Mark Small

Madison and Hamilton, 1787 Constitutional Convention delegates, opposed factions - their term for political parties - yet helped form the first two political parties: Federalist for and Republican against ratification of The Constitution. 4/17

Also, it seems clear The Framers believed that enough people would act in the best interest of the country that the checks and balances they built into a structure inherently geared to two parties would protect the country from a despot. 5/17

In > 230 yrs, greatest crisis for Constitution was result of evil it memorialized. No variation of word “slavery” appears in original seven Articles. Deals were cut in 1787 as a price 2 keep Southern States in the Union. The Civil War was the result. 6/17

Fr 1840 political parties faded or were born/grew. One issue was dominant: slavery. When Lincoln won, Whigs had joined with what remained of the Know Nothings. Democrats split between pro-slavery and the not-so-extreme pro-slavery factions. 7/17

Today our Constitution again is in crisis. The modern GOP, formed in 1854, was a major force in Reconstruction. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries it opposed corporate consolidation of wealth and advocated for the environment. 8/17

In foreign policy - for decades - strong elements in the GOP counseled against US foreign involvements. On women’s rights, the decision in Roe v Wade was written by and had the support of 5-GOP nominated Justices. 9/17

Electors were created 2 ensure person corrupt, incompetent or under influence of hostile foreign power wasnt elected POTUS (see Federalist 68) 2016: system produced loser - by 3 million - of popular vote but trifecta on what The Framers feared. 10/17

Forces of ignorance & bigotry will continue, despite being in minority, 2 hold 1/2 of our political system. To oppose trump/them is as if he wore a ring: One ring to rule them all/One ring to find them/One ring to bring them all/And in the darkness bind them. 11/17