The Danger We Can Confront

Nearly half of those surveyed by the Pew Research Center say the United States is a "less powerful and important world leader than it was 10 years ago." Just 19 percent of Americans say they can trust the government "just about always" or "most of the time" -- among the lowest levels in the last half-century. Fewer than half express "a lot" of confidence in the nation's future. Just one-third say they believe the next generation will be better off than their own.

And then there is the election, in which Donald Trump ignites and inflames this fear, with ominous, overblown warnings of dangerous terrorists "pouring in" to the country by the thousands.

"If we don't get tough, and if we don't get smart, and fast, we're not going to have our country anymore," Trump, typically hyperbolic, asserted on Monday. "There will be nothing, absolutely nothing, left." Left unchecked, he said, Hillary Clinton would "bring vastly more radical Islamic immigration into this country threatening not only our society but our entire way of life."

It will not surprise you to hear me say that the country does face a serious threat -- from Trump and Trumpism. A fearful public is always susceptible to the tyrant who vows to implement quick solutions, and if high-handed unilateral action is required, so be it.

A rancid foretaste of imperial President Trump came Wednesday, when he advised congressional leaders, "Don't talk. Please, be quiet. ... We have to have our Republicans either stick together or let me just do it by myself."

If you are thinking now about that gator, a menacing creature who emerges unexpectedly from the swamp, jaws clamped on innocent prey, I would not dissuade you from that analogy. But I would argue: The country is not a helpless 2-year-old. Trump is scary but not unstoppable, notwithstanding his threatening march through the Republican primaries. We should not confuse the dangers we must endure with those we can fight off.

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Ruth Marcus' email address is ruthmarcus@washpost.com.