Affirmative action is bad enough when applied to the private and run-of-the-mill public sector, being a policy that’s both racist and discriminatory. (The underlying assumption is that a minority can’t compete successfully without government intervention.)

The policy only becomes more absurd when applied to sectors such as, say, national security. It just seems like the agencies responsible for the security and safety of the United States should be more concerned with competence than the racial makeup of their employment rolls.

Which brings me to this interesting section from the NSA’s page on diversity in employment opportunities.

To ensure that NSA continues to recruit, hire, and develop a diverse workforce, we have designed a number of special emphasis programs that celebrate who we are. These programs consist of training events, speakers, demonstrations, special menu items in our cafeterias, displays, panel discussions, and much more.

Among those groups receiving special privileges? African Americans, Asian-Americans, American Indians, Alaska Natives, Pacific Islanders, GLBT, Hispanics, people with disabilities, and women. Everyone but your run-of-the mill white guy from New York or Virginia.

That sounds a bit, er, discriminatory to me. Can you imagine if the government agency had special programs for everyone but African-Americans? There would be Congressional hearings and Justice Department investigations. But openly discriminate against a straight, white male and you’re gold.

Don’t get me wrong; I don’t want special protections. I’m not made of glass and I’m not a little child. But other groups shouldn’t receive special protection, either. Especially when the same people pushing for the special protection simultaneously decry discrimination and profiling.