I believe affirmative action is a by-product of racism and slavery. In an equal world it would not be needed. Sadly America is not an equal world. Just as recent as the sixties blacks were not allowed to use the same restrooms as whites. They definitely did not get the same kind of education. Without affirmative action very few black persons would have made into the US military academy. You would not have some of the excellent officers you have today.
Motivation is very important for the development of races. In America today the whites are very much as a group ahead of everyone else. They have worked very hard to get there and it is mostly deserved. In the process of building this great country called America and establishing a worldwide standard of fairness and forgiveness for the crimes of slavery. We need to motivate minorities. As a black kid I could dream of becoming a Pilot because my uncle was a pilot, my father was a doctor, my mother graduated from an Ivy League university. I am different from a kid who was born to crack head aged 14 yrs old with no knowledge of who his father is. A very hostile environment to grow up in. that kid needs affirmative action to give him a chance. Give him the environment in which he may get to meet white kids and maybe visit their homes and learn some of the good values which most of them are been raised with.
Affirmative action is not something that should exist forever. It is temporary but it is needed as of today in very small doses. It does not help many blacks get airline jobs. It may get you an interview but you better be qualified or you do not get hired.

The white guy has a better network of friends in the airline to act as referees for getting a job. People who can guide him on how to better present his qualifications. The black guy most of the time does not have that network. If he does the network is going to be mostly white or blacks that have been put in position of power by whites. This country is a white controlled country and the whites that encourage inclusiveness are those who have help make this place the great nation it is.
Minorities also have buying power, which companies have to recognize; I want to see black pilots fly airplanes I buy tickets on. I want to see black managers in companies I buy products. I want my children to see role models in good positions that have their same skin color so they can believe they can get there.
That is why I a member of organization of black Pilots and I so strongly support their youth programs. My friend seeing makes you believe and affirmative action will one day result in an end to affirmative action.
I also strongly disagree that affirmative action is responsible for white males not getting airline jobs. There are just not that many blacks in the business. My company has only one black female pilot. Who is quite qualified for the job? I have always had way more experience than required to get a job. Always being qualified. So people lets try to be understanding and sympathetic to those who are underprivileged. It is the America way.