Quotas do not exist, yes, I know--but have de facto quotas ever existed? I don't know and I don't think that is provable either way.

I still don't understand how affirmative action includes outreach, by the definition you have given me, but let us accept that it does. I object, then, to the part of the policy that advocates direct consideration of race/gender/etc. I have no problem with outreach and indeed I advocate the use of outreach instead of direct criteria. And I remain optimistic that someone really smart will come up with an effective way of prodding employers away from bigotry--without compromising basic ethics. Because I do view the idea of nondiscrimination--no matter the result or intent of any discrimination--as basic ethics.

Since I am not making assertions but presenting my personal opinion, I'm not sure what I would be citing. I did cite examples of outreach that I find acceptable as "affirmative action" (although I don't consider it affirmative action, but in any case, it's not an all-or-nothing proposition). Please point out what lacks citations and I will try to rectify the situation, or admit my fault, whichever is the case.