ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the retreat from progressive politics in the 1980s and 1990s, which was created in part by the Reagan Revolution but also by the collapse of liberalism and rise of the so called New Democrats led by Bill Clinton. It focuses on political rise of the Far Right in an economic and social context—the growth of inequality throughout America. The chapter explores the possible political steps necessary to reverse the trends toward intolerance and conservatism. Millions of American people believe in the concept of human equality and equal treatment under the law—regardless of race, religion, gender, and sexual orientation. In Los Angeles, millionaire Republican businessman Richard Riordan overwhelmingly trounced liberal Democratic City Councilman Michael Woo in the race for mayor. In the wake of the 1992 urban rebellion in Los Angeles, Riordan appealed to frightened middle-class voters by calling for the appointment of 3,000 additional police officers.
