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In late October 2024, the environment was entirely separate. Ahead of the national election, reflective Americans could recognize the country's deep flaws – its unfairness and inequality – yet they continued to see it as America. A free society. A country where the rule of law carried weight. A country headed by a dignified and decent official, notwithstanding his advanced age and declining health.

Nowadays, in late October 2025, many of us scarcely know the land we inhabit. People alleged as undocumented migrants are detained and shoved into vans, at times denied due process. The East Wing of the “people’s house” – is being destroyed for an obscene event space. Donald Trump is persecuting his opponents or supposed enemies and insisting the justice department transfer an enormous amount of public funds. Soldiers with weapons are dispatched to US urban areas under fabricated reasons. The defense headquarters, rebranded the War Department, has practically liberated itself of routine media oversight during its expenditure of potentially totaling close to a trillion USD from citizen taxes. Colleges, law firms, journalism organizations are yielding under the president’s threats, and rich magnates are treated like members of the royal family.

“America, only a few months ahead of its 250-year mark as the planet's foremost free society, has crossed the brink into authoritarianism and fascism,” a noted author, wrote in August. “In the end, faster than I imagined possible, it did happen here.”

Every morning starts amid recent atrocities. And it is hard to comprehend – and agonizing to acknowledge – just how far gone we have become, and how quickly it unfolded.

However, we know that the leader was properly voted in. Following his highly troubling previous administration and even after the alerts associated with the understanding of the conservative plan – despite Trump himself declared plainly he planned to be a dictator just on day one – sufficient voters selected him instead of his Democratic opponent.

While alarming as the current reality is, it’s even scarier to recognize that we are just three-quarters of a year into this administration. What will another 36 months of this deterioration find us? And suppose that period becomes a more extended duration, because there is not anyone to stop this ruler from determining that another term is necessary, perhaps for security concerns?

Certainly, there is still hope. We will have congressional elections the coming year which might establish an alternate political equilibrium, in case Democrats recapture one or both houses of the legislature. There are elected officials who are attempting to exert some accountability, for example lawmakers who are launching an investigation concerning the try to money grab from the justice department.

And a national vote in the next cycle could initiate our journey toward restoration precisely as last year’s election set us on this regrettable path.

There are countless citizens demonstrating in public spaces throughout communities, similar to recent in the past days in the No Kings rallies.

An ex-cabinet member, wrote recently that “the dormant powerhouse of the nation is awakening”, exactly as before post-McCarthyism in that decade or amid anti-war demonstrations or during the Watergate scandal.

During those times, the unstable nation eventually was righted.

Reich says he understands the signs of that awakening and notices it unfolding currently. As evidence, he cites the large-scale demonstrations, the broad, bipartisan pushback against a television host's removal and the largely united refusal by journalists to agree to military mandates they only publish what is sanctioned.

“The sleeping giant perpetually exists inactive till certain corruption turns extremely harmful, an specific act so offensive of societal benefit, certain violence so loud, that the giant is forced except to rise.”

It’s an optimistic take, and I appreciate the author's seasoned opinion. Maybe he’ll turn out correct.

In the meantime, the crucial issues remain: is the US able to regain its footing? Is it possible to restore its standing globally and its devotion to constitutional order?

Or should we recognize that the historical project succeeded temporarily, and then – swiftly, totally – ended?

My cynical mind tells me that the latter is true; that everything could be finished. My positive feelings, nevertheless, convinces me that we must try, through all methods possible.

In my case, working in journalism analysis, that means pushing media professionals to live up, more fully, to their purpose of holding power to account. For some people, it might involve working on congressional campaigns, or planning demonstrations, or finding ways to defend electoral access.

Less than a year ago, we existed in a very different place. A year from now? Or in several years? The truth is, we cannot predict. The only option is try to persevere.

What Provides Me Encouragement Today

The contact I experience with students with aspiring reporters, that are simultaneously idealistic and realistic, {always