Dear Elias,

Thank you. Your two well-written responses to me have been very enlightening. I can see the situation is highly nuanced.

I wish France had an affirmative action program as we have for jobs, contracts, and college admissions. Millions of blacks, hispanics, and American Indians have moved into the middle and upper economic classes. In effect we achieved vast social change without a bloody revolution.

Our two societies are different in their political outlook, but your letters have shown me we also have much in common.

I am indebted to you.

Claire