On the healthy balance between parties

I don't like to ring alarm bells. Even now, I believe the Trump regime will pass without serious harm to our country, its traditions and form of government. I realize, however, that in every past period when there have been substantial changes in our Constitutional interpretation of executive power, serious people were justifiably fearful that the changes would go too far. As true today as in the past, many support dictatorial executive power as the only way they can achieve their objectives. The use of federal troops on the streets of Los Angeles and the accompanying rhetoric is a serious break from our tradition of limited executive authority. How calm and peaceful is so much of the country the day after a "red line" is crossed. How many millions are going about their daily life without anxiety? This is how it has always been. The overthrow of a government begins without any stirring of the breeze in town and cities, on coastlines and inland farms. The parallel is Berlin on February 27, 1933. I fear that many of my liberal friends are unaware of the importance of a strong conservative political party or force. A Conservative Party, not a "Right-wing" Party. They are the "castle walls," the front line against radical change. Conservatives were weak in Germany after World War I. They bowed to Hitler. The teeth of those who battle against Trump and the radicals that pull many of his strings, should be Conservative. This is the strength of a two-party system in a stable democracy. One party to press forward and propose plans and visions. One party to stand firm, affirm the wisdom of past advancements, and see through the illusions of many new proposals to the self-interests that stand behind. Robert M. Pirsig in his second book, "Lila", used this metaphor: You raise a car with a lever. You hold the height you have obtained with a ratcheting mechanism. It is joint liberal and a conservative effort. Stable democratic societies require both principles. And the stability achieved, makes possible the further productivity, that makes available further advancement. America has been blessed with such a dynamic. But now? John Bing is Emeritus Professor of Political Science at Heidelberg University and writes a by-weekly newsletter at johnb0c.substack.com