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In late October 2024, the landscape was completely separate. Before the American presidential vote, reflective residents could recognize the nation's deep flaws – its injustices and inequality – however they still could see it as the United States. A democracy. A country where constitutional order meant something. A country guided by a respectable and decent leader, notwithstanding his advanced age and increasing frailty.

Currently, this autumn, countless Americans scarcely know the nation we inhabit. People alleged as illegal immigrants are detained and forced into vehicles, occasionally blocked from fair treatment. The East Wing of the White House – is being torn down for an obscene event space. Donald Trump is targeting his opponents or supposed enemies and insisting federal prosecutors transfer a massive sum of public funds. Soldiers with weapons are deployed to US urban areas with deceptive justifications. The military command, rebranded the War Department, has effectively liberated itself of regular press examination as it spends possibly reaching almost one trillion dollars from citizen taxes. Universities, legal practices, media outlets are submitting due to presidential intimidation, and billionaires are regarded as members of the royal family.

“The US, only a few months ahead of its quarter-millennium anniversary as the world’s leading democracy, has crossed the brink into authoritarianism and extremism,” an American historian, commented in August. “Finally, swifter than I thought feasible, it occurred in America.”

One awakes with fresh terrors. And it's hard to comprehend – and agonizing to acknowledge – how deeply lost we have become, and the rapid pace with which it has happened.

Yet, we know that Trump was properly voted in. Following his deeply disturbing initial presidency and even after the cautions associated with the understanding of Project 2025 – following Trump himself stated openly he planned to act as an autocrat solely at the start – a majority of citizens chose him instead of the other candidate.

Frightening as the current reality are, it's more daunting to recognize that we are just three-quarters of a year into this administration. What will another 36 months of this decline position us? And if that period transforms into an prolonged era, since there is not anyone to stop this leader from deciding that a third term is essential, maybe for national security reasons?

Admittedly, not everything is hopeless. We will have congressional elections in 2026 which might create a new governmental control, in case Democrats retake either chamber of Congress. There exist public servants who are striving to exert certain responsibility, for example lawmakers who are starting a probe into the attempted cash appropriation from legal authorities.

And a presidential election in the next cycle could start us down the road to recovery precisely as the prior selection placed us on this disappointing trajectory.

There are millions of Americans marching in urban areas of their cities, as they did recently during anti-authority protests.

An ex-cabinet member, wrote recently that “the slumbering force of America is awakening”, exactly as before following the Red Scare during the fifties or amid anti-war demonstrations or during the seventies crisis.

In those instances, the listing ship eventually was righted.

The author states he recognizes the signs of that awakening and observes it occurring at present. For proof, he cites the recent massive protests, the broad, multi-faction opposition regarding a broadcaster's firing and the largely united refusal by journalists to agree to the defense department’s demands they solely cover authorized information.

“The sleeping giant perpetually exists dormant until specific greed grows too toxic, some action so contemptuous toward public welfare, specific cruelty so disruptive, that he is compelled except to rise.”

It’s an optimistic take, and I appreciate the author's seasoned opinion. Possibly he may prove to be right.

Meanwhile, the big questions endure: is the US able to ever recover? Can it reclaim its position internationally and its adherence 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 true; that everything could be finished. My positive feelings, nevertheless, tells me that we have to attempt, in whatever ways we can.

Personally, working in journalism analysis, that’s about urging journalists to live up, more fully, to their purpose of holding power to account. For some people, it may be engaging with congressional campaigns, or planning demonstrations, or developing approaches to defend voting rights.

Under twelve months back, we lived in an alternate reality. In the future? Or after another term? The fact is, we are uncertain. Our sole course is try to continue fighting.

What Provides Me Hope Now

The interaction I experience with students with young journalists, who are equally visionary and practical, {always