Affirmative Action Denied, but Donors' 'Affirmative Influence' Lives On
The NYT asks what the Supreme Court's rejection of affirmative action suggests, implying a national shift towards 'meritocracy.' Yet, conspicuously absent from their thoughtful musings is any mention of the actual, highly-affirmative actions taken daily by moneyed interests. While race-conscious admissions are dismantled, the 'donor-conscious' political system continues to thrive, with no Supreme
Court intervention in sight. One might wonder if 'merit' only applies when it targets the historically disadvantaged. For instance, according to OpenSecrets.org, organizations like AIPAC funnel millions directly into political campaigns, influencing policy decisions far more profoundly than any college admissions committee ever could. In 2022 alone, AIPAC's PAC and super PAC spent $27.3 million,
often backing candidates who then affirm its policy positions with their votes. This form of 'affirmative influence' is not only protected but celebrated, while the court bemoans 'preferential treatment' for those with less.