LETTERS

I agree with some of the points made by Abdul-Hakim Shabazz in the October issue Illinois Issues (see page 38). I disagree with him on many others. Shabazz is correct that nobody "owns" a job. However, those of us who are against affirmative action feel that a job should not be given to someone just because of their color or race. People who felt that they merited consideration may have been more qualified than anybody else.

Why does Shabazz argue that white males still hold more positions of authority than do blacks? Does he mean that affirmative action has discriminated against more qualified black applicants? If he believes this, then he should also realize that there are also now a lot more black executives than there used to be. Shabazz equates minorities with other groups, such as veterans, who receive special privileges. However, veterans have earned their privilege through their service to the country. Minorities as a group have not earned such privilege.

Minorities will argue that their past discrimination merits special privilege. Why should the Caucasian race be penalized for what happened a long time ago? Most people feel that it was wrong to refuse jobs to black people because of their color. Has the time now come when it is all right to refuse jobs to white people because of their color? I hope Mr. Shabazz and the rest of the world realize that racism in any form is wrong.

Stephen W. Jenkins
Glen Ellyn

Your article about brownfields in the December issue (see page 18) was well written and accurate. However, those who only read the headline — "Brownfields program lies fallow; lack of greenbacks keeps a good idea from growing" — might leave the impression that progress on the brownfields issue is not being made in Illinois. The fact is, a tremendous amount of progress is being made on this issue. The Brownfields Forum brought together over 100 representatives of business, government, nonprofit and community organizations to develop comprehensive solutions to the complex problems inherent in the cleanup and redevelopment of brownfield sites. The Brownfields Forum Final Report and Action Plan was released in December, and contains over 50 recommendations. Several of these recommendations have already been put into action, and work is under way to implement many others. Copies of the report may be obtained from the city of Chicago by calling the Brownfields Forum Clearinghouse at 312-744-9139. The city of Chicago, as described in your article, is moving forward with the cleanup and redevelopment of brownfield sites. In 1993, Mayor Daley committed $2 million in bond funds toward the cleanup and redevelopment of five sites. This is coming in under budget, with all five sites being completed for less than $1 million. For 1996, the city of Chicago is seeking $4 million from HUD to support the cleanup and redevelopment of an additional 12 to 20 sites.

Henry L. Henderson
Commissioner
Department of Environment
Chicago

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Illinois Issues February 1996 * 37