Affirmative action policies which specifically mention race generate controversy because of a misunderstanding of their history and intent. These approaches to ending discrimination against minorities in the workplace evolved slowly after alternative methods failed. They have been upheld by Federal courts and should be adopted at state and local…

In 1982 plant closings in the United States affected approximately 1 percent of the country's manufacturing facilities and 1 percent of its manufacturing labor force. Included among the reasons cited for plant closings were low productivity, high wages, and inflexible work rules. Given the nature of the reasons for plant closings and the magnitude…