that's fair

  Saw a meme yesterday calling for the end of "legacy" admissions to colleges and universities. The narrative was, of course, it isn't fair. I felt compelled to explain a simple thing that perhaps some had missed, colleges and universities are a business. Yes, they operate on a, for profit, basis. As such, they can control how and with whom they do business, within the constraints of what is lawful. Should they choose to participate in issuing a specified number of "legacy" admission they have every right to do so. It's their business!

  After posting my comment concerning that I did get a reply. This individual thanked me, sarcastically, for telling the truth that those schools operate for profit and that it is all about the money. I replied, also in a sarcastic tone, that telling the truth required no thanks I wondered if he was surprised by that. I wonder if this person has come to understand that the whole world is about the money. Money equates to power. It really is that simple and basic. Throughout all of recorded history it has been that way. It is only the defining of what that "money" is that changes. Whatever money is, it controls people, people do not control money. Today money represents what? The ability to acquire products, goods, and services. I give you money, you give me a product. Not any different than trading rocks, beads, tomahawks, animal pelts or corn. It takes money to live. 

  I find it amusing. On one hand "legacy" admissions are unfair, but admissions based on "affirmative action" initiatives' are not. I should be admitted to the school because of my race, creed, religion, family history, and a litany of other "disadvantages", but being admitted because my parents attended that school is unfair. Is it fair that I was born disadvantaged? No, that's not fair and for that I should receive special consideration! Is it fair that I was born to parents that attended that school? No, that's not fair and for that I should receive special consideration! That's how it works, right? Or are you trying to say it only works when the perceived advantage is in your favor?

  This individual did go on to say that admissions should only be based on scores. The top scores get in the door, that's fair. Hmm, ever wonder why they developed other admission standards? Do you think it could be that the business realized they needed the, shall we say, less gifted as well? Let's face it, top athletes aren't always the top scholars. Guess where the lions' share of funding comes from? Sports programs and alumni support of those programs. No alumni wear jerseys sporting the top academic scholars from their school. There had to be a way to "admit" those that couldn't excel in academics; IE: the highest scores, into the college or university. The scholarship program was developed. You can grant all types of scholarships, that's fair. Does anyone really believe that Jackie Robinson was signed and admitted into major league baseball out of a sense of fairness. The truth is, he was a tremendous player and would benefit the team. The team would win! Winning means money. In the acquisition of money, just about everything else takes a back seat. Race, creed, color, political affiliation, none of that matters if I can make money from you. If I can increase my profit. 

  The same thing continues today. If something is profitable it will be allowed, eventually. Hey we are killing babies now, as a choice. It's also profitable. Legalized gambling has spread across the nation in the form of lotteries. Quite the profitable thing for the various states and I predict only a matter of time before the federal government cashes in on that market. For now, the fed is satisfied collecting taxes off that revenue stream. Marijuana sales are booming for the same reason, money to be made. Hey, people are going to use it anyway. The government tried prohibition and we all know how that turned out. They haven't attempted to ban the sale of tobacco products have they? Prostitution, of if you prefer sex workers, can't be far from legalization. It's only a matter of figuring out the method of collecting the profits. Money and morality are separate entities altogether. One does not align with the other. Well until morality becomes profitable that is. But that is another topic. I really do wonder how so many can remain so naive about life. It isn't fair, the world isn't fair. it will never be fair. The best you can do is; treat others fairly.