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One year ago, the situation was entirely distinct. Prior to the American presidential vote, reflective Americans could acknowledge the nation's serious imperfections – its unfairness and disparity – yet they still could identify it as America. A democratic nation. A land where constitutional order carried weight. A state headed by a dignified and upright public servant, despite his elderly years and increasing frailty.

These days, as October 2025 ends, numerous citizens hardly identify the country we live in. Individuals suspected of being illegal immigrants are detained and shoved into vehicles, sometimes refused legal rights. The left side of the White House – is being destroyed for an obscene event space. The president is targeting his adversaries or perceived antagonists and insisting legal authorities transfer a huge total of taxpayer money. Armed military personnel are being sent into American cities with deceptive justifications. The defense headquarters, relabeled the Department of War, has effectively liberated itself of regular press examination during its expenditure of possibly reaching almost one trillion dollars in public funds. Institutions, law firms, news companies are submitting due to presidential intimidation, and rich magnates are treated like nobility.

“The United States, shortly prior to its 250-year mark as the globe's top democratic nation, has fallen over the limit toward dictatorship and totalitarianism,” an American historian, commented in August. “In the end, more quickly than I thought feasible, it occurred in this country.”

Each day begins to new horrors. And it's hard to comprehend – and distressing to accept – just how far gone we have become, and how quickly it occurred.

Nevertheless, we know that Trump was duly elected. Even after his profoundly alarming previous administration and even after the cautions that came with the awareness of Project 2025 – despite the president personally declared plainly he would be a dictator just on day one – enough Americans elected him rather than his Democratic opponent.

As terrifying as the present situation are, it’s even scarier to recognize that we have only been several months into this administration. Where will an additional three years of this decline leave us? And what if that timeframe transforms into a more extended duration, as there is no one to stop this leader from determining that another term is essential, perhaps for security concerns?

Certainly, all is not lost. There will be legislative votes in 2026 that could establish an alternate political equilibrium, if Democrats retake either chamber of the legislature. There exist government representatives who are attempting to exert some accountability, like lawmakers that are starting a probe into the attempted money grab from legal authorities.

And a leadership election in 2028 could initiate our journey to healing just as the prior selection put us on this disappointing trajectory.

There exist numerous residents marching in public spaces across municipalities, like they performed last weekend in the No Kings rallies.

An ex-cabinet member, commented this week that “the slumbering force of the nation is rising”, exactly as before after the Communist witch-hunt era in the 1950s or during anti-war demonstrations or in the Nixon controversy.

During those times, the unstable nation ultimately corrected itself.

The author states he knows the indicators of that revival and observes it occurring currently. For proof, he references the large-scale demonstrations, the extensive, bipartisan pushback against a television host's removal and the almost universal defiance by media to accept the defense department’s demands they solely cover authorized information.

“The dormant force consistently stays asleep before certain corruption turns extremely harmful, some action so offensive toward public welfare, some brutality so loud, that it is compelled except to rise.”

It’s an optimistic take, and I respect Reich’s experienced view. 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 commitment to the rule of law?

Or should we recognize that the historical project functioned for a period, and then – swiftly, totally – ended?

My pessimistic brain tells me that the latter is correct; that everything could be finished. My optimistic spirit, nevertheless, tells me that we must try, by any means possible.

For me, as an observer of the press, that’s about urging journalists to commit, more fully, to their mission of holding power to account. For others, it may be participating in political races, or organizing rallies, or developing approaches to safeguard ballot privileges.

Less than a year ago, we existed 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 Offers Me Optimism Currently

The interaction I experience in the classroom with aspiring reporters, who are equally idealistic and grounded, {always