Obama team reaches new heights in diversity

[The Straight Story]

Obama team reaches new heights in diversity
By James A. Barnes National Journal June 22, 2009

A mere glance around Barack Obama's Cabinet table provides ample evidence of the president's philosophy that diversity is an important element of good government. Fewer than half of the 22 officials designated by Obama as having Cabinet rank are white men -- only nine in fact.

Likewise, fewer than half of the key personnel in the Obama White House are white males. (Cynics will correctly note that the most powerful West Wing aides are still mostly white men.) A National Journal survey of 366 of the president's Decision Makers -- people appointed or nominated to senior positions throughout the executive branch -- found that white men hold 52 percent of the jobs. But when 49 holdovers from the Bush era are excluded, white guys make up just under half -- 49 percent -- of the Obama team.

The new look of government is, in part, a generational story. From college campuses to corporate boardrooms to campaigns, society is increasingly tapping the professional talents of women and racial minorities. But the new look also embodies the commitment of the first nonwhite male to hold the nation's highest elective office.

"It reflects both the changing face of the nation and the overall changes in politics, as well as this president's very strong belief that different backgrounds do make for stronger decision-making," said White House Communications Director Anita Dunn, who was a key adviser to Obama's presidential campaign. Princeton University presidential scholar Fred Greenstein said that the Obama administration's diversity "suggests a true changing of the guard."

http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=43004&dcn=todaysnews

[Bicoastal]

1. Oh Ehm Gee!

White men are becoming the new minorities--Michael Savage was right! :crazy:

[Buck Laser]

2. You say that like it's a bad thing.

[noiretextatique]

3. thaty's better than the old minorities being the new minorities too

though i doubt savage would have a problem with that

[damntexdem]

4. Wouldn't that be new widths in diversity?

Oh, what the hey -- it is increased diversity.

And the most-important decisionmaker in the cabinet is no longer a white male. ;-)