The next level of social justice will be the leadership of the Church in society rather than government subsidies. There was a time when churches held the men in the congregation accountable for their families, and I don't think we see this as much today. Chuck Colson (of the Nixon administration, now of Prison Fellowship) states he has seen lots of men in prison with praying mothers and absent fathers. lh

I believe the problem is not what the "next level" is, but does "equity" actually exist? The truth is nothing will ever be completely equitable. We should strive for equity, but accept that it will never be achieved. If an instructor treats every student in the class the same, will some students still think it is unfair? Of course. People will always do that because of selfishness. People don't really want things to be fair, they want things to be fair for them. This is one reason I disagree with President Obama's policies. In his books, he talks about coming from humble means and working hard to become successful. His policies however are based upon giving stuff to people. "Spreading the wealth" is a phrase we heard frequently. Isn't equality when everything that is expected of one person is the same as what is expected of another. If President Obama can rise to be successful through hard work and dedication, why can't everyone else?

I am not really sure what the next level of progress should be that would advance our American society even further towards social, cultural or judicial equality of all humankind. What I am sure of is total equality will always be a never-ending issue that will need to be continuously worked toward. I am not being negative about the subject, just realistic. As Doug discussed,there are too many people with money and power who control and live off the backs of others and will not give that up. I may not agree with all of President Obama's policies, but he is my (our) president and I like and agree with many of his values and ethical ways. I have read his book, Dreams from My Father and plan on reading The Audacity of Hope in the near future. I found his book quite insightful. Reading President Obama's book helped me to understand who he is as a person and what made him who he is today. It definitely helps me to understand his thinking and his policy making ideas and some of his reasoning. As for the discussion question, maybe we need to stop listening to the news media and commentators, who are also part of the wealth and power, so intently and seriously on both (all) sides of the political isle and do as Doug suggested - Use our common sense.

Unfortunately, there are too many people who have made a very good living off of "racial injustice." They still have a large following, so they have a lot of influence. They are not going to give up their power or money for anything or anyone. When it comes to President Obama, I disagree with the policies he has expoused because I do not believe the government is the solution to much of anything, but do not wish him ill. However, people who disagree President Obama are already being called unpatriotic, how long do you think it will be before people who disagree with him are called racists? I don't remember everyone being asked if they hoped President Bush would succeed or not when he took office. The only way it will ever truly change is when the "haters" are ignored and common sense becomes common again.

President Barack Obama is the first African American to be elected as President of the United States. I have lived in this country all of my life and since the days when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was going from state to state to make people understand that we are all created equal but others had different ideas. What a mark this has made in my life because I didn't think I would live to see the day a black man would ever be elected. When I watched the proceedings on tv and Barack Obama was named President of the United States, I cried, I rejoiced, I thanked God and his family and it was such a historical moment for me. I have recorded most of the proceedings that day and I just rejoice and thank God. He, President Barack has a huge job ahead of him but I honestly believe that within time, he will do a wonderful job for our country.

I agree totally.. We must get away from having to categorize races. If we can get past using race as a last ditch coping mechanism. When we realize race is usually never a factor any longer. If we can stop using this as a crutch to force our views over to others and make them silent.
Why is it that when a white person says anything it is bigotry? Why then can black say awful stuff about whites and nothing happen? When does our society wake up and recognize reverse discrimination? I think if special interest group can no longer receive funding and we all accept one another as Citizens of US, this might help. Whenever we desire to gain recognition we are wanting recompense for past wrongful doing. Lets mature and know that we have no limitations and get past our perceived problems.. Like beautifully said below... Having the intellect of a child who hasn't realized that we are different..

There is progress when we never have to say, "The FIRST African-American, or Native American, or Chinese-American or Woman and so on". I am very proud of our country, but we have a long way to go. This is still one of many "FIRST(s)". When it comes to race, I wish the world had the intellect of a very young child who hasn't yet realized that we are "different".

Now that the first African-American has been elected to highest office in the United States, what is the next level of progress that would advance our American society even further towards social, cultural or judicial equality of all humankind?