Two-Party System of Government

Richard Goodwin’s column (“The People Can Do Better Than Two Parties in a Pod,” Commentary, May 16) appears to be a very valid assessment of the political climate now overlaying our country. He is on target with his observations regarding the need to modernize the economy and the revision of corporate goals to be guided by planning for long-term objectives and growth rather than short-term profits.

It is the thrust of his recommended course of action contained in the final paragraph that is chilling and frightful. He advocates as the only hope for the alleviation and/or solution to the current social and economic problems facing our society “. . . is for a political movement outside the present party structure, with an agenda and the political cum demagogic skills to convince people that it means business. With such a movement we could take over the country, a Jeffersonian revolution from within. I’m ready. What about you?”

Twentieth Century history is studded with movements such as that proposed by Goodwin--organizations with agendas and political cum demagogic skills to convince people that they mean business. Examples: the Nazi Party in Germany, Marxism in Russia, China, Cuba and elsewhere.

The tone of his commentary implies his abandonment of the political party of his choice (Democrat), and a surrender of our party system of government to the ills that plague it. But is a revolutionary movement with the credentials suggested by Goodwin the answer? I hope not.

What is needed at all levels of government are policies, decisions and actions that are framed within the tenet “the greatest good for the greatest number.”

L.E. RISK

San Juan Capistrano