That was, of course, Clinton?s famous battle cry for an economy apparently so precarious (a ?consumer? economy, remember) that too much tilt and it goes into a tailspin of deficits that sends every true conservative yearning for democracy with a small ?d? pulling their hair.

Now we learn, following Hurricane Katrina, the congressional Republicans plan a 35B cut in medicaid and food stamps?and a further 75B cut in taxes on the rich. Can we afford to continue to throw so much business (treasury notes) to a China that is despotic and censorious?

Over and above such concerns, is the racial gulf in our country that Katrina reaffirmed?a racial gulf that is in actuality an economic one.

While no one can accurately predict the outcome of interpersonal relationships, it is crystal clear that where there is economic equity the racial divide rapidly disappears almost entirely. White supremacy is an economic loop instigated two centuries ago. Break that replay and it all but vanishes. It not only goes a long way in explaining Bill Cosby?s lamented absentee fathers and unwed mothers, it?s banishment would largely eliminate these problems as they exist as matters of economic, mainly, learned practices and not, certainly, as innate social responses.

Even with the radical right hard on his heels, Bill Clinton found the means to some degree of balance, despite his eventually kowtowing to them in such matters as AFDC.

The real answer the Millions March seeks is the exercise of simple economic justice: a bit less wealth for the filthy rich and a bit more for the underprivileged. Yes, the radicals point to the poor of NO?s and declare they represent the failures of liberalism, but the truth is those poor people come from generations that were never given any real help (money) or any real hand-up.

The same people point to the European welfare states and scream ?stagnant? when what they actually point out is a ?balance? somewhat more between the rich and the poor. As Chancellor Schroeder said, preparatory to turning over his office to a right-winger (but not most of the cabinet!), ?The people do not want government in their face, but rather one walking beside them.? That is America?s challenge and crying need and cure: a government/economy that walks with the people.