🔗 Share this article

One year ago, the landscape was entirely distinct. Prior to the US presidential election, considerate citizens could acknowledge America's serious imperfections – its inequities and disparity – however they continued to see it as the United States. A free society. A land where the rule of law held significance. A nation guided by a dignified and decent official, even with his advanced age and declining health.

Currently, in late October 2025, countless Americans barely recognize the nation we live in. People suspected of being illegal immigrants are rounded up and forced into transport, at times denied due process. The East Wing of the presidential residence – is being destroyed to build a lavish dance hall. Donald Trump is targeting his adversaries or alleged foes and insisting federal prosecutors hand over a massive sum of public funds. Soldiers with weapons are deployed to US urban areas on false pretexts. The defense headquarters, relabeled the Department of War, has practically rid itself of regular press examination while it uses possibly reaching close to a trillion USD from citizen taxes. Colleges, attorney offices, journalism organizations are buckling under the president’s threats, and billionaires are regarded as aristocracy.

“America, shortly prior to its 250-year mark as the world’s leading democracy, has tipped over the edge into autocracy and fascism,” a noted author, commented in August. “Finally, swifter than I believed likely, it occurred in this country.”

Each day begins with fresh terrors. It is difficult to grasp – and agonizing to acknowledge – just how far gone we have become, and the rapid pace with which it has happened.

However, we understand that Trump was duly elected. Even after his deeply disturbing initial presidency and despite the warnings associated with the understanding of the rightwing blueprint – even after the president personally said publicly he would rule as a tyrant only on the first day – enough Americans chose him instead of Kamala Harris.

While alarming as the current reality is, it’s even scarier to realize that we have only been several months into this administration. What will an additional three years of this downfall find us? And if the three years turns into an prolonged era, since there is not anyone to restrain this ruler from opting that a third term is essential, perhaps for security concerns?

Certainly, there is still hope. We will have congressional elections the coming year that may bring a different balance of power, if Democrats regain the Senate or House of Congress. There are public servants who are attempting to apply certain responsibility, for example lawmakers currently starting a probe regarding the effort to cash appropriation from legal authorities.

And a leadership election in 2028 could initiate us down the road to recovery exactly as the prior selection put us on this regrettable path.

We see numerous residents protesting in urban areas throughout communities, like they performed in the past days in the No Kings rallies.

A former official, stated lately that “the slumbering force of the US is awakening”, exactly as before following the Red Scare in the 1950s or during the sixties activism or in the Watergate scandal.

During those times, the tilting vessel ultimately corrected itself.

Reich says he recognizes the indicators of that awakening and observes it occurring now. As support, he cites the widespread marches, the extensive, bipartisan pushback against a broadcaster's firing and the near-unanimous refusal by journalists to accept the defense department’s demands they only publish approved content.

“The slumbering entity always remains inactive until some venality grows too toxic, an specific act so disrespectful toward public welfare, certain violence so loud, that he has no choice but to awaken.”

It's a positive outlook, and I value Reich’s experienced view. Possibly he may be validated.

In the meantime, the big questions remain: will the nation return to normalcy? Is it possible to restore its position internationally and its commitment to constitutional order?

Or must we acknowledge that the historical project functioned for a period, and then – suddenly, utterly – failed?

My cynical mind tells me that the latter is correct; that all may indeed be gone. My positive feelings, though, convinces me that we have to attempt, through all methods available.

In my case, as a media critic, that involves urging journalists to live up, more thoroughly, to their mission of scrutinizing authority. For different individuals, it may be engaging with congressional campaigns, or organizing rallies, or discovering methods to safeguard voting rights.

Less than a year ago, we lived in a separate situation. In the future? Or three years from now? The fact is, we don’t know. Our sole course is try to not give up.

What Provides Me Optimism Currently

The interaction I experience in the classroom with young journalists, who are equally idealistic and realistic, {always