The following is a Counterpoint:

By Clyde L. Hunt Jr.

Just a few observations relative to Dennis Quaintance's column (Dec. 9) on diversity and inclusiveness being keys to business success, if I may.

I would suggest that the overwhelming majority of businesses in Guilford County (and throughout America) are successful because they acquire and retain employees based primarily (almost entirely) on their ability to perform the task for which they are being employed, and not because of their skin color, national origin, sexual orientation or any other social feel-good reason.

And as long as we maintain both our democratic republic and the capitalist free-enterprise system that have provided the highest standard of living for the greatest portion of our society than any other system in history, this will continue to be the totally justified criteria for employment.

I see no advantage in acquiring and maintaining a work force based on anything other than its ability to do the job efficiently, effectively and economically, even if to do otherwise might give someone a warm, cuddly, fuzzy feeling inside.

And most companies with which I am familiar are really not all that concerned about appearing to be (to quote Quaintance) "cosmopolitan" and "sophisticated," or of having "an engine of self-interest ... and a turbo-charger of enlightened self-interest" or of "burning the ethanol from their own personal value system"… whatever all that means.

They just want to hire the right people for the job, provide good working conditions, make a profit and grow their business. It ain't all that complicated.

The writer lives in Greensboro.