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In late October 2024, the landscape was entirely separate. Ahead of the US presidential election, thoughtful Americans could recognize America's deep flaws – its unfairness and imbalance – but they could still perceive it as the United States. A democratic nation. A land where constitutional order meant something. A state guided by a respectable and ethical leader, notwithstanding his elderly years and growing weakness.

These days, this autumn, countless Americans hardly identify the land we inhabit. Individuals alleged as unauthorized foreigners are rounded up and pushed into vans, at times denied due process. The left side of the “people’s house” – is being destroyed to build a lavish dance hall. The leader is persecuting his adversaries or perceived antagonists and insisting legal authorities transfer an enormous amount of public funds. Soldiers with weapons are dispatched into American cities with deceptive justifications. The Pentagon, renamed the War Department, has practically rid itself of regular press examination while it uses possibly reaching nearly $1tn of taxpayer money. Institutions, legal practices, media outlets are buckling due to presidential intimidation, and billionaires are treated like members of the royal family.

“The US, shortly prior to its quarter-millennium anniversary as the world’s leading democracy, has fallen over the edge into authoritarianism and fascism,” a noted author, stated this past summer. “Ultimately, faster than I imagined possible, it did happen in America.”

Every morning starts with fresh terrors. It is challenging to understand – and distressing to accept – just how far gone our nation is, and how quickly it has happened.

However, we understand that the president was legitimately chosen. Following his deeply disturbing first term and even after the cautions that came with the knowledge of Project 2025 – despite the leader directly declared plainly he intended to act as an autocrat solely at the start – sufficient voters selected him rather than the other candidate.

As terrifying as the present situation is, it's more daunting to realize that we are just nine months under this leadership. Where will three more years of this downfall position us? And suppose the three years becomes an prolonged era, since there is not anyone to limit this ruler from deciding that a third term is essential, possibly for national security reasons?

Admittedly, all is not lost. There are congressional elections the coming year that may establish an alternate political equilibrium, should Democrats regain one or both houses of Congress. We have elected officials who are striving to exert a degree of oversight, for example Democratic congressmen that are launching an investigation regarding the effort to fund seizure by federal prosecutors.

And a leadership election in the next cycle could initiate our journey to recovery exactly as the prior selection put us on this regrettable path.

There are numerous residents demonstrating in public spaces across municipalities, like they performed recently in the No Kings rallies.

A former official, wrote recently that “the slumbering force of the nation is rising”, similar to past post-McCarthyism during the fifties or throughout the Vietnam war protests or throughout the Nixon controversy.

In those instances, the listing ship eventually was righted.

The author states he recognizes the indicators of that resurgence and observes it occurring now. For proof, he references the large-scale demonstrations, the broad, multi-faction opposition regarding a personality's dismissal and the largely united rejection by reporters to accept the defense department’s demands they only publish what is sanctioned.

“The dormant force always remains asleep till certain corruption turns extremely harmful, some action so disrespectful of the common good, some brutality so loud, that he has no choice other than to stir.”

It’s an optimistic take, and I value Reich’s experienced view. Maybe he’ll be validated.

At the same time, the major inquiries persist: can America regain its footing? Is it possible to restore its status in the world and its commitment to legal principles?

Or do we need to admit that the historical project succeeded temporarily, and then – swiftly, totally – ended?

My negative thoughts tells me that the second option is accurate; that everything could be gone. My optimistic spirit, however, convinces me that we have to attempt, through all methods we can.

In my case, as a media critic, that means urging journalists to adhere, more completely, to their mission of scrutinizing authority. For some people, it may be engaging with election efforts, or coordinating protests, or finding ways to defend voting rights.

Under twelve months back, we were in a very different place. A year from now? Or three years from now? The truth is, we are uncertain. All we can do is try to not give up.

What’s Giving Me Hope Now

The interaction I encounter in the classroom with new media professionals, who are equally hopeful and grounded, {always