Doug, I think 'catters have handled a tough topic with thoughtful care. This is not a Southern Republican problem. Anyone who has every spent time with census tracts knows that segregation ( racial and economic ) is a national issue.

I know of black economic leaders who have cheerfully fed Lott's coffers in exchange for his leadership power. They aren't surprised and they aren't all appalled. As long as he's in the Senate the issue stays alive and politically they are in a reasonable (if not always defensable) position.

Bobert, take a look at this www.sbp.org ( blickifier isn't working) A school that turns inner city boys into water polo captains. If you can find a local program that works, find out how you can support it. My kid is hopefully going out of the suburbs and into Newark next year.