ABSTRACT
One of the basic laws of physics is that every action has an equal and opposite reaction. The laws of society are not that simple. Yet, it is safe to say that in “social physics” there are numerous examples of changes provoking reactions. This is certainly the case in the area of racial and ethnic relations. Despite a good deal of rhetoric about getting America back on course, solving social problems, controlling spending, and dealing more forcefully with racial issues, only part of the Democratic agenda was realized. Parallel to the political debates mainly centered on the role of government in addressing and redressing age-old social problems, including health and welfare, employment and social security, and the lingering effects of discrimination taking place at the highest levels of government, others had their own thoughts about these and other matters.
