In respnse to the letter to the editor on racism, yes, affirmative action is racism. It is racist toward the majority. It undermines the very people that it was created to help.

As a minority myself, I would like to be admitted to an institution that accepts me for my merits, not because I fill a quota. It would be an insult to my intelligence. Being accepted on the basis of my race constitutes racism. Penn State Young Americans for Freedom is dead on when they claim this. PS-YAF recognizes people for what they are -- not what race they come from.

The Asian American Student Coalition stated that all minority groups need assistance. Although it is true that more effort is needed by minorities, a free handout such as affirmative action is not a solution, it is the source of the problem. PS-YAF stands for the responsibility and free will of individuals. Competition is the best solution in aiding the minority.

Competition brings out the best in us, allowing us to achieve great goals. By submitting to something outrageous as affirmative action kills that spirit of competition, deterring individuals to go for the "gold."

The Olympics doesn't hand out medals to countries just because there aren't as many athletes from those countries, they award the best athletes. The same should be with institutions. Penn State should accept the best and brightest students regardless of their race, not just accept a student with lower merits with minority status.

PS-YAF urges the Asian American Student Coalition and all minorities to look into the institution of affirmative action and ask the question "Am I being accepted because of my merits, or I accpeted just to fill up a quota?" Don't be insulted. If you need help to decide, come and attend a lecture on racism given by Walter Williams. Williams is a prominent black economist who is going to address the issues of racism and affirmative action on our campuses.

PS-YAF stongly believes in individuals regardless of skin color. Affirmative action is an insult to those the programs are aimed at. It is a form of racism that destroys the spirit and independence of people that is meant to help. Stop the racism, stop affirmative action.