnkerry.com, or attend the UTM College Democrats weekly meetings at 5 p.m. Thursdays in the UC.