I sort of agree in the sense that the major injustices have been ended, both legally and socially - the country has come a long way in less than one lifetime. But finishing the job can still take a very long time - many generations - if too many people figure that it's basically done and requires no further effort, as the Republicans tend to.

I'd have to look into that about ignoring other forms of compensation - though anyway a large portion of workers doesn't get health insurance and other such benefits. Education is definitely a big driver in life outcomes for people, I agree better schools for kids from black/minority background could make a big difference. Though fixing underperforming schools is generally easier said than done...

I'm not sure about the eliminating public employee unions part, I don't think I'd go that far. In the end, the way they aggressively defend their acquired privileges and benefits is no different from the way large corporations lobby to keep theirs, or the way billionaires basically buy politicians in order to protect their tax benefits or even reduce taxes further. They are certainly a pain in the ass in some ways though.