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One year ago, the situation was entirely separate. Ahead of the US presidential election, considerate residents could acknowledge the nation's serious imperfections – its inequities and imbalance – but they still could see it as America. A democratic nation. A country where constitutional order carried weight. A nation led by a honorable and ethical official, notwithstanding his older age and growing weakness.

These days, in late October 2025, numerous citizens barely recognize the country we inhabit. People suspected of being undocumented migrants are detained and shoved into vans, at times blocked from fair treatment. The East Wing of the presidential residence – is being destroyed for an obscene event space. The president is persecuting his political rivals or alleged foes and requesting legal authorities surrender an enormous amount of taxpayer money. Soldiers with weapons are dispatched into American cities under fabricated reasons. The military command, rebranded the War Department, has – in effect – freed itself of regular press examination while it uses possibly reaching almost one trillion dollars in public funds. Universities, law firms, media outlets are submitting under the president’s threats, and wealthy elites are regarded as aristocracy.

“The US, shortly prior to its 250-year mark as the world’s leading democracy, has fallen over the limit toward dictatorship and extremism,” a noted author, wrote in August. “In the end, swifter than I believed likely, it occurred here.”

One awakes to new horrors. And it is hard to comprehend – and painful to realize – how deeply lost we have become, and the speed at which it unfolded.

Nevertheless, we understand that Trump was legitimately chosen. Following his profoundly alarming first term and despite the alerts that came with the awareness of Project 2025 – following Trump himself said publicly he planned to rule as a tyrant solely at the start – enough Americans elected him over his Democratic opponent.

Frightening as today's circumstances are, it's more daunting to realize that we have only been nine months into this administration. How will three more years of this deterioration position us? And if that period transforms into a more extended duration, as there is not anyone to limit this president from determining that a third term is necessary, possibly for national security reasons?

Certainly, there is still hope. There will be legislative votes next year that could bring a different political equilibrium, in case Democrats regain the Senate or House of the legislature. There are public servants who are trying to apply certain responsibility, for example representatives who are starting a probe into the attempted fund seizure by federal prosecutors.

And a leadership election three years from now could initiate the path toward restoration precisely as the previous vote put us on this unfortunate course.

There exist countless citizens marching in urban areas throughout communities, as they did in the past days at democracy demonstrations.

A former official, wrote recently that “the dormant powerhouse of the nation is awakening”, similar to past post-McCarthyism in the 1950s or during anti-war demonstrations or throughout the Nixon controversy.

During those times, the tilting vessel ultimately corrected itself.

He claims he understands the indicators of that awakening and sees it happening now. As support, he references the widespread marches, the broad, multi-faction opposition against a broadcaster's firing and the largely united refusal by journalists to accept the defense department’s demands they only publish what is sanctioned.

“The slumbering entity perpetually exists dormant before specific greed becomes so noxious, an specific act so disrespectful of the common good, specific cruelty so disruptive, that he is forced but to awaken.”

It's a positive outlook, and I appreciate the author's seasoned opinion. Maybe he’ll prove to be right.

Meanwhile, the major inquiries endure: will the nation regain its footing? Is it possible to restore its standing internationally and its commitment to the rule of law?

Or do we need to admit that the historical project succeeded temporarily, and then – abruptly, completely – collapsed?

My pessimistic brain indicates that the latter is true; that everything could be gone. My optimistic spirit, though, advises me that we need to strive, in whatever ways possible.

In my case, as an observer of the press, that means encouraging reporters to commit, more fully, to their duty of overseeing leadership. For others, it could mean participating in election efforts, or coordinating protests, or finding ways to protect ballot privileges.

Less than a year ago, we were in a separate situation. In the future? Or in several years? The reality is, we are uncertain. All we can do is to strive to continue fighting.

What Offers Me Hope Now

The interaction I encounter in the classroom with young journalists, who are both idealistic and practical, {always