Extended and beyond, white is hideously underpowered! If you're talking earlier, lets just look at those other cards in other colors.
Green has got channel, fastbond, etc.
Blue has Island, the non-artifact power nines, etc.
Red has Mana Flare, Lightning bolt, etc.
Black has Dark ritual, Necropotence, etc.
Were I to have the inclination, I'm sure that I could continue those lists.