Convening a presidential Advisory Panel on Race in the era of official discrimination and segregation would have been a bold move 60 years ago.
Is it surprising that such a panel wasn't convened? No. Back then, silence was the national consensus.
Such political panels are usually formed to cement an existing consensus, especially when a long-ignored problem flares up.
Clinton's own decision to convene such a panel probably sounded like a great idea. Convene a panel. Have the President lead ...