The Tragic Change Only 12 Months Has Made in the US
In late October 2024, the environment was entirely different. Ahead of the American presidential vote, reflective Americans could acknowledge America's serious imperfections – its injustices and inequality – but they still could perceive it as the United States. A democratic nation. A country where the rule of law held significance. A country led by a dignified and decent public servant, despite his advanced age and increasing frailty.
Currently, as October 2025 ends, many of us barely recognize the land we live in. Individuals alleged as unauthorized foreigners are collected and shoved into vehicles, occasionally refused legal rights. The eastern section of the White House – is undergoing demolition for an obscene dance hall. Donald Trump is harassing his adversaries or perceived antagonists and requesting federal prosecutors transfer an enormous amount of public funds. Soldiers with weapons are dispatched into American cities under fabricated reasons. The defense headquarters, rebranded the Department of War, has – in effect – freed itself of regular press examination as it spends potentially totaling nearly $1tn of taxpayer money. Universities, attorney offices, media outlets are submitting due to presidential intimidation, and rich magnates are handled as nobility.
“The United States, shortly prior to its quarter-millennium anniversary as the globe's top democratic nation, has crossed the limit toward dictatorship and fascism,” Garrett Graff, stated in August. “Finally, more quickly than I imagined possible, it occurred in America.”
Each day begins with fresh terrors. And it's hard to comprehend – and agonizing to acknowledge – how severely declined we are, and how quickly it has happened.
However, we know that the leader was legitimately chosen. Despite his profoundly alarming first term and despite the cautions linked to the awareness of Project 2025 – even after the leader directly stated openly he intended to be a dictator just on day one – enough Americans chose him instead of his Democratic opponent.
Frightening as the current reality are, it's more daunting to recognize that we’re only several months into this presidential term. What will an additional three years of this deterioration find us? And what if that period transforms into something even longer, as there is not anyone to restrain this president from deciding that another term is required, maybe for defense purposes?
Granted, all is not lost. There are legislative votes in 2026 which might establish an alternate balance of power, if Democrats regain either chamber of the legislature. We have government representatives who are attempting to impose some accountability, for example lawmakers currently initiating an inquiry concerning the try to fund seizure from legal authorities.
And a leadership election in 2028 could begin our journey to healing precisely as the prior selection set us on this regrettable path.
There are numerous residents protesting in the streets throughout communities, like they performed last weekend in the No Kings rallies.
A former official, wrote recently that “the great sleeping giant of America is awakening”, exactly as before post-McCarthyism during the fifties or throughout the Vietnam war protests or in the seventies crisis.
During those times, the tilting vessel eventually was righted.
The author states he understands the indicators of that revival and sees it happening currently. As evidence, he cites the recent massive protests, the extensive, multi-faction opposition to a personality's dismissal and the largely united refusal by journalists to agree to military mandates they only publish approved content.
“The dormant force perpetually exists asleep till certain corruption grows too toxic, some action so disrespectful of societal benefit, some brutality so loud, that it is compelled except to rise.”
It's a positive outlook, and I respect Reich’s experienced view. Possibly he may be validated.
In the meantime, the major inquiries persist: is the US able to return to normalcy? Can it retrieve its status globally and its devotion to the rule of law?
Or do we need to admit that the historical project succeeded temporarily, and then – suddenly, utterly – failed?
My negative thoughts suggests that the final scenario is correct; that everything could be lost. My optimistic spirit, nevertheless, convinces me that we need to strive, by any means we can.
In my case, as a media critic, that involves encouraging reporters to adhere, more completely, to their purpose of overseeing leadership. For others, it may be participating in political races, or coordinating protests, or finding ways to safeguard electoral access.
Not even one year prior, we lived in a very different place. In the future? Or after another term? The fact is, we don’t know. Our sole course is to strive to persevere.
What’s Giving Me Optimism Currently
The engagement I have with students with aspiring reporters, who are equally idealistic and practical, {always