Content of Horowitz advertisement harms minorities

I was extremely disappointed, though not surprised, that the IDS passed up the opportunity to take a stand for justice, truth and equality by accepting the so-called ad by David Horowitz. Clearly, it seems that the IDS is more concerned with Mr. Horowitz's right to be heard than the pain that such an ad causes for those of us who feel the stinging effects of slavery, bigotry and racism on a daily basis.\nThe question of reparations aside, did the IDS staff take the time to read carefully the content of Horowitz's ad (opinion piece)? To suggest that my ancestors and I are indebted to America for our enslavement is not only racist but also idiotic.\nI can hear the freedom of expression and freedom of the press arguments now! Did we not learn anything from Mahatma, Martin and Nelson? These three, and many others, sought to teach us that what is legal is not necessarily moral. Did the IDS seek to examine the ethics and the morality of Horowitz's claims, or did the debate focus primarily on whether he has a right to be heard? Did the IDS look closely, or at all, at the historical accuracy, or lack thereof, of Horowitz's arguments, or was the IDS more concerned with not wanting to be accused of political correctness by rejecting the ad?\nMy response is not related to whether reparations should be paid. Rather, I take exception to Horowitz's claims about slavery -- who imposed it, who benefited and its lingering effects even today.\nIn the days and weeks ahead, there is sure to be a great deal of discussion about the Horowitz ad and even the appropriateness of this letter. Regrettably, the discussion is likely to center on the legal dimensions of Horowitz's right to be heard rather than the content of the ad and the accuracy and moral dimensions of his claims.\nThe Horowitz ad, racial profiling, attacks on affirmative action, underachievement of urban school children, poverty and burgeoning prison populations are all part of the same equation. It is time for all people of good will to ask what they can do to address real issues that confront this nation. \nRegrettably, accepting the Horowitz ad does not facilitate that debate.