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In late October 2024, the situation was utterly different. Prior to the American presidential vote, reflective citizens could acknowledge the nation's serious imperfections – its inequities and inequality – yet they continued to see it as America. A democracy. A country where the rule of law carried weight. A country headed by a dignified and decent leader, notwithstanding his elderly years and declining health.

These days, as October 2025 ends, numerous citizens scarcely know the nation we live in. Persons alleged as unauthorized foreigners are rounded up and pushed into vehicles, occasionally refused legal rights. The eastern section of the White House – is being destroyed for a grotesque dance hall. Donald Trump is targeting his opponents or alleged foes and requesting the justice department surrender an enormous amount of taxpayer money. Armed military personnel are being sent across metropolitan centers on false pretexts. The military command, renamed the War Department, has – in effect – rid itself of day-to-day journalistic scrutiny while it uses possibly reaching almost one trillion dollars in public funds. Colleges, law firms, journalism organizations are yielding under the president’s threats, and rich magnates are handled as nobility.

“The US, shortly prior to its quarter-millennium anniversary as the world’s leading democracy, has tipped over the limit toward dictatorship and fascism,” Garrett Graff, wrote recently. “Finally, faster than I believed likely, it did happen in America.”

Each day begins with fresh terrors. It is hard to comprehend – and painful to realize – how severely declined we are, and how quickly it occurred.

However, we understand that the president was properly voted in. Despite his deeply disturbing first term and following the cautions that came with the awareness of Project 2025 – following Trump himself declared plainly he would act as an autocrat solely at the start – enough Americans selected him over Kamala Harris.

Frightening as today's circumstances is, it's more frightening to understand that we have only been several months into this presidential term. Where will three more years of this downfall position us? And suppose that timeframe transforms into a more extended duration, as there is not anyone to restrain this ruler from opting that a third term is required, perhaps for security concerns?

Certainly, not everything is hopeless. We will have legislative votes the coming year that could create a new balance of power, in case Democrats retake either chamber of the legislature. We have elected officials who are trying to exert a degree of oversight, for example representatives currently starting a probe into the attempted fund seizure from legal authorities.

And a national vote in 2028 could initiate our journey to healing exactly as last year’s election placed us on this regrettable path.

There are countless citizens marching in the streets throughout communities, like they performed in the past days in the No Kings rallies.

Robert Reich, commented this week that “the dormant powerhouse of America is stirring”, just as it did following the Red Scare during the fifties or during anti-war demonstrations or in the Nixon controversy.

During those times, the listing ship ultimately corrected itself.

Reich says he knows the signals of that resurgence and observes it occurring currently. As evidence, he references the large-scale demonstrations, the widespread, bipartisan pushback regarding a personality's dismissal and the largely united defiance by media to sign military mandates they solely cover what is sanctioned.

“The sleeping giant consistently stays dormant till certain corruption turns extremely harmful, some action so contemptuous of the common good, specific cruelty so loud, that he has no choice other than to stir.”

It's a hopeful perspective, and I value the author's seasoned opinion. Possibly he may turn out correct.

At the same time, the crucial issues endure: is the US able to return to normalcy? Is it possible to restore its position internationally and its commitment to constitutional order?

Or must we acknowledge that the 250-year-old experiment succeeded temporarily, and then – suddenly, utterly – failed?

My cynical mind indicates that the latter is true; that everything could be finished. My positive feelings, however, tells me that we need to strive, through all methods we can.

Personally, as a media critic, that’s about encouraging reporters to commit, more fully, to their purpose of overseeing leadership. For different individuals, it could mean engaging with political races, or planning demonstrations, or developing approaches to safeguard voting rights.

Under twelve months back, we existed in an alternate reality. In the future? Or three years from now? The reality is, we are uncertain. The only option is try to persevere.

What’s Giving Me Optimism Currently

The contact I encounter during teaching with new media professionals, who are equally visionary and grounded, {always